Frequently Asked Questions about Admission to the Police Education

Higher Education Entrance Qualification

What is Higher Education Entrance Qualification  ?

Higher Education Entrance Qualification     is the most common path to higher education and qualifies you to study at universities and colleges. You can achieve general study competence in many different ways, but the most common are:

• Completed 3-year upper secondary education
• Vocational education with supplementary studies
• The 23/5 rule

How do I document Higher Education Entrance Qualification?

Higher Education Entrance Qualification can be documented in a variety of ways.

Approved documentation of results from upper secondary education includes diplomas and certificates of competence. You cannot use printouts of exam records, from PrivatistWeb, or mid-term assessments.

It is your responsibility to upload the correct documentation at the right time.

I will obtain Higher Education Entrance Qualification during the spring semester - can I apply?

No. You must have Higher Education Entrance Qualification by March 1 of the year you apply for admission. If you complete upper secondary education and obtain general study competence in the spring, i.e., in May or June, you must wait until the next year to apply for admission.

I have education from abroad – can I apply?

Yes, you can apply for admission. Applicants with education from abroad can also be admitted to the police education, as long as they meet all the admission requirements.

You must document that your education is equivalent to Higher Education Entrance Qualification. The documentation you need to submit depends on the country where you obtained your education.

Read about how to document foreign education

Applicants with foreign education must also meet Politihøgskolen's grade requirements in Norwegian.

Read about how the requirement is met when you have education from abroad

Experience-based Qualification

How do I apply for admission with experience-based qualification?

You apply via samordnaopptak.no by the deadline of March 1.

When you apply for police education based on experience-based qualification, you must document that you meet all admission requirements, except for the requirement of Higher Education Entrance Qualification. You must be 25 years or older in the year you apply for admission and have at least five years of relevant experience. You can cover up to two years of the experience requirement with previous education.

How do I document experience-based qualification?

You document relevant work experience with certificates from your employer. The documentation must include:

• Information about the start and end date (the period you were employed), as well as the percentage of the position or the total number of hours worked
• Certificates must include a job description or information about the job content so that the Police Academy can assess whether your experience is relevant or not

Relevant education is documented with diplomas, competence certificates, or transcripts.

What is considered relevant experience?

There are strict requirements for what is considered relevant experience. The Police Academy assesses whether you have enough relevant experience based on the documentation you submit.

Examples of relevant employers are:

The Armed Forces, Civil Defense, Prison Service, Fire and Rescue Service, Customs Service, Police and Sheriff Service, healthcare, or security companies.

There are requirements that you have had a relevant job type or relevant tasks. For example, you may have worked as a paramedic, social worker, security guard, officer, prison officer, or similar.

Examples of education that are considered relevant are:

Secondary school, technical college, folk high school, higher education, officer school, Customs School, and Prison School. You can get up to two years of education counted as relevant experience.

Other things that can be counted are:

Military service is considered relevant experience.

Only exceptionally can you get credit for courses. For a course to give credit, it must be relevant and have lasted at least three months.

What is not considered relevant experience?

Since the requirements for what is considered relevant experience are quite strict, many forms of experience will be considered not relevant.

A few examples of experience that are not considered relevant are if you have worked as a shop assistant, electrician, carpenter, cook, waiter, guide, cleaner, warehouse worker, or in sales.

I have worked part-time - can that be included?

Yes, part-time work can be included. If you have worked part-time, this is converted to full-time. For example, if you have worked in a 50 percent position for two years, this is converted to one year of full-time work.

How am I ranked as a experience-based qualified applicant?

Real competence applicants are ranked based on a holistic discretionary assessment and compete for a study place based on that assessment.

Grade Requirements in Norwegian

Which Norwegian grades are included in the grade requirement?

The grade requirement in Norwegian is assessed based on your grades in written Norwegian main language. We consider the average of your final grade and exam grade in written Norwegian main language, and the average must be 3 or higher.

Example: If you have a 2 as your final grade and a 3 on the exam, your average is 2.5, and you do not meet the grade requirement in Norwegian. If you have a 2 on the exam and a 4 as your final grade, your average is 3, and you meet the grade requirement in Norwegian.

