Opptaksforskriften

Opptaksforskriften, or the Regulation on Admission to Higher Education, is a Norwegian legal framework that governs how students are admitted to higher education institutions in Norway. The regulation provides the general rules that apply to admission to bachelor's and master's programs as well as certain single courses offered by institutions authorized to award higher education degrees. It is issued by the Norwegian government and implemented by the institutions themselves, often with coordination through national admission processes.

Scope and key provisions

Opptaksforskriften applies to both public and private higher education institutions that hold degree-awarding authority. It outlines general eligibility criteria, sets limits on admissibility, and defines how program-specific admission requirements may be applied within the legal framework. A central aspect is the assessment and conversion of qualifications into admission points or merit for ranking purposes. It covers documentation, grade conversion, recognition of prior learning (realkompetanse), and how different qualifications are weighed in the admissions process.

Ranking and procedures

The regulation describes the process for ranking applicants, including how points are calculated from grades, completed courses, and other merits. It also addresses special admissions arrangements, quotas, and prioritized admission for certain groups or programs. Appeals and remedy procedures are provided, enabling applicants to challenge admission decisions under applicable administrative law.

Relation to national processes

Samordna opptak, the national admissions center, administers many admissions processes in alignment with the Opptaksforskriften, handling applications, point calculations, and document handling for most programs. The regulation thus functions as the legal foundation for how students are admitted to higher education in Norway, while institutions and national bodies implement the practical procedures.

See also: higher education in Norway, realkompetanse, special admissions, admission regulations.