Pursuant to the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges, NOKUT has the authority to grant general recognition. Based on final diplomas and transcripts of records, a general recognition is granted in the form of Norwegian credits and, if applicable, equivalency to a Norwegian degree.
When a foreign higher education is granted general recognition in Norway, this implies the following:
- The entire, or part of the education has been evaluated and determined to be equivalent to Norwegian higher education.
- The scope of the education has been determined, in terms of years of study and credits to correspond to Norwegian higher education.
- General recognition can also entail that foreign higher education is recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian university college candidate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree (PhD).
General recognition implies that the foreign education was taken at a recognized/accredited institution of higher education in the country of origin. The education must be at a level above the entrance requirements for universities and university colleges in Norway.
NOKUT’s recognition document
NOKUT’s recognition document is an individual decision made pursuant to the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges of April 1st 2005 §3-4. The decision on general recognition can be appealed against pursuant to the Public Administration Act