I am a final-year student and will not receive my Norwegian grades until spring - can I apply for admission?

No. If you complete upper secondary school and the Norwegian exam in the spring, you cannot apply for admission. You must meet the grade requirement in Norwegian by March 1 of the year you apply for admission.

Can the grade requirement in Norwegian be met in other ways?

Yes, it is possible to meet the Norwegian grade requirement in other ways.

As long as you have completed the subject Norwegian (393 hours) as part of your upper secondary education, you may fulfill the grade requirement if you have earned at least 20 ECTS credits in the subject Norwegian/Nordic from higher education, with an average grade of D (or an equivalent grade under the previous grading system).

Please note that language training in Norwegian does not count, and it is not sufficient that you have completed higher education where the instruction was conducted in Norwegian. Courses assessed with a “Pass” grade cannot be included in the credits used to meet the average grade requirement of grade 3 in written Norwegian (main form).

For applicants with education from outside the Nordic countries
Applicants who have not completed the subject Norwegian (393 hours) in upper secondary education may meet the requirement of minimum grade 3 in written Norwegian (main form) by achieving a specified result in an approved Norwegian language test or examination.

I have a lower grade than 3 in written Norwegian main language, but a higher grade in oral Norwegian - does that help?

No. The grade requirement in Norwegian only applies to written Norwegian main language, specifically the average of your final grade and exam grade. Grades in oral Norwegian or secondary language are not included.

Example: If you have a 5 in oral Norwegian, a 4 in secondary language, a 2 as your final grade, and a 3 on the exam in written Norwegian main language, your average in written Norwegian main language is 2.5. Therefore, you do not meet the grade requirement in Norwegian, even if you have better grades in oral Norwegian and secondary language.

I have completed my education abroad - how can I meet the grade requirement in Norwegian?

If you have education from abroad, you can meet the grade requirement of 3 in written Norwegian main language with one of the following tests:

Subject, test, or exam	Result
Norsk Vg3 (393 hours) from Norwegian upper secondary school	3 or better in written Norwegian main language
From autumn 2009 Test in Norwegian higher level, written and oral	Passed both tests
Up to and including spring 2009 Test in Norwegian - higher level, written and oral	At least 450 points on the written test and at least 500 points on the oral test
Level 3 in Norwegian, letter grade	C or better
Level 3 in Norwegian, numerical grade	2.9 or better
1-year course in Norwegian language and social studies for foreign students, letter grade	C or better
1-year course in Norwegian language and social studies for foreign students, numerical grade	2.9 or better
Norwegian test from HK-dir	At least B2 in all four skills
Combination of Test in Norwegian - higher level, written and Norwegian test from HK-dir, final test in oral communication	Passed the Test in Norwegian - higher level, written and at least B2 on the final test in oral communication
Combination of the Test in Norwegian - higher level, oral and the Norwegian test from HK-dir, final exams in reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and written production	Passed the Test in Norwegian higher level oral and at least B2 on the final exams in reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and written production.

Remember that this applies to individuals with education from abroad.

Read about how to document these tests

Remember that separate rules apply for applicants with education from Sweden or Denmark. A sufficiently high grade in Swedish and Danish can also meet the grade requirement in Norwegian

Driver's License Class B

How do I document a class B driver's license?

If you obtained your driver's license in Norway, you do not need to document it. Politihøgskolen checks the driver's license directly with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen).

If you obtained your driver's license abroad, you must upload a picture of both the front and back of the license on samordnaopptak.no.

I only have an automatic transmission driver's license - is it accepted?

Yes, it is accepted.

I obtained my driver's license after the deadline of August 1 - can exceptions be made?

No. The requirement for a driver's license by August 1 is stipulated in regulations, and no exceptions are made.

When you take police education, you will receive training in emergency driving in the second year of study. To participate in this, you must have had a class B driver's license for at least two years.

I have a driver's license from another country - is it accepted?

If you have a class B driver's license from another EU/EEA country, it is accepted on par with a Norwegian driver's license.

