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Supplementary guidelines for admission to Western Norway University of Applied Sciences Adopted by: Pro-Rector of Education, 19.12.17 Version: 2
Supplementary guidelines for admission to Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Adopted by: Pro-Rector of Education, 19.12.17
Version: 2
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Table of Contents Supplementary guidelines for admission to Western Norway University of
Applied Sciences ................................................................................................ 3
1. Application area and deadlines ................................................................................................... 3
1.1. Application area .................................................................................................................. 3
1.2. Deadlines ............................................................................................................................. 3
2. Admission requirements ............................................................................................................. 3
2.1. Higher Education Entrance Qualification ............................................................................ 3
2.2. Higher education ................................................................................................................. 3
2.3. Foreign education and programmes taught in English ....................................................... 3
2.4. Grade requirements ............................................................................................................ 4
3. Ranking and types of points ........................................................................................................ 4
3.1. Programmes that require the Higher Education Entrance Qualification for admission: .... 4
3.2. Education based on vocational education .......................................................................... 5
3.3. Calculation of points and ranking of applicants to programmes based on higher
education ......................................................................................................................................... 6
3.4. 1-year programme in educational theory and practice (PPU) ............................................ 8
3.5. Further education programmes that are offered for payment and only have the Higher
Education Entrance Qualification as a requirement for admission .............................................. 10
4. Individual assessment ............................................................................................................... 10
5. Quota ......................................................................................................................................... 10
6. Preliminary promise .................................................................................................................. 10
7. Postponed start of studies ........................................................................................................ 11
8. Reservation of place .................................................................................................................. 11
9. Conditional admission ............................................................................................................... 11
10. Transfer/recognition ............................................................................................................. 11
10.1. Recognition .................................................................................................................... 12
10.2. Transfer ......................................................................................................................... 12
11. Documentation ...................................................................................................................... 12
11.1. Documentation requirements ....................................................................................... 12
11.2. Delivery of documentation ............................................................................................ 13
11.3. Control of documentation ............................................................................................. 13
11.4. Information about control of documentation ............................................................... 13
11.5. Consequences of inadequate verification and forgery ................................................. 14
12. Prior learning and work experience ...................................................................................... 14
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12.1. General criteria .............................................................................................................. 14
12.2. The following criteria are used for approval of prior learning and work experience for
courses of study that require the Higher Education Entrance Qualification for admission: ........ 15
12.3. Ranking .......................................................................................................................... 15
12.4. Documentation .............................................................................................................. 16
12.5. Programme-specific requirements ................................................................................ 16
12.6. Assessment of prior learning and work experience for admission to PPU-Y ................ 20
13. Entry into force ...................................................................................................................... 20
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Supplementary guidelines for admission to Western Norway
University of Applied Sciences
1. Application area and deadlines
1.1. Application area
The supplementary guidelines are founded on the Regulations concerning Admission to Higher
Education and Regulations concerning admission to Western Norway University of Applied Sciences,
and apply to admission to courses of study at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
1.2. Deadlines
1 December is the deadline for giving notice of the courses of study for the following year. Withdrawal
of courses of study from the local admission must take place reasonably soon after the number of
applicants has been announced.
2. Admission requirements
2.1. Higher Education Entrance Qualification
The rules for admission on the basis of the Higher Education Entrance Qualification including
exemption provisions are laid down in the Regulations concerning Admission to Higher Education
and Regulations concerning Admission to Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
2.2. Higher education
When the admission requirement is higher education the normal requirement is a completed and
passed bachelor’s degree (180 credits) or similar that is relevant for the programme of study to
which an application for admission is made. What constitutes a relevant education is stated in the
programme description. In case of doubt, an academic assessment will be made of whether an
education is relevant or not.
Some courses of study require work experience. This is laid down in the course plan/programme
description.
2.3. Foreign education and programmes taught in English
2.3.1. Applicants with a foreign education from countries outside the Nordic area must document
proficiency in Norwegian and English according to Chapter 2 of the current Regulations concerning
Admission to Higher Education. Exemption from the requirement for proficiency in Norwegian can be
given if the teaching language is English.
