New reform in Norwegian higher education

To improve the quality of higher education in Norway, a reform process started in 2001 and was completed in 2003 at the universities and colleges. The Reform covers both public (state) and private institutions and includes, among many important changes, a new degree structure (Bachelor’s degree (3 years), Master’s degree (2 years) and Doctoral degree (3 years).

One of the main elements of the reform is Internationalisation. The overall aim regarding internationalisation is to ensure a qualitative competitive higher education sector through increased cross-boarder institutional cooperation, including student and teacher mobility.

The main objectives:

• Each student is entitled to a study period as an integrated part of her/his Norwegian
  Degree Programme,
  
• increased participation in international education and research programmes,
  
• increased and more balanced student mobility and exchange with developing countries,
  
• attracting more foreign students to Norway by increasing the number of academic courses offered in English and to develop a more international student environment at Norwegian institutions,
  
• the Diploma Supplement, already implemented on a compulsory basis for all higher education institutions, facilitates credit transfers between institutions.