Upper secondary education for adults

Upper secondary education is the education level that comes after preparatory education for adults (the level below upper secondary education). Through upper secondary education for adults (VOV), you can qualify for further studies (higher education entrance qualifications) or for work (vocational qualification). 

The county municipality is responsible for the provision of upper secondary education to adults, and it is offered free of charge.

Read more about adult secondary education

Who is entitled to upper secondary education for adults?

As an adult, you are entitled to upper secondary education if you

• are legally resident in Norway
• have completed lower secondary education or preparatory education for adults in Norway
• have completed equivalent lower secondary education in another country
• have completed upper secondary education in another country, but it is not recognised as a higher education entrance qualification or vocational qualification in Norway

If you are 24 or older, you are entitled to upper secondary education for adults. If you are aged 19–24, you can choose whether to study as an adult or as a young person.

If you are entitled to upper secondary education for adults, you are also entitled to an assessment of your prior learning and work experience. This means that the school will determine whether what you have learned from work, school or other experiences can replace some of what you would have learned as part of your education. You can read more about the assessment of prior learning and work experience at utdanning.no.

What form does upper secondary education for adults take?

County municipalities offer upper secondary education for adults. The tuition is free, flexible and can be taken both part and full-time.

You can choose between two main strands:

• The general studies programme is for those wanting to continue their studies at a university or university college. The tuition takes place at school, and you can obtain a higher education entrance qualification.
•  The vocational programme is for those wanting a quick transition to work after upper secondary education. Part of the tuition will take place with a business, and you can obtain a trade or journeyman’s certificate.

There are also other ways of obtaining a certificate of completed apprenticeship or an advanced craft certificate, which do not follow the conventional pathway through upper secondary school.

On the utdanning.no website, you will find more information about how you can get into university, university college or tertiary vocational education.

How to apply

1. Find offers in your county

You will find an overview of the educational offers in your municipality on utdanning.no.

2. Check application deadlines

Application deadlines will vary from county to county and between programmes.

3. Submit application

You must apply for a place yourself. You can do this through vigo.no. Follow the county municipality’s procedures, or get in contact for advice.

4. Do you have any questions?

Get in contact with your county municipality if you need help or more information.

More information

Go to utdanning.no to read more about upper secondary education for adults.