Recognition of qualifications

Recognition of education and authorisation

The Norwegian agency for quality assurance in education (NOKUT) grants general recognition of foreign higher education. As a rule any accreditation obtained in an EU/EEA country will be recognised in Norway with no additional assessment required.

Who requires authorisation or accreditation?

Some professions require authorisation before you can practice, such as in the health sector where you apply through the Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel (SAK). See below.

You will also find a list of regulated professions and authorising institutions at the NOKUT website, as well as information about educational systems in other countries and the laws and regulations that govern recognition of foreign education.

• Applications for authorisation to work in the health sector must be submitted to the national authorisation office for healthsector personell (Statens Autorisasjonskontor for Helsepersonell ). 27 work groups in the Norwegian health service are regulated by law.
• The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway (Finanstilsynet.) is responsible for accrediting accountants, state-authorised estate agents, debt collection agencies and for authorisation of book-keepers.
• The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (mattilsynet) authorises veterinary surgeons,vet nurse and marine biologists.
• The Supervisory Council for Legal Practice  (Tilsynsrådet for advokatvirksomhet) is responsible for approving lawyers.
• The Norwegian Maritime Directorate (Sjøfartsdirektoratet) authorises a number of professional positions in the maritime sector.
• The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (Luftfartstilsynet ) is responsible for accrediting pilots and aircraft technicians.