Like most other countries, Norway has various types of recognition so that foreign qualifications can be utilized in the Norwegian society. Where you apply for recognition depends on the type of education you have, and what the recognition is intended for.
Professional recognition/Authorization
Professional recognition is necessary if you wish to practice a profession that is legally regulated. This is determined on a case by case basis by a licensing authority. The following are examples of professions where this type of recognition is necessary: medical doctor, nurse, teacher, accountant, real estate agent, veterinarian, aquamedicine biologist, lawyer and legal practitioner. The list is not exhaustive.
NOKUT’s general recognition
General recognition can be used in the labor market in non-regulated professions. Most professions in Norway belong to this category. This type of recognition can also be useful outside the labor market, in cases where it is desirable to prove that one has a recognized foreign education.
Through NOKUT’s recognition process, foreign education is evaluated against the Norwegian degree structure. As opposed to subject specific recognition, where the foreign education in question must contain the same subject components as the equivalent Norwegian education, general recognition evaluates the scope and level, without assessing the subject specific content of the programme. This makes it possible to recognize foreign education that does not have an equivalent in Norway, or education with a structure and content different from the Norwegian system.
Subject specific recognition
Subject specific recognition involves recognition of foreign education on the basis of the specific subjects, degrees and professional programmes offered at a relevant institution of higher education in Norway. Each institution decides whether the foreign education meets their specific requirements for the scope and depth of the subject or the degree. This type of recognition is relevant when applying for admission to further studies or credit transfer.