🎓 Higher education in Norway: levels, ECTS credits and A–F grades

🏛️ System: programme levels

Norway's higher education system is based on the Bologna Process principles and is closely linked to European standards. This makes it easy for students from other countries to understand and it is also very clear.

🎓 Bachelor's (180 ECTS), Master's (120 ECTS), PhD (3–4 years)

● A bachelor's degree lasts 3 years and requires 180 ECTS. Programmes can be either broad (e.g. humanities) or highly specialised (engineering, IT).

● Master's programmes in Norway usually take 2 years (120 ECTS). At the same time, universities are increasingly offering English-language programmes to attract foreign students.

● A doctoral degree (PhD) takes 3–4 years to complete. Unlike in many countries, a PhD in Norway is a full-time paid position at a university. Students sign an employment contract and receive a salary and benefits package.

Thus, each level of education is closely linked to the next, and students can continue their studies without encountering bureaucratic barriers.

📚 ECTS credits: how to calculate the workload

The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) ensures the comparability of programmes between different universities and countries.

⏳ "60 ECTS/year" and the equivalent in hours

Each credit corresponds to approximately 25–30 hours of study load.

● One academic year = 60 ECTS = approximately 1500–1800 hours.

● One semester = 30 ECTS.

● One subject usually "weighs" between 7.5 and 15 credits, depending on its complexity and volume.

This helps students plan their time and compare programmes.

🔄 Credit transfer and transfer

ECTS makes it easy to transfer credits within exchange programmes. For example:

● A student from NTNU who has spent a semester in Germany returns and transfers the credits earned there.

● Sometimes credits are transferred partially: for example, a course may only be credited for 5 ECTS instead of 7.5.

It is important to agree on a study plan with the faculty in advance so as not to lose credits.

📝 Grades A–F: thresholds, retakes, pass/fail

The Norwegian grading system is transparent but has its own peculiarities.

● A — excellent, outstanding result.

● B — very good, above average.

● C — good, meets expectations.

● D — satisfactory, but weak.

● E — minimum passing result.

● F — unsatisfactory (must be retaken).

Features:

● Many courses allow retakes, but the university may limit the number of attempts.

● Some courses (especially practical courses and internships) are graded on a pass/fail basis, without letter grades.

● Appeals against grades are possible, but require strong arguments (e.g., errors in grading).

🌍 Where to find English-language programmes (catalogue)

For international students, the main search tool is the Study in Norway portal.

The website offers filters:

● by level (bachelor's, master's, PhD),

● by city (Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø, Stavanger, etc.),

● by language of instruction.

👉 Tip: if you are planning to apply for a master's degree, start your search a year before the deadline, as many programmes require language tests (IELTS/TOEFL) and preparation of a package of documents.

The Norwegian higher education system is based on a clear and internationally recognised structure, which is great! The Bachelor's (3 years), Master's (2 years) and PhD (3–4 years) degrees form a logical progression, allowing students to build on their previous studies and progress to more advanced levels. The great thing about ECTS credits is that they allow for comparison and transfer of studies between countries. And the even better thing is that the A–F scale provides a clear assessment of knowledge!

For foreigners, the great news is that you can really count on it! You can expect great predictability, English-language programmes and integration into the European educational space.

📌 Tip: always check the official websites of universities before applying, and use the Study in Norway portal to search for programmes.