Important: Politihøgskolen checks whether applicants meet the driver's license requirement directly with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, so you usually do not need to upload documentation of your driver's license. However, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration only has information that you have a driver's license if it was obtained in Norway. Therefore, if you have a driver's license from abroad, you must document this yourself. You document it by uploading a picture of both the front and back of the driver's license on samordnaopptak.no.

If you have a driver's license from a country outside the EU or EEA, you must contact the Norwegian Public Roads Administration to obtain documentation that it is approved as a class B driver's license and upload this on samordnaopptak.no.

Read more at statensvegvesen.no

Norwegian Citizenship

I have dual citizenship - is it accepted?

Yes, it is accepted. As long as you are registered with Norwegian citizenship in the National Registry (Folkeregisteret) by March 1 of the year you apply for admission, you can also have another citizenship.

Clean Criminal Record

How do I obtain a comprehensive and extended police certificate?

You must apply for a police certificate, and the application must be sent to the police.

To apply for a comprehensive and extended police certificate, you need confirmation of a valid purpose. You should use the receipt for your application as the purpose confirmation when applying for the police certificate.

You can find the receipt in your inbox on samordnaopptak.no after you have applied for admission to the police education. Save the receipt by taking a screenshot of it and upload the screenshot when you apply for the police certificate.

When applying for the police certificate, select the category "Students" and the purpose "Student - Police University College."

We recommend applying for the police certificate online as soon as possible after you have applied for admission to the police education.

Apply for a certificate of conduct at politiet.no

I have a remark on my police certificate - does that mean I cannot be admitted?

If you have received a fine, accepted a penalty notice, unconditional or conditional imprisonment, community service, or other criminal sanctions, this will appear on your police certificate, and you are generally not considered to have a clean record. However, all applicants are assessed individually, and you may be considered to have a clean record even if you have a remark on your police certificate.

When Politihøgskolen assesses whether you have a clean record despite having something on your police certificate, we consider factors such as the type of offense, whether the offense was serious or minor, the penalty imposed, and whether the offense occurred a long time ago. An example of an offense that may still allow you to be considered to have a clean record is if you received a fine for speeding a few years ago but did not lose your driver's license.

Practice for serious offenses

Politihøgskolen has a strict practice when assessing the requirement for a clean record if you have committed serious offenses. This includes, for example, driving under the influence, acts of violence, or drug offenses. Applicants with such and other serious matters on their police certificate will be assessed individually but will generally not meet the requirement for a clean record.

I have an old police certificate - can it be used?

No. The police certificate you use when applying for admission to the police education must be issued after February 1 of the year you apply for admission, and it must have the purpose "Student - Politihøgskolen". Certificates that are too old or have the wrong purpose will not be accepted.

Where should I send the police certificate?

You should send the police certificate via Digipost to "Politihøgskolen - opptak".

The police certificate contains sensitive personal information and should therefore not be uploaded to samordnaopptak.no.

The deadline for submitting the police certificate is March 20.

Medical Requirements

How do I document the medical requirements?

You document that you meet the medical requirements by submitting a fully completed version of the Politihøgskolen's medical certificate. Remember that additional information about your health may be needed if you have an illness or diagnosis.

Read the guidelines for medical assessment (NO)

Can I use an old medical certificate?

Your medical certificate must not be completed more than six months before you submit it. If your medical certificate was completed more than six months before you submit it, you must go to the doctor to have it filled out again.

You must use the Politihøgskolen's own medical certificate. It is fine if you have used an old form (e.g., forms marked "Opptak 2022," "Opptak 2023," or "Opptak 2024"), as long as it was completed no more than six months ago.

How do I submit the medical certificate?

The medical certificate must be sent via Digipost to "Politihøgskolen - opptak" no later than March 20.

I am abroad - can a doctor here fill out the medical certificate?

The doctor you go to must be authorized to practice in Norway, and there are no exceptions to this requirement. Most doctors abroad do not have Norwegian authorization. If you find a doctor abroad with Norwegian authorization, they can fill out the medical certificate.

What does it mean that the doctor must have Norwegian authorization?

To work as a doctor in Norway, you need authorization. A doctor with Norwegian authorization or who is authorized means that they are allowed to work as a doctor in Norway.

