Frequently asked questions – applicant portal

On this page, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the applicant portal.

  • Click on the link at the bottom of the page that says Proceed to alternative login methods.

  • The password must consist of at least 5 characters, and contain at least one capital letter and at least one digit (0–9). The password cannot contain special characters.

  • If your don't remember your user name, send an email to enic-naric@hkdir.no

    If you don’t remember your password, you can easily request a new one (“Request new password” under “Password” field).

  • The Portal is down for an upgrade. Try again in a little while.

  • Try a different browser, such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

  • Copy this link (Ctrl + c): https://applicant-esam.nokut.no/ and paste it into the address bar of your browser. It usually solves the problem.

  • When you submit an application through the applicant portal, it will automatically be registered in NOKUT’s system, and you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number.

    If we have not received all the documents we need to process your application, you will be notified by email or letter.

    If we have not received all the required documents within two months, your application will be rejected.

    Processing time starts as soon as we have received all the necessary documents. As of today, it normally takes about four months from we receive all the documentation until we have finalized the evaluation. We will let you know if processing time will be longer than usual.

    When NOKUT has finalized the evaluation of your application, you will be notified by email. You will find NOKUT’s evaluation in your digital mailbox and in the applicant portal.

  • When you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number.

    Recognition of foreign higher education 

    If you have submitted an application for recognition of foreign higher education you find an overview of your submitted applications under Applications in the applicant portal.

    All other applications

    You can find all other applications in the Document overview in the applicant portal.

  • If you do not have all the requested information available, you can save the application and continue later. You do this by clicking the button Save and exit, continue later. The draft for the application is saved under Your tasks. 

    You can delete uploaded documents as long as you have not submitted your application. Once the application has been submitted, you can no longer delete documents you have uploaded.

    If you submit an incomplete application, you will be informed about which documents are missing, by email and in the application portal.

    You can upload additional documents after you have submitted your application. An additional document could for instance be a document concerning your education or qualification that is not your diploma or transcript of grades. If you want to upload one or more additional documents, go to Applications on the first page, choose Actions, then click Additional documentation.

    Additional information should be relevant for the evaluation of your application.

  • If your diploma is issued in a different language than English or one of the Nordic languages, it must be translated into Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. The translation must be done by the educational institution or a government-authorized translator. The name of the translator must be apparent in the documents.

    NOKUT does not require translation of documents issued in Icelandic or Finnish, but we do recommend that you have them translated into Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. This is to ensure quick processing of your application. It may also be that the case officer will require a translation.

  • In order to edit your personal information, you must log into the applicant portal and choose Profile from the left menu. Then go to Edit profile. 

    If your information comes directly from the National Registry, any changes must be done there. You can get updated information from the National Registry through the button Update information in your profile. You can only edit your email address and phone number.

    If you are logged in as a self-registered user (without a Norwegian ID number), you can edit all this information yourself.

  • You can see your application when you are logged into the applicant portal, under Applications. You can also find information about your application with all its attachments in your Inbox (left menu). Please note that this only applies to applications for recognition of foreign higher education.

    You can find all other applications and documents in the Document overview.

  • You can find an overview of all your letters from NOKUT in your Inbox (left menu). Please note that this only applies to applications for recognition of foreign higher education.

    You can find all other applications and documents in the Document overview.

  • Processing time starts once we have received all the necessary documents. As of today, it normally takes about four months from we receive all the documentation until we have finalized the evaluation. We will let you know if processing time will be longer than usual.

    If you are in the process of applying for jobs or admission to studies, you must apply within the given deadlines, even if you have not yet received NOKUT’s decision. Potential employers or educational institutions may contact NOKUT directly for information about your education.

  • When NOKUT has finalized the evaluation of your application, you will be notified by email. You will find NOKUT´s evaluation in your digital mailbox. You can also find it in the applicant portal.

  • No, NOKUT’s decision is meant as an aid for those who are working or applying for jobs in Norway, or who are applying for admission to further studies in Norway. It is not intended to be used abroad. This is why NOKUT’s decision is issued in Norwegian only. 

  • NOKUT reserves the right to ask for original documents in certain cases.

    If you have been asked to send original documents to NOKUT, please send them by post. We recommend that you send original documents by registered mail. NOKUT keeps original documents in a safe place, and your case officer will send the documents back to you by registered mail.

    For certain countries, NOKUT requires that transcripts of grades are sent directly to us from the educational institution. If this applies to you, you will be notified in the applicant portal. You must then contact your educational institution and request the transcript. You can use the form International Transcript Request and Release Authorisation Form (pdf) when you request the transcript, but you are not required to use this form.