Norway has adopted the guidelines of the Bologna System, which is the standard European system.

Higher education is generally divided into three cycles: Bachelor's programmes, master's programmes and doctoral programmes (Ph.D).

Bachelor's degree (First cycle)

The bachelor's programme is a three-year programme (full-time). 180 'studiepoeng' (ECTS-credits) will be awarded for the degree upon successful completion.

A bachelor's programme may give access to a relevant master's programme.

Master's degree (Second cycle)

The master's programme is a two year programme (full-time). 120 'studiepoeng' (ECTS-credits) will be awarded for the degree upon successful completion.

A master's programme may give access to a relevant Ph.D programme.

Doctoral degree (Ph.D) (Third cycle)

A doctoral degree is a three-year programme (full-time). The Ph.D is a terminal award, meaning that it is the final degree of specialization offered at Norwegian universities or university colleges.

The Norwegian grading system