2.3.2. Applicants to further education programmes and master’s degree programmes taught in
English must document a higher level of proficiency in English, cf. Section 2-1, fourth paragraph of
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the Regulations concerning Admission to Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. Proficiency
in English must be documented in one of the following ways:
a) Vg1 English in a Norwegian upper secondary school (140 annual hours) with a grade of 4 or
higher.
b) International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with at least 6.0 points.
c) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with at least 550 points for Paper-based test
(PBT), at least 213 points for Computer-based test (CBT), or at least 80 points for Internet-
based test (IBT).
Other documentation may be approved by individual assessment, and any exemption from the
requirement for higher English proficiency will be laid down in the programme description.
2.4. Grade requirements
Some courses of study require certain minimum grades for all of or parts of the programme. This will
be laid down in the programme description.
3. Ranking and types of points
These are general ranking rules that apply unless otherwise stipulated in course plans/programme
descriptions or other places in these rules.
Applicants with a higher total number of points rank ahead of applicants with a lower total number
of points.
In the event of an equal number of points, older applicants rank ahead of younger applicants.
3.1. Programmes that require the Higher Education Entrance Qualification for admission:
The rules for ranking and calculation of points for the Higher Education Entrance Qualification
including exemption provisions are laid down in Chapter 7 of the Regulations concerning Admission
to Higher Education.
The calculation of points is based on grades from upper secondary school. The average grade is
converted to grade points. Other points are then added.
The total number of points is calculated as follows:
Type of point Explanation
Grade points Average grade x 10
+ Natural sciences points or language points Maximum 4 points
= School points
+ additional points for higher education, compulsory military service or folk high school
Maximum 2 points
+ age points Maximum 8 points
5
= Competitive points
See the website of the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS) for more
information about the different categories of points.
3.2. Education based on vocational education
3.2.1. Preliminary course for 3-year engineering programme and integrated master’s degree
programme in technological subjects and associated course in mathematics and physics.
Preliminary course
Preliminary course applicants must have completed and passed upper secondary level 1 (Vg1) and
upper secondary level 2 (Vg2) (or foundation course and Advanced Course I (VKI) from older
structures) in the vocational area of study to be qualified for admission. An application for admission
can also be made if the applicant has completed compulsory schooling and has at least five years of
work experience (or combination of upper secondary school and work experience).
The total number of points is calculated as follows:
Type of point Explanation
Grade points Average grade* x 10
+ Points for craft certificate 5 points
+ Points for work experience within relevant vocational areas.
1 point per 12 months, maximum 5 points
+ Gender points 2 additional points for female applicants
= Total competitive points
* Common subjects are only counted at the highest level, i.e. for example the grades in Norwegian,
English and physical education only count from Vg2.
Applicants who have the Higher Education Entrance Qualification can as a main rule only receive an
offer of a place in the preliminary course if there are vacant places.
Course in mathematics and physics and three semester system (TRESS):
Applicants who have the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, have completed vocational
technical college or have prior learning and work experience may apply for admission to natural
sciences courses. See Chapter 3.1 for information about calculation of points for admission to natural
sciences courses. Applicants with vocational technical college or prior learning and work experience
as an admission basis will receive an individual assessment.
3.2.2. Y-Pathway
Admission to a course of study via the Y-Pathway requires the applicant to have a relevant craft
certificate, journeyman’s certificate or vocational qualifications from upper secondary school, cf.
Section 3-3 of the Regulations concerning Admission to Higher Education. The requirement for
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applicants with a craft/journeyman’s certificate after 3 years of school is a minimum of 12 months of
work experience after completion of qualifying examination/apprentices’ final examination.
Applicants must normally have a craft certificate according to Reform 94 or the Knowledge
Promotion Reform. Applicants with a craft certificate prior to Reform 94 or foreign craft certificate
must document similar qualifications.
The total number of points is calculated as follows:
Type of point Explanation
Grade points Average grade* x 10
+ Points for relevant work experience beyond the admission requirement
1 point per 12 months, maximum 5 points
= Total competitive points
* Common subjects are only counted at the highest level, i.e. for example the grades in Norwegian,
English and physical education only count from Vg2.
