Vocational training is higher vocational education – a practical course at the level above secondary school. You often enter with a relevant apprenticeship certificate, and at public vocational schools it is free. Here we look at what a vocational school is, how to apply, and how it differs from university.
What is a vocational school?
A vocational school provides higher vocational education – that is, education at the level above secondary school, but more practically oriented than university and colleges. The goal is that you will be able to enter the workforce immediately after. Vocational schools are governed by the vocational school act (fagskoleloven).
Vocational schools exist in many fields, for example health and social services, technical subjects, IT, maritime subjects and economics.
What can you study at a vocational school?
Vocational schools offer short, career-oriented programmes that the job market needs. Common subject areas include:
- health and social services,
- technical subjects and construction,
- IT and digital subjects,
- maritime subjects,
- economics, management and administration.
Many programmes are available both full-time and part-time, and some can be taken online while working. This makes vocational schools flexible if you are already employed.
Who can apply? Apprenticeship certificate, general university admission qualifications or recognised prior learning
You typically do not need general university admission qualifications to enter a vocational school. There are three pathways in:
- Apprenticeship certificate (fagbrev), journeyman's certificate (svennebrev) or professional competence that is relevant to the course – this is the most common pathway.
- General university admission qualifications – accepted at some courses.
- Recognised prior learning – if you are 23 years or older, you can enter based on work experience and other knowledge (fagskoleloven § 16).
If you have foreign education, it may be worth having it assessed and recognised first.
How long does it take, and what are credits?
A vocational education programme lasts from six months to two years full-time, and in some cases up to three years. 60 credits equals one year of full-time study.
Note: What used to be called vocational school credits is now called credits (studiepoeng), just like at university. The number per year is the same, but credits from a vocational school do not automatically transfer to a university degree. When you graduate, you receive a vocational diploma (shorter programmes) or higher vocational diploma (around two years, 120 credits).
If you study part-time, the programme takes longer, but you can combine it with work. This is one of the reasons many adults choose vocational school.
Does vocational school cost money?
At public vocational schools, education is essentially free. However, you may still have to pay a small semester fee or for materials and equipment. Private vocational schools, on the other hand, charge tuition.
Simply put: if you want to avoid tuition fees, look for a public vocational school. Technical subjects and health sciences are often offered publicly, while for example IT and creative subjects are often found at private schools.
Can I get loans and grants from Lånekassen?
Yes. You can get loans and grants from Lånekassen for vocational education, but only if the programme is accredited by NOKUT – which most are. NOKUT (Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education) accredits and supervises vocational schools. The accreditation determines both the quality and whether you are entitled to student support. See more about student support from Lånekassen.
As with other courses, part of the loan can be converted to a grant if you complete the programme and do not earn too much from other work. You must have been offered a place on the course before you apply.
Vocational school, university or apprenticeship – what is the difference?
Many people confuse these. In short:
| Vocational school | University/college | Apprenticeship | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Above secondary | Above secondary | Secondary |
| Content | Practical, career-oriented | More theoretical | Practical, career-oriented |
| Duration | ½–2 (3) years | 3 years or more | 2–4 years |
| Qualification | Vocational diploma | Bachelor or master | Apprenticeship or journeyman's certificate |
An apprenticeship certificate is often the entry ticket to vocational school. A two-year vocational diploma can also give you general university admission qualifications, so you can later study at university.
Vocational school if you have a foreign background
If you have vocational training from your home country, vocational school can be a quick way to gain Norwegian qualifications. If the vocational school leads to a regulated profession, you will also need a professional recognition to work in that profession in Norway. If you have a foreign apprenticeship certificate, you can have it assessed before you apply. Remember also that you must have good enough Norwegian to follow the instruction.
Is vocational school right for you?
Vocational school is a good fit if you want a short, practical education that quickly leads to a job, or if you want to build on an apprenticeship certificate you already have. You avoid many years in a classroom, and you learn skills that employers need. Many vocational school students are adults who have already worked for some years.
If you prefer a broad, theoretical education with the possibility of a master's degree and research, university or college is a better fit. One is not better than the other – it is about what kind of job you want.
How to apply
Many vocational schools recruit students through Samordna opptak. The application portal opens around 1 February, and the main deadline is 15 April. Some private schools have their own applications and different deadlines, so always check the individual school. You can apply for several courses at the same time and prioritise them in your application. Keep track of when you receive your decision, and accept your place within the deadline set by the school.
If you are unsure which pathway is right for you, you can get free career guidance in your county. On SamfunnPrep you will find guides about education and working life in Norway – feel free to use our tools to plan your next step.
Many of the topics about education and work are also part of the curriculum for the citizenship test (samfunnskunnskapsprøven). Practise for free on SamfunnPrep to become more familiar with Norwegian society.
