Høgskolene

Høgskolene is the collective term in Norwegian for universities of applied sciences in the country’s higher education system. They are public institutions that emphasize professional and practice-oriented education, often with close ties to industry, public services, and regional development. The sector operates under the oversight of the Ministry of Education and Research and is subject to quality assurance by NOKUT, the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education.

Education at høgskolene typically centers on professional bachelor’s degrees and applied master’s programmes. The programmes are designed to prepare students for specific professions and often include internships, practical projects, and collaboration with external partners. In several fields, høgskolene also participate in or offer master’s study options, sometimes in cooperation with universities. PhD opportunities have historically been limited within the høgskolesektoren and are usually pursued through joint arrangements with other universities, though the exact structure can vary by institution and field.

Høgskolene play a central role in applied research and knowledge transfer, focusing on solving real-world problems and strengthening regional innovation ecosystems. They collaborate with businesses, health services, schools, and local authorities, and they contribute to lifelong learning and professional development for adults.

Across Norway, the høgskolene represent a key pathway to higher education and professional careers, complementing the country’s research-intensive universities. They are characterized by practical training, applied research activities, and a strong emphasis on preparing students for the workforce.