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Recognition and specific recognition of education
General
If students have undertaken higher education at other leaning institutions, they can apply for recognition/specific recognition of this education for further studies at the University of Tromsø. Applications must anticipate some processing time for such applications.
Recognition of external education means that such education can be used as part of a degree at the University of Tromsø.
Specific recognition of external education means such education qualifies for exemption from the equivalent course/subject at the University of Tromsø. This enables the student to continue with their studies at a higher level within the same subject area.
Recognition of external education
Norwegian education
Education for learning institutions covered under university and university college law are recognised based on the time parity principle.
Education from higher learning institutions not covered by university and university college law are often also recognised based on the time parity principle. However, some of these educations carry only a partial recognition. The Ministry of Education and Research sets the respective study points for such courses.
In able for recognition to occur, applicants must be able to document their external education with certified copies of diplomas/print outs of grades.
You can download the application form for recognition of education from other learning institutions on the Internet or you can pick up a form at the Department of Research and Academic Affairs.
Education abroad
Recognition of education abroad occurs in two parts. The studies abroad must be recognised prior to departure. After arriving home, the student must reapply for final recognition. Students with education from overseas prior to arriving at the University of Tromsø, who want this to be recognised as part of their Norwegian education, should go directly to the point on “final recognition”.
Advance recognition of education abroad:
Advance recognition is a statement from the University of Tromsø that a planned period of study abroad can be recognised or specifically recognised as part of studies in Norway after completion of a period of study abroad. Advance recognition must be obtained prior to departure. Students must provide the faculty or department at which they study/wish to study at the completion of their period of study abroad a copy of the curriculum.
Students must also provide a detailed description of the course they plan to take abroad. The processing time for such applications can be lengthy, so it is advisable to start work on such applications at an early stage. Advance recognition should accompany applications to the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund. This is a statement from the faculty or department that the course the student plans to take abroad will not be a hindrance to a normal study progress.
Final recognition:
Upon completion a period of study abroad, or if the student has previous overseas studies, the student must apply to the relevant faculty or department for final recognition of these studies. The application is assessed based on valid examination transcripts, curriculum and the fixed course duration of the university abroad.
Recognition is normally based on the time parity principle: what is counted as full-time study at the university abroad can be recognised as full-time study at the University of Tromsø. One semester’s full-time study at a university abroad will, therefore, carry 30 points and two semesters will carry 60 points.
There are exceptions to this rule. For example, the first year of studies at American universities does not count as higher education here in Norway. Some overseas universities are not recognised in Norway and, as such, studies cannot be used as part of a Norwegian university degree.
The most common method for integration of studies abroad in a degree at the University of Tromsø is that the studies are recognised as part of the degree. This is because studies abroad are generally constructed differently than in Norway and because the University of Tromsø does not offer an equivalent stage.
An unspecified recognition carries the same weight as a specified recognition. In the event that the student receives such unspecified recognition, the diploma will note which courses/subjects were studied abroad.
Specific recognition of external education
Norwegian education
Specific recognition involves the carrying out of a detailed comparison of the content and level between the external education and the equivalent education at the University of Tromsø. In this way, we can assess whether exemption should apply for all or part of the education at the University of Tromsø, so the student can continue with their studies here at a higher level within the same subject area.
In able for specific recognition to occur, applicants must be able to document their external education with certified copies of diplomas/print outs of grades. Applicants must also state which studies they plan to take at the University of Tromsø and document the content of their external education, for example by attaching copies of the curriculum, subject/course description or reading list.
You can download the application form for recognition of education from other learning institutions on the Internet or you can pick up a form at the Department of Research and Academic Affairs.
Education abroad
Upon completion a period of study abroad, or if the student has previous overseas studies, the student must apply to the relevant faculty or department for final recognition of these studies. The application is assessed based on valid examination transcripts, curriculum and the fixed course duration of the university abroad.
An application for specific recognition can be granted if the examinations from the learning institutions abroad can be defined as specific courses in the Bachelor degree or they can replace courses in a professional stadium or Master’s degree. For students travelling overseas for a period of study, the advance recognition (see above) will state whether specific recognition is possible.
We would like to make applicants aware that the University of Tromsø does not undertake direct conversions of grades from examinations taken abroad to the Norwegian grade system. It is the student’s responsibility to investigate how overseas examinations/grades are assessed in relation to the admission requirements and recognition for further studies at the University of Tromsø.
Within the EU, it has become easier to compare educations from different countries. The EU has developed a joint credit system called the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). This is a tool to compare educations. The basis for the system is that 60 study credits constitute one full year’s study. Therefore, if you take courses worth the equivalent of 60 ECTS during your study period abroad, given the rule it should be possible to approve 60 study credits towards a Bachelor degree at a Norwegian university.
Remember that all education abroad must gain advance recognition prior to departure. This also applies for education for which specific recognition will be sought.
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