Can my doctor perform all the necessary examinations?

Your general practitioner can probably perform most of the examinations needed to complete your medical certificate. However, you should contact your doctor as early as possible to get information about what they can do and what you may need to do elsewhere.

For example, it may not be possible to take the necessary vision test with your doctor. In that case, you must go to an optician to complete the part of the medical certificate that deals with vision.

It is also not uncommon for you to have to go to another place for a hearing test. Your doctor can inform you more about this.

We recommend that you start the process of completing the medical certificate as early as possible. However, remember that the medical certificate and attachments must not be older than six months when you submit them.

Are any diagnoses disqualifying?

Yes, some diagnoses mean that you cannot be admitted to the police education.

Below you can see a brief overview of some diagnoses we often get questions about. Some of the diagnoses are disqualifying, while others mean that we need more information to assess whether you meet the medical requirements.

Disqualifying diagnoses

• Type 1 diabetes
• Epilepsy with seizures and/or use of anti-epileptic drugs in the last 10 years
• Severe chronic inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's or ulcerative colitis)
• Total color blindness (achromatopsia)
• Ongoing mental illness
• Severe mental disorder or psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder (type 1)

Diagnoses where we need additional documentation

• Allergy with severe immediate reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Asthma
• Childhood epilepsy or Rolandic epilepsy
• Previously diagnosed/undiagnosed ADHD or ADD
• Medical history with mental illness such as anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, trauma disorder, or eating disorder
• Bipolar affective disorder type 2
• Mild forms of chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• Mild forms of joint disease
• Sleep apnea
• Remember that these lists are not exhaustive.

Read our guidelines for medical assessment (NO)

How is my documentation assessed?

If you have an illness or diagnosis, you must submit documentation in addition to the medical certificate. You must obtain the documentation from your doctor or from specialist health services.

If, after reading your medical certificate and/or additional documentation, we still believe something is missing to determine whether you meet the medical requirements, you will receive a deficiency letter from us. The deficiency letter will state exactly what we need from you. You will then also receive a deadline to submit the missing documentation. If you do not submit the documentation we have requested within the deadline in the deficiency letter, you cannot continue in the admission process.

Does the medical certificate have to be filled out by hand?

Politihøgskolen's medical certificate is a PDF form that you and your doctor can fill out digitally if you wish. However, the form must be signed at the end, and this must be done on paper.

Important: Both you and the doctor must sign the medical certificate for it to be processed.

Do I need to undergo a spirometry test?

Only applicants who have or have had asthma (or another lung disease) must submit results from a spirometry test. If you have never had asthma or another lung disease, you do not need to take a spirometry test.

Physical Tests

When and where are the physical tests?

Physical tests will be conducted in Oslo, from mid-May to early June.

Who will be called for physical tests?

To be considered for participation in the physical tests, you must meet the admission requirements and have completed both the digital tests and the video interview.

The Police University College may adjust the number of applicants invited to the physical tests if necessary. Based on previous years’ experience, we assess how many candidates need to be invited to ensure all study places are filled. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the planned invitations, competition for a spot will occur.

All applicants who meet the admission requirements and have completed both the digital tests and the video interview are ranked according to their competitive score as of March 1. A set number of the highest-ranked applicants will then be invited. The score of the last invited applicant becomes the cutoff for participation in the physical tests. This cutoff score cannot be determined in advance.

When will I receive the call for physical tests?

Invitations to the physical tests are sent out in early May. Applicants who do not qualify will be notified on the same day

How do I register for physical tests?

You will receive all the necessary information in your invitation email, which will be sent out at the very beginning of May.

The email will include a link to a registration website where you can select the date and time for your physical tests. The website will open at the time specified in the email, and you will not be able to register before it opens. You can only choose from the available time slots, and you must log in and complete the registration yourself.

There is enough capacity for all applicants who receive an invitation. However, if you need a specific date or time, we recommend registering as soon as possible. Time slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Digital Tests

Can I take the tests on my mobile?

You can choose whether to take the tests on your mobile or PC; both work equally well.

What does the privacy statement and consent at the beginning mean?

