høgskolestudier

Høgskolestudier refer to the higher education programmes offered by institutions outside the traditional university system in Norway, largely encompassing universities of applied science (høgskoler), specialized schools, and consortiums of colleges. These institutions focus on vocational and practical training, often in fields such as engineering, business, health sciences, and information technology. Admission requirements generally include completion of upper secondary education or an equivalent, and many programmes incorporate work‑based learning components, internships, or project‑based coursework.

The academic structure of høgskolestudier is aligned with the European Higher Education Area and follows the three‑cycle system: bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. While universities traditionally occupy a more research‑oriented niche, many høgskoler now offer high‑level research opportunities and collaborations with industry. Credit transfer between universities and høgskoler is facilitated through the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), enabling students to combine studies across institutions or to migrate between programmes. Financial support is available through the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund, government grants, and employer sponsorships. Graduates of høgskolestudier often pursue careers that blend technical expertise with managerial or entrepreneurial skills, contributing significantly to Norway’s innovation ecosystem.