3.2.3. One-year tertiary vocational education for professional divers
The admission requirement for the diver programme is either the Higher Education Entrance
Qualification, completed and passed upper secondary Vg1 and Vg2 level training in the relevant
subject area, completed vocational training with a craft/journeyman’s certificate within relevant
subject area or prior learning and work experience.
Additional requirements are passed admission test and approved doctor’s certificate for professional
divers. Students must be 18 years of age.
Calculation of points:
Type of point Explanation
Grade points Average grade* x 10
+ Points for relevant educational area 30 points
+ Points for relevant craft certificate 10 points
+ Points for relevant experience or education beyond the admission requirement
2.5 points per semester/6 mos., maximum 30 points
+ Points for admission test Max 45 points
= Total competitive points
* Common subjects are only counted at the highest level, i.e. that for example the grades in
Norwegian, English and physical education only count from Vg2.
See supplementary information about this admission and relevant work areas in "Admission
requirements and ranking rules – One-year tertiary vocational education for professional divers" that
you will find the link to on the studies page.
3.3. Calculation of points and ranking of applicants to programmes based on higher education
3.3.1. Conversion table – higher education
The following conversion table will be used to calculate the weighted average grade for higher
education.
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Letter grade Numerical
grade
Old letter grades Yields the
following
numerical
value
A 1.0-2.2 Særs godt (sg) 5
B 2.3-2.5 Mykje godt (mg) 4
C 2.6-2.7 Godt (g) 3
D 2.8-3.0 Noko godt (ng) 2
E 3.1-4.0 Lite godt (lg) 1
Only subjects with numerical or letter grades count in the calculation of average grade.
An average of all valid grades will be computed where there is no weighting on grade transcripts and
diplomas.
On diplomas without numerical/letter grades the grade "passed/managed" is computed as C=3.
In special circumstances, other relevant education than that included in the formal admission criteria
can be included in the ranking, cf. Section 5-3, second paragraph of the Regulations concerning
Admission to Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. The application is then ranked
according to Section 5-5 of the Regulations concerning Admission to Western Norway University of
Applied Sciences.
3.3.2. Calculation of weighted grade points
For each course that is included in the admission criteria, the numerical value is multiplied by the
number of credits and the product is totalled. This total is divided by the total number of credits, and
the result is computed with three decimal places. This is the weighted average grade. In order to find
the total number of grade points, the weighted average grade is multiplied by ten.
Example of calculation of competitive points:
Letter grades Numerical value Credits Numerical value x credits
A 5 15 75
E 1 5 5
C 3 15 45
B 4 30 120
B 4 20 80
TOTAL 85 325
Average grade: = 325/85 = 3.824
Total number of grade points: 3.824 x 10 = 38.24
For courses of study that have an admission requirement of at least an average grade of C, applicants
must have at least 30 grade points to meet the requirement.
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3.3.3. Calculation of competitive points – higher education
The ranking basis for master’s degrees and further education programmes is the education that
qualifies the applicant for admission (admission criteria), as well as any additional points.
The grade points are computed on the basis of the weighted average of the grades included in the
admission criteria for the programme of study, unless otherwise stipulated in the programme
description.
In addition, applicants can receive additional points for higher education beyond the admission
requirement.
For courses of study that have work experience as part of the admission requirement, applicants can also receive additional points for work experience beyond the admission criteria. The work experience must have been carried out after the education included in the admission requirement has been completed. Work experience points can also be given for admission to courses of study that do not have work experience as part of the admission requirement. In that case, this will be laid down in the course plan/programme description. Work experience is computed from the date the degree on the diploma is obtained, if there is no requirement for authorisation. If the profession requires authorisation, work experience counts from the authorisation date.
The total number of competitive points is calculated as follows:
Type of point Explanation
+ Grade points Weighted average grade x 10 (maximum 50 points)
+ Education points: 1 point per 30 credits. Maximum 4 points
+ Work experience points (where this is included)
2 points per 12 mos. Maximum 6 points
= Total competitive points
The programme description will state whether other additional points are to be counted in the
ranking for a course of study.
3.4. 1-year programme in educational theory and practice (PPU)
The admission requirement for PPU mirrors the requirements for employing teachers, cf. Chapter 14
of the regulations to the Education Act. Employment requirements shall serve as guidelines in cases
of uncertainty about whether an applicant is qualified for PPU. At Western Norway University of
Applied Sciences application for admission can be made under two different models: 1-year
programme in educational theory and practice – general studies subject profiles, and 1-year
programme in educational theory and practice – vocational subject profiles. It is only possible to be
admitted to one didactic subject profile.
3.4.1 General studies 1-year programme in educational theory and practice (PPU-A)
The admission requirement is at least 180 credits including a specialisation of at least 60 credits. The specialisation must be in a teaching subject in which Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
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offers didactics, cf. National Curriculum Regulations for 1-year programme in educational theory and practice. Change in admission requirements: As of 2019, the admission requirement is a master's degree with at least one subject that provides qualifications to teach. There have been exemptions for bachelor's degrees in performing or creative arts and bachelor's degrees in sports studies. Supplementary
guidelines will be issued before the admission in 2019. Ranking of applicants for PPU-A is done on the basis of the weighted average of all grades included in
the admission criteria.
Type of point Explanation
+ Grade points Weighted average grade x 10 (maximum 50 points)
+ Education points: 1 point per 30 credits. Maximum 4 points
Other additional points: 6 points for documented employment in school
= Total competitive points
3.4.2 Vocational 1-year programme in educational theory and practice (PPU-Y)
Admission requirements for PPU-Y are either professionally oriented bachelor's degrees and a
minimum of two years of relevant work experience, or craft/journeyman’s certificate or other
completed three-year vocational education at upper secondary level, the Higher Education Entrance
Qualification, at least two years of theoretical vocational education and four years of relevant work
experience, cf. National Curriculum Regulations for 1-year programme in educational theory and
practice for vocational subjects for years 8–13.
Calculation of total number of competitive points for 1-year programme in educational theory and
practice – vocational subject profiles:
Type of point PPU-Y, professionally oriented bachelor’s degree
PPU-Y, craft/journeymen’s certificate and theoretical vocational education
Grade points Weighted average grade of bachelor’s degree x 10
Ordinary average of the grades in the theoretical vocational education x 10
Education points 1 point per 30 credits specialisation beyond the admission criteria. Maximum 4 points
x*
Work experience points: x* 2 points per 12 months with relevant work experience beyond the admission requirement, maximum of 6 points.
Other additional points: 6 points for documented employment in school
6 points for documented employment in school
= Total competitive points
* x = no points will be given in this category.
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3.5. Further education programmes that are offered for payment and only have the Higher
Education Entrance Qualification as a requirement for admission
If there are more applicants than places for the programme of study, the applicants are prioritised
according to registered date of application unless another ranking system is specified in the
programme description, Section 5-2, fifth paragraph of the Regulations concerning Admission to
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
4. Individual assessment
Applications that cannot be calculated in points are individually assessed according to a
comprehensive and discretionary assessment, cf. Section 5-5 of the Regulations concerning
Admission to Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and Section 7-12 of the Regulations
concerning Admission to Higher Education. This will apply to applicants who have a foreign education
that cannot be converted, tertiary vocational education, higher education without grades, prior
learning and work experience or dispensation.
An offer of admission requires equivalent skills and knowledge on a par with applicants offered
admission after ranking on the basis of calculated points.
5. Quota
In special cases, quotas may be established for applicants, for example on the basis of gender,
employment conditions, geography, occupational circumstances, national and international
agreements or own students. Quotas and any quota ranking for admission to a course of study that
has local admission shall be laid out in the programme description, cf. Section 4-1 of the Regulations
concerning Admission to Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
6. Preliminary promise
Applicants who can document that they have needs that warrant early admission can be given a
preliminary promise, cf. Section 8-2 of the Regulations concerning Admission to Western Norway
University of Applied Sciences. Such a preliminary promise can only be given to applicants who very
likely will be given an offer of admission.
Grounds for early admission include:
The applicant is working and has a notice period or must apply for a leave of absence. This
must be documented with a certificate from the employer concerning the notice period or
leave of absence, or their employment contract and pay slip from the past month.
The applicant is self-employed and will close down their business while they attend school.
This must be documented with a certificate from the Norwegian Tax Administration or
Register of Business Enterprises.
The applicant must move with their family due to work, kindergarten place or change of
schools. This must be documented with a Certificate of Residence from the Tax
Administration for the applicant and their children, or applicant and spouse/cohabitant.
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7. Postponed start of studies
Students who for compelling reasons are not able to be present at the start of studies, may apply for
a postponement of the start of studies. An application with the documentation of the reason must be
sent to the admissions office.
Applicants who are not present at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences at the start of
studies may lose their place if Western Norway University of Applied Sciences did not approve the
absence in advance. Absence beyond the start-up must be approved by the faculty.
8. Reservation of place
An allocated place may be reserved until the next time admissions are made to the programme of
study, normally a year, if compelling reasons can be documented. Such reasons include compulsory
military service, birth, adoption or prolonged illness/hospital stay.
An application for reservation of a place must be submitted within three weeks after receiving an
offer of admission to a study programme. Reserving a place is not possible if an applicant has been
granted admission via Vacant places.
9. Conditional admission
For local admissions, applicants who lack part of the requirement for admission can, under
extraordinary circumstances, be granted conditional admission for up to 1 year of study if they lack a
maximum of 15 credits of the admission criteria at the start of studies, cf. Section 7-1 of the
Regulations concerning Admission to Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. Conditional
admission cannot be granted to courses of study where work experience is part of the requirement
for admission.
Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements in order to be granted conditional
admission.
Special circumstances in this context mean an illness, accident or death in the immediate family or
other extraordinary circumstances. It must be documented with a certificate from a doctor, medical
professional, police or the like.
The right to study is forfeited if the applicants do not meet the requirement specified in the
conditional admission within the time stipulated.
Go to the website of the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS) for
information about conditional admissions processed by NUCAS.
10. Transfer/recognition
Students who started their education at a different university college, other campus or were enrolled
in a different course of study/programme of study at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
may complete their studies at the institution. This may be done through an application for direct
transfer if the programme descriptions at the institutions/campuses are the same. If the programme
description is not the same or the applicant is not granted direct transfer, they may apply for
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admission through the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service and, once they are
admitted, apply for recognition of the course.
10.1. Recognition
10.1.1. If the programme model at the educational institution where the applicant is a student is
different from that at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, the applicant must apply for
admission to the programme of study in the ordinary manner through the Norwegian Universities
and Colleges Admission Service or local recognition admission, and then apply for recognition of
courses already taken.
10.1.2. Different programme models may cause the student to take longer than prescribed to
complete the programme.
10.2. Transfer
The following guidelines apply to direct transfer from other educational institutions or other Western
Norway University of Applied Sciences campuses.
At the time of the application, applicants must have an active right to study (or valid
leave) at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences or other educational
institution governed by the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges. If the
applicant completes the programme of study during the semester he/she applies for
transfer, he/she cannot be granted transfer to the new programme of study.
If there is capacity, the faculties can open admission to applicants without a valid
right to study, but who otherwise meet the other criteria to apply.
Applicants must meet academic admission requirements for the programme of study
to which an application for transfer is made.
Applicants must be qualified to start the 2nd, 3rd, or later academic year at the start
of the semester.
The transfer to the 2nd, 3rd, or later academic year is only possible if there are
vacant places in the current year/programme option.
If there are more applicants than places, applicants are ranked on the basis of the
calculation of points as done by the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission
Service, see Item 3.1 in this document, unless otherwise stipulated.
In the event of equal number of points, applicants with a right to study at Western Norway University
of Applied Sciences are given priority over other applicants.
11. Documentation
11.1. Documentation requirements
Admission requirements must be documented, cf. Section 8-3, second paragraph of the Regulations
concerning Admission to Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. The requirements can be
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found in the course plan/programme description.
Higher education and work experience that can provide additional points must also be documented.
If the documentation is in a language other than Scandinavian or English, the applicant must arrange
to have it translated. The translation must be done by a translator or interpretation service. The
applicant must upload both the original and the translation by the forwarding deadline.
11.2. Delivery of documentation
Any documentation on which the processing of the application is to be based must be uploaded in
the Web application. Documentation must be submitted by the specified deadline. Documentation
that contains sensitive information cannot be submitted electronically, but must be sent as hard
copies in the post.