The first thing you will encounter is a consent form allowing us to store your test data. You must check that you have read and understood this before you can proceed.

The next question is whether we can use data from the admission process to compare with the results of those who enter the police education and complete the practice year. This way, we can further improve the admission process in the future. You must check whether you wish to participate or not. Participation is entirely voluntary, and your answer will not affect your admission opportunities.

Should I take the tests in a specific order?

You can take the tests and the video interview in any order you prefer. It might be wise to start with the tests so that you take them when you are most alert.

How long do the tests and video interview take?

It usually takes about an hour and a half to complete the tests and video interview. The time required varies, so make sure to allocate enough time.

Do I have to take all the tests consecutively?

No, you can take the tests at different times or with breaks in between. However, once you start a test, you must complete it. The tests can only be taken once.

Do I need to notify you that I have taken the tests?

No, you do not need to notify us when you have taken the tests. This is automatically registered.

Can I have someone else in the room when I take the tests and video interview?

No, you should be alone in the room when you take the tests and video interview. Our clear experience is that test results are weaker for those who have someone else in the room compared to those who take the tests alone.

I am in an area with poor internet throughout the test period - what should I do?

The tests are fully downloaded before they start, so if you manage to start the test, it usually works well. If the test locks or you encounter other problems during the test, you must contact AON Assessment, the test provider. Please take a screenshot of what happened; this makes trouble shooting the issue easier.

Contact AON Assessment at kontakt@aon-assessment.com.

If the tests are not available to you at all, you must contact the Admissions Office at Politihøgskolen at opptak@phs.no or 23 19 99 00.

Do you check for cheating in the tests?

Yes. You may be selected to retake the tests in a "spot check." This will be based on a random selection. If you are selected, you will be notified with further information.

What happens if I do not complete on time?

Both the tests and the video interview are mandatory. If you do not complete the tests and video interview within the deadline, you cannot continue in this year's admission to the Police University College. Your application will then be rejected.

How does the ADEPT-15 personality test work?

When you start the test, you will receive some sample tasks to practice on before the actual test begins. You will be asked to choose between two statements and find the one that best describes you. You may find that both statements apply well to you, or that neither statement applies much to you—this is entirely normal. It is not necessary for all the statements you choose to be entirely accurate for you. Try to compare the statements and see if one fits a little better than the other.

Why is the personality test designed this way?

In the ADEPT-15 personality test, you must choose between various pairs of desirable and less desirable traits. This means there is little to gain by presenting yourself differently than you are. Although it can sometimes be challenging to take the test, we believe it provides a better and fairer process for everyone.

What is a video interview?

In a video interview, you will receive written questions on the screen. You will then have a few minutes to prepare your answer before recording a short video of yourself answering the question. You will receive a total of five questions. If you are not entirely satisfied with your answer to a question, you can try again once.

The tests were difficult!

The difficulty of the tests is adjusted based on your answers, so everyone will find the tests somewhat challenging. If you found the tests difficult, it does not mean you performed poorly.

Something went wrong with my test, and now it is locked - what should I do?

Contact Aon Assessment at kontakt@aon-assessment.com.

The email is monitored between 09:00 and 16:00 on weekdays.

I have other questions about the tests

For questions about the tests or video interview, or for technical assistance, contact Aon Assessment at kontakt@aon-assessment.com or phone 22 36 10 35.  This support service is available on weekdays between 09:00 and 16:00.

For questions about the suitability assessment or the admission process in general, contact the Admissions Office at  opptak@phs.no or 23 19 99 00.

Suitability

What is the basic assessment?

The basic assessment is when the admissions committee evaluates your results from the digital tests and video interview, as well as any information about you in the police registers. In the basic assessment, the admissions committee can either find you suitable or decide that they need an extended interview with you.

What is an extended interview?

If the committee is unsure about your suitability—either based on your test results, video interview, or information about you in the police registers—you will be given the opportunity to conduct an extended interview via Teams.

An extended interview is conducted on Teams by a member of the admissions committee. The interview lasts about 45 minutes and follows a standardized interview template to ensure all applicants are treated as equally as possible.

After the extended interview, the admissions committee makes a comprehensive assessment of whether you are suitable for admission to the police education.

