Preparatory education for adults and upper secondary education

Primary/lower secondary education for adults

Education at the level below upper secondary is called preparatory education for adults (FOV). It was previously called primary/lower secondary education for adults. The education is free and adapted to your needs. 

Who has the right to primary/lower secondary education for adults?

You are entitled to preparatory adult education if you:

• are over the compulsory school age (16 years)
• have legal residency in Norway
• have not completed primary school or need further education

What form does upper secondary education for adults take?

FOV education is organised in modules (levels). The curricula are adapted to adults, and there is a separate curriculum in Norwegian for language minorities. An overview of the modules is provided below.  

In order to determine which module you should start with, you usually  have to be assessed first. If it fits with the school’s schedule, you may be able to do courses in different modules (levels). It is also possible to take FOV on a part-time basis and only take one or a couple of subjects.

You get a certificate when you have passed module four. A FOV certificate will enable you to apply for a place in upper secondary education.

How to apply

The adult education centre in the municipality runs FOV. There are no application deadlines, and you can apply all year round. Contact your local adult education centre for more information.

More information

You can read more about preparatory education for adults on the website of the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills.