Presenting: Høgskolekandidatgrad
Diploma of tertiary education from Norway which fulfils the requirement of EurEta.

Duration:
two years full-time
EQF: 6

In today’s dynamic and technology-driven world, the educational landscape is a key factor in a country’s economic development and prosperity. Norway, known for its strong economy and high standard of living, relies on a well-educated and versatile labour force. The Høgskolekandidat degree plays an important role in this. But how important is this qualification for the Norwegian economy?

A flexible and practice-orientated degree
The Høgskolekandidatgrad, a two-year academic degree awarded by Norwegian universities (Høgskolen), offers a practice-orientated education that is somewhere between a general university entrance qualification and a bachelor’s degree. This training is less theoretical than traditional university degrees and focuses more on the direct applicability of what has been learnt in everyday working life.

Meeting the demand for skilled labour
In many technical and administrative professions, there is a constant need for well-trained specialists. The Høgskolekandidatgrad aims to fill this gap by producing graduates who are ready for immediate employment. This practical orientation makes the degree particularly valuable for industries such as information technology, engineering and healthcare, where specialised knowledge and skills are in demand.

Fostering innovation
Another key benefit of the Høgskolekandidatgrad is the promotion of innovation. Graduates bring fresh perspectives and practical solutions to their work environments. At a time when technological advances and innovative business models determine the success of organisations, such qualifications are invaluable. The ability to put theoretical knowledge directly into practice accelerates development processes and promotes efficiency.

Contribution to economic stability
The Norwegian economy benefits from the flexibility and adaptability provided by the Høgskolekandidat degree. Graduates are able to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and take on new challenges. This contributes to overall economic stability and strengthens the labour market’s resilience to global economic fluctuations.
Social mobility and equal opportunities
The Høgskolekandidatgrad also offers an important opportunity for social mobility. It enables people who may not have the means or desire to complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree to still receive a high-quality and recognised education. This promotes equal opportunities and contributes to a more inclusive society in which more people have the opportunity to achieve their career goals.

Conclusion
The Høgskolekandidatgrad is much more than just an intermediate qualification. It is a key element of the Norwegian educational and economic landscape. By providing practical training that meets the current needs of the labour market, it contributes significantly to meeting the demand for skilled workers, promoting innovation and economic stability. It also promotes social mobility and equal opportunities, which contributes to a more sustainable and inclusive economy in the long term. At a time when flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly are becoming increasingly important, the Høgskolekandidatgrad remains an indispensable building block for Norway’s economic success.