When will I know if I need to attend an extended interview?

If you are called for an extended interview, you will be notified by mid-June at the latest. You will then receive information on how to book a time for the extended interview. If you are called for an extended interview, you must book it as soon as possible.

If you passed the physical tests but have not received a call for an extended interview by mid-June, it means you have been found suitable for admission to the police education.

When will I know if I passed the suitability assessment?

Applicants who are found suitable will not receive a separate notification. The answer will be given in the main admission on July 20, where you will either receive an offer of a study place or a place on the waiting list.

Applicants who are not found suitable will receive a rejection of their application during the first week of July.

I have passed the suitability assessment before, do I need to take it again?

Yes. Applicants must complete and pass the suitability assessment in the year they apply for admission. The only exception is applicants who have been granted a reservation of their study place from last year or the year before—they do not need to take the suitability assessment again.

Other Questions

When is the application deadline for the police education?

The application deadline is March 1 each year.

Why do I have to send the cover letter, medical certificate, and police certificate via Digipost?

Both the cover letter, medical certificate, and police certificate contain sensitive personal information, and this type of information cannot be uploaded to samordnaopptak.no. If you upload this type of information to samordnaopptak.no, it will be deleted. Therefore, it must be sent via Digipost to "Politihøgskolen - opptak".

When will I receive a response to my application?

You will receive a response to your application in the main admission round on July 20. You can find the response by logging in to samordnaopptak.no.

What is the point threshold for admission?

The point threshold varies from year to year and is not set by Politihøgskolen. The point thresholds are determined by the scores of the applicants in each admission round.

Competition for study places

To be admitted to the police education, you must meet all admission requirements, including passing the admission tests. If you do, you are a qualified applicant and will compete for a study place. The competition takes place by ranking all qualified applicants based on their competition score. Study places are then offered from the top of the list down until all study places are filled. The score of the last applicant offered a study place becomes the point threshold for admission.

If you have a higher score than the point threshold, you will be offered a study place. If you have a lower score than the point threshold, you will be offered a place on the waiting list.

Point thresholds in 2025

• Oslo: 52.6
• Stavern: 50.8
• Bodø: 47.7
• Alta: 44.6

Point thresholds in 2024

• Oslo: 52.1
• Stavern: 50.7
• Bodø: 46.1

Point thresholds in 2023

• Oslo: 54.5
• Stavern: 53.1
• Bodø: 51.4

What is the difference between the 23/5-rule and experience-based competence?

Since both the 23/5 rule and experience-based competence include requirements for work experience, it is very easy to confuse the two.

Simply put, the 23/5 rule is just an alternative way to document Higher Education Entrence qualification, while experience-based competence is an exception to the requirement for Higher Education Entrence qualification.

Experience-based competence

You can only apply for admission based on experience-based competence if you do not have Higher Education Entrence qualification. You must be 25 years or older in the year of admission, and you must have at least five years of relevant work experience. As an experience-based applicant, you must also meet all other admission requirements, including the grade requirement in Norwegian.

As an experience-based applicant, you cannot be ranked by points. Politihøgskolen makes a holistic discretionary assessment of your application, and you compete for a place based on that assessment.

Read more about experience-based competence

23/5-rule

The requirements to apply for admission under the 23/5 rule are that you turn 23 years or older in the year of admission, have completed all the study competence subjects, and have five years of work experience. Under the 23/5 rule, there is no requirement that the work experience must be relevant. As a 23/5 applicant, you must also meet all admission requirements, including the grade requirement in Norwegian.

If you have Higher Education Entrance Qualification both under the 23/5 rule and in another way, we calculate which basis is best for you and always use the basis that gives you the most points.

What is the age limit for getting a study place?

There is no age limit for admission to the police education, as long as you meet all the admission requirements.

Since you generally complete secondary school the year you turn 19, and there is a requirement for Higher Education Entrance Qualification by March 1 of the year you apply, for most people, this means that you can first apply the year you turn 20.

Can I apply for other educations while applying for the police education?

Yes. In total, it is possible to list 10 study preferences in the application on samordnaopptak.no.