11.3. Control of documentation
The documentation on which the application for admission is based is checked.
The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the documentation that is enclosed with the
application is correct. All documentation is checked by case officers, and applicants may be
requested to present the originals during the admission process, cf. Section 8-4 of the Regulations
concerning Admission at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
The documentation enclosed with the application will be routinely verified for all admissions to
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. Verification shall be made with the submission of
the original of the submitted documentation. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences can
also contact the issuer of the documentation for verification if Western Norway University of Applied
Sciences views this as expedient.
Routine verification is carried out as spot checks on a random sample. The size of the sample will
vary depending on the number of applicants to the admission, but a minimum of 10% of the students
present at the start of studies will be checked.
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences can also, at any time from the documentation is
received until the right to study expires, conduct verification of submitted documentation, cf. Section
4-1 of the Regulations relating to Courses of Study and Examinations at Western Norway University
of Applied Sciences.
11.4. Information about control of documentation
Applicants for admission to Western Norway University of Applied Sciences shall be informed that
they may be required to present the original documentation that is the basis for the application.
Applicants shall also be made aware of the consequences of any inadequate verification and forgery.
If the applicant becomes the subject of verification, notice will be given by e-mail to the registered e-
mail address in the student database. The notice shall contain information about:
the documentation that must be submitted for verification
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where and how the documentation shall be presented
deadline for submission
consequence of failure to comply with the requirement
11.5. Consequences of inadequate verification and forgery
If Western Norway University of Applied Sciences finds the documentation inadequate during the
verification process, this may cause the applicant to lose their right to study, and consequently their
right to complete their education.
Forged diplomas, forged documents or documents from fake institutions will be confiscated. This will
cause the applicant not to be admitted or have their education approved for up to a year.
Decisions may be appealed to Western Norway University of Applied Sciences’ Appeals Committee
for admissions organised by Western Norway University of Applied Sciences itself and to the National
Appeals Committee for admissions organised by the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission
Service.
False documentation is subject to prosecution under Sections 166 and 182 of the Norwegian General
Civil Penal Code, and will be reported to the police.
12. Prior learning and work experience
The regulations concerning admission permit persons without the Higher Education Entrance
Qualification to be admitted to courses of study at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. In
general, prior learning and work experience is an exemption provision for applicants who are 25
years of age or older the year they apply, and do not have the Higher Education Entrance
Qualification, cf. Section 3-1 of the Regulations concerning Admission to Higher Education.
Applicants cannot be assessed for prior learning and work experience if the programme of study
requires a specific minimum number of credits, such as, for example, the primary and lower
secondary school teacher training and vocational teacher training programmes.
12.1. General criteria
Applicants with work experience and/or training that can compensate for the admission requirement
to a course of study may apply for admission on the basis of prior learning and work experience. Prior
learning and work experience is defined as the overall knowledge the applicant has acquired through
work experience, unpaid work, organisational work, training or otherwise.
Admission based on these rules applies to assessment of prior learning and work experience for a
specific course of study at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. The prior learning and
work experience must be relevant to the programme of study to which an application for admission
is made, and must provide the applicant with the necessary professional qualifications to pursue that
particular programme of study.
The assessment is an individual assessment of the applicant's qualifications for the specific
programme of study to which the applicant applies for admission. In order to be offered admission to
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a programme of study, applicants must document equivalent skills and knowledge on a par with
applicants offered admission on the basis of ordinary ranking rules.
In special cases, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences can request an interview with the
applicant in order to assess the applicant’s qualifications.
Applicants with foreign education from countries outside the Nordic area must meet the Norwegian
proficiency requirement for admission, cf. Section 2-2 of the Regulations concerning Admission to
Higher Education.
12.2. The following criteria are used for approval of prior learning and work experience for
courses of study that require the Higher Education Entrance Qualification for admission:
Applicants must be 25 years of age or older the year they apply
Applicants do not have the Higher Education Entrance Qualification
Special admission requirements must be met
Applicants must have at least 5 years of full-time work experience that is relevant to the
programme of study to which an application for admission is made. Part time will be
converted to full time. Up to 2 of the 5 years can be replaced by paid or unpaid work,
education, organisational experience and/or similar.
