Qualification Recognition Guide
Why Recognition Matters
Norway does not automatically accept foreign degrees and professional qualifications. If you want to work in a regulated profession – or simply want your education to be taken seriously by Norwegian employers – you may need formal recognition of your qualifications.
There are two separate systems depending on what you need recognition for.
The Two Systems
NOKUT – For Academic Qualifications
NOKUT (Nasjonalt organ for kvalitet i utdanningen) evaluates foreign university degrees and higher education. They assess whether your degree is equivalent to a Norwegian one.
NOKUT recognition is useful if you:
- Want employers to understand the level of your education
- Are applying for jobs that require a specific degree level
- Are applying for further studies in Norway
- Need documentation for immigration purposes
NOKUT does not give you the right to practise a regulated profession – that requires a separate authorisation (see below).
Apply at: nokut.no
HK-dir – For Regulated Professions
HK-dir (Direktoratet for høyere utdanning og kompetanse) handles recognition for certain regulated professions where you need formal authorisation to work legally in Norway.
Regulated professions in Norway include:
- Healthcare: Doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, physiotherapist, psychologist
- Education: Teacher, kindergarten teacher
- Engineering: Certain engineering roles
- Law: Lawyer (advokat)
- Architecture
If your profession is regulated, you must get HK-dir authorisation before you can work in that role in Norway – regardless of your qualifications.
Apply at: hkdir.no
NOKUT – How It Works
What NOKUT Evaluates
NOKUT compares your foreign degree to the Norwegian qualifications framework (NKR). They assess:
- The level of your degree (bachelor, master, PhD equivalent)
- The scope (number of credits)
- The institution's reputation
Processing Time
- Standard processing: 3–6 months
- Fast track (express): Not available for all applications
Apply as early as possible – before you move to Norway if you can.
What You Need
- Certified copies of your diploma(s)
- Official transcripts
- Translation into Norwegian or English if the originals are in another language
- Documentation of the institution (sometimes)
What You Get
A written assessment stating the Norwegian equivalent of your degree. For example: "The degree is assessed as equivalent to a Norwegian master's degree (120 ECTS)."
Cost
Around 1,700–2,000 kr for a standard evaluation.
HK-dir – How It Works for Regulated Professions
Healthcare Professionals (EU/EEA)
If you are an EU/EEA citizen with a healthcare qualification from an EU/EEA country, your qualification is automatically recognised under the EU Professional Qualifications Directive. You apply for autorisasjon (authorisation) directly through HK-dir.
Required documents typically include:
- Diploma
- Proof of registration/licence in your home country
- Certificate of Good Standing from your home country authority
- Language documentation (Norwegian B2 for most healthcare roles)
Healthcare Professionals (Non-EU/EEA)
The process is more involved. HK-dir assesses your qualifications against Norwegian standards. You may be required to:
- Pass a language test (Norwegian B2)
- Complete an adaptation period or aptitude test
- Demonstrate clinical competence
Teachers
Foreign teachers need HK-dir authorisation to be employed as a qualified teacher in Norwegian schools. Requirements include relevant teaching qualification and often Norwegian language skills.
Processing Times
Healthcare authorisations typically take 2–5 months. Start the process well before your planned move date.
Apply at: hkdir.no/godkjenning
EU Blue Card and Qualification Recognition
If you are applying for an EU Blue Card work permit (for highly qualified workers), you do not need NOKUT recognition as a prerequisite – but having it strengthens your application and helps with salary negotiations.
What If Your Profession Is Not Regulated?
If you work in an unregulated field – most private sector jobs in tech, finance, marketing, media, consulting, etc. – formal recognition is optional. Many Norwegian employers are familiar with foreign degrees and assess them informally.
However, getting a NOKUT evaluation can still be valuable as a credential to show employers.
Timeline for Skilled Workers
If you are applying for a skilled worker permit, your employer needs to confirm that your qualifications meet the requirements for the job. NOKUT recognition can support this, but the employer and UDI make the final assessment – NOKUT is not always required.
For regulated professions, you should apply for HK-dir authorisation at the same time as or before your work permit application – both can run in parallel.
Practical Tips
Start early. Both NOKUT and HK-dir processes take months. Do not wait until you arrive in Norway.
Get certified translations. Documents in languages other than Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, or English typically need certified translation.
Check the specific requirements for your profession. HK-dir has specific requirements for each regulated profession listed on their website.
Keep copies of everything. Your original diplomas, transcripts and certificates are essential – keep them safe and make certified copies before sending anything.
Useful Links
- nokut.no – Academic qualification recognition
- hkdir.no – Regulated profession authorisation
- helsedirektoratet.no – Healthcare-specific guidance
- utdanning.no – Norwegian education system overview