All applicants must have the required proficiency in Norwegian (or other Nordic language)
and English in order to carry out the programme of study. Proficiency in Norwegian,
mathematics and English are particularly emphasised.
Applicants with a mother tongue from countries outside the Nordic region must document
that they meet Norwegian proficiency requirements equivalent to the Higher Education
Entrance Qualification requirement, based on the requirements in the Regulations
concerning Admission to Higher Education. Exceptions may made if the education was
carried out entirely in English or for applicants with a 3-year upper secondary school
education from Norway or other country.
Applicants must provide an account of their own motivation and expectations for the
programme of study, as well as a self-assessment of why they believe they will be able to
carry out the programme of study.
12.3. Ranking
Prior learning and work experience are assessed on a discretionary basis.
An offer of admission requires equivalent skills and knowledge on a par with applicants offered
admission after ranking on the basis of calculated points.
In the assessment, the following are emphasised:
Scope and relevance of documented relevant work experience in relation to the programme
to which the applicant applies for admission.
Grades in Norwegian, English, mathematics, subjects providing entrance qualifications for
higher education, other individual subjects where this is a requirement and relevant
education when this is included in the criteria for admission.
Motivation letter
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12.4. Documentation
Education must be documented with a diploma, certificate of competence, one-year course
certificate, grade transcript or similar from higher education, upper secondary school, or
other educational institution.
Work experience must be documented with a reference. The employment fraction and time
period must be stated in the reference.
Courses must be documented with a course diploma.
Compulsory military service must be documented with proof of the time served.
In a separate letter, the applicant must give their reasons for why they are applying for
admission to the programme of study, their motivation for studying and own thoughts about
what will be needed to complete the programme.
12.5. Programme-specific requirements
The overview contains programme-specific requirements for some of the undergraduate
programmes at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. The applicants must meet the
requirement for both general and programme-specific requirements.
Course of study Relevant area of work Relevant education Programme-specific requirements
Kindergarten teacher Kindergarten Day-care facilities for schoolchildren Day-care provider Activities for children and young people
Child and youth worker
The subjects English, Norwegian and mathematics are particularly emphasised
Child welfare
Work within the health and social services sector Position of trust/organisation work within the health and care sector Work with the relevant user group
Child and youth worker Care worker
Emergency management
Work experience from emergency-related fields such as police, fire brigade, ambulance service, search and rescue offshore, contingency planning and crisis management in public and private enterprises
Biomedical laboratory technologist
Laboratory work Mathematics R1 or Mathematics S1 + S2 and Physics 1 or Biology 1 or Chemistry 1
Real estate management
Administrative work Self-employment Accounting work Sale of property Work experience from the tourist industry
The subject mathematics is particularly emphasised
17
English
Relevant work experience in this subject is connected with active use of English in work, organisational or voluntary work
English should be at the upper secondary level 1 (VG1) level. Education or work in which teaching/working language is English can be approved
Occupational therapy
Work at technical aids centre adaptation of technical aids for persons with disabilities Other work to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities
Health worker Enrolled nurse Care worker
Outdoor education
Teaching Kindergarten Day-care facilities for schoolchildren (SFO) Work in the health and social services sector directed at children and young people Organisational activities aimed at children and young people Experience as a coach/sports instructor/outdoor life guide Organisational activities within sport
Physiotherapy
Assistant at physiotherapy department or physiotherapy centre
The subjects mathematics and natural sciences are particularly emphasised
Geology and geohazard
Land-use planning Relevant administration service Work with cultural landscape Landscape gardener Agriculture and forestry
Requirement for Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) and one of the following requirements: Mathematics R2 Physics 1 and 2 Chemistry 1 and 2 Biology 1 and 2 Information Technology 1 and 2 Earth Sciences 1 and 2 Technology and theory of research 1 and 2
History
Relevant experience is media, culture or public enterprise-related work
Sport
Teaching Kindergarten Day-care facilities for schoolchildren (SFO)
18
Work in the health and social services sector directed at children and young people Organisational activities aimed at children and young people Experience as a coach/sports instructor/outdoor life guide Organisational activities within sport
Sports and physical education
Teaching Kindergarten Day-care facilities for schoolchildren (SFO) Work in the health and social services sector directed at children and young people Organisational activities aimed at children and young people Experience as a coach/sports instructor/outdoor life guide Organisational activities within sport
Information technology
Work experience from technical disciplines relevant for the programme
Training from technical disciplines relevant for the programme
Requirement for Mathematics R1 or Mathematics S1 + S2
Engineer
Work experience from technical disciplines relevant for the course of study
Training from technical disciplines relevant for the course of study
Requirement for Mathematics R1, R2 and Physics 1
Law
Administrative work Case management Self-employment
The subject mathematics is particularly emphasised
Landscape planning
Land-use planning Relevant administration service Work with cultural landscape Landscape gardener Agriculture and forestry
The subject mathematics is particularly emphasised
Natural sciences Land-use planning Relevant administration service Work with cultural landscape Landscape gardener Agriculture and forestry
Requirement for Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) and one of the following requirements:
Mathematics R2
Physics 1 and 2
Chemistry 1 and 2
Biology 1 and 2
Information Technology 1 and 2
Earth Sciences 1 and 2
19
Technology and theory of research 1 and 2
Nautical science Work experience from maritime, technical and/or management-oriented discipline
Personal trainer Teaching Kindergarten Day-care facilities for schoolchildren (SFO) Work in the health and social services sector directed at children and young people Organisational activities aimed at children and young people Experience as a coach/sports instructor/outdoor life guide Organisational activities within sport
Radiography
Assistant or enrolled nurse at X-ray institute, X-ray department or radiotherapy centre
The subject mathematics is particularly emphasised
Tourism
Administrative work Self-employment Work within outdoor life Work experience from the tourism industry Accounting work Sale of property
The subject mathematics is particularly emphasised
Social sciences
Relevant experience is media, culture or public enterprise-related work
Nursing
Enrolled nurse Nursing assistant
Health worker Enrolled nurse Care worker Course in handling medications (course for enrolled nurses)
The subject mathematics is particularly emphasised A grade of 3 in mathematics and Norwegian included in the Higher Education Entrance Qualification is required from 2019
Social work
Case management work and/or working with clients Case management in connection with national insurance or social welfare measures Work within the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) Work with immigrants Work with drug addicts
Health worker Enrolled nurse Care worker
Youth sociology/sociology
Relevant experience is work in child care and youth services or health and social services sector
20
Social education
Enrolled nurse Nursing assistant Work in group home Support person
Health worker Enrolled nurse Care worker Course in handling medications (course for enrolled nurses)
The subject mathematics is particularly emphasised
Economics and business administration
Work within the economic-administrative area from public or private enterprise. Organisational work
Education within economics/administration
The subject mathematics is particularly emphasised
Economics and Law Administrative work Work within the economic-administrative area from public or private enterprise. Self-employment Organisational work Case management
Education within economics/administration
The subject mathematics is particularly emphasised
12.6. Assessment of prior learning and work experience for admission to PPU-Y
It is only possible to have prior learning and work experience assessed for one of the
admission requirements.
The requirement for relevant work experience is absolute and cannot be met in another
manner.
Two years of higher education (university college graduate programme) and at least five
years of relevant full-time work experience can compensate for the requirement for a
professionally oriented bachelor’s degree and two years of full-time work experience.
Six years of relevant work experience in fields where there is no craft
certificate/journeyman’s certificate or other publicly approved certification (now or earlier)
can compensate for the requirement for a craft/journeyman’s certificate or other completed
3-year vocational education at the upper secondary school level. A prior learning and work
experience assessment by an upper secondary school body can provide exemption from the
requirement for a craft certificate. In that case, this must be documented in writing.
Theoretical vocational education with a minimum length of two years and lengthy and
relevant work experience can compensate for the Higher Education Entrance Qualification
requirement.
60 credits of relevant higher education or one year of vocational theory beyond the upper
secondary school level combined with lengthy and relevant work experience can compensate
for the requirement for two years of theoretical vocational education beyond the upper
secondary school level.
13. Entry into force
The rules take effect from 01.02.2017