Do I need to have completed military service?

No. There is no requirement that you must have completed military service, but military service gives additional points.

Military service, civil service, folk high school, technical college, or 60 credits of other higher education all give two additional points in the admission process. A maximum of two additional points are awarded. This means that if you have completed both military service and folk high school, you only get two additional points in total.

Is there any other education that gives me an advantage in the admission process?

No, there are no specific educations that will affect your chances of getting a study place in the police education.

However, higher education of 60 credits or more will give two additional points in the admission process. 30-59 credits give one additional point. All qualified applicants compete for a study place based on their competition score, and the higher your score, the better your chances in the competition.

If you plan to take other education before the police education, it may be wise to study subjects that can provide you with knowledge or useful perspectives for the police education. This could be education in psychology, sociology, political science, criminology, sports, or legal subjects.

I meet all the admission requirements - does that mean I get a study place?

Hopefully! If you meet all the admission requirements - including passing the admission tests - you are a qualified applicant and are in the competition for a study place.

The competition takes place by ranking all qualified applicants based on their competition score. Study places are then offered from the top of the list down until all study places are filled. The score of the last applicant offered a study place becomes the point threshold for admission.

If you have a higher score than the point threshold, you will be offered a study place. If you have a lower score than the point threshold, you will be offered a place on the waiting list.

When and how do I document grade improvements or additional points?

A good tip is to submit documentation of grade improvements and additional points as early as possible.

Documentation before admission tests

There may be competition for places in physical tests. In this competition, the competition score you have obtained by March 1 is used. Therefore, it is important that you submit all documentation of additional points and grade improvements early so that your score is as high as possible. The documentation deadline here is March 20.

Documentation after admission tests

If you are called in for admission tests and pass them, you will compete for a study place. You can then submit documentation of grade improvements or additional points until July 1. In the competition for a study place, we use the score you have documented by July 1.

Is it possible to get an extension on the application deadline?

No. You must have submitted your application through samordnaopptak.no by midnight on March 1.

I am on the waiting list - what happens next?

If you do not succeed in the competition for a study place in the main admission round, you will be offered a place on the waiting list. If you want to be on the waiting list, you must accept it by the deadline stated in your offer letter. You can find the offer letter on samordnaopptak.no.

After the response deadline in the main admission round has passed, a supplementary admission round will be conducted. This means that new offers of study places will be sent out if someone has declined the offer.

In the first supplementary admission round, applicants on the waiting list who receive a new offer will lose their old offer. This means that if you received an offer in the main admission round but get a new offer in the supplementary admission round, you will lose the offer from the main admission round. You must respond to the new offer by the deadline stated in your offer letter.

Sometimes, additional supplementary admission rounds are needed. In the subsequent supplementary admission rounds, you will not lose previous offers until you accept a new one. If you accept the new offer, you will lose the old one. You cannot be registered with more than one "Yes" response on samordnaopptak.no.

I did not get a study place - can I show up anyway?

Vacant study places will be filled exclusively based on the waiting list. Therefore, there is no point in showing up if you have not been offered a study place. We ask that you do not show up if you have not been offered a study place.

Can I get a job in the police without police education?

There are many positions in the police force that do not require police education. The difference is that you are then employed in a so-called "civil position" and are not a police officer.

There are people in the police who are lawyers, psychologists, social scientists, who have education in HR, IT, economics, accounting, communication, or management - to name a few. These people often do not have what is often thought of as "classic police tasks," but there are also many with backgrounds in, for example, economics or IT who work with the investigation of economic crime or cybercrime.

For information on what educational or experience background is required for various civil positions in the police force, you must contact a police district or the special agency where you want to work. You can also read job advertisements, which describe the background they are looking for.

Do you need security clearance to enter the police education?

You do not need security clearance to be admitted as a student at Politihøgskolen. Security clearance is also not conducted during the education. This means that you can complete the police education without worrying about security clearance during your studies.

However, for some positions or functions in the police, security clearance is required. This applies to very few positions in the police. This means that you can plan to complete the police education and then work in patrol, prevention, or investigation without needing security clearance.

It is still important to be aware that you may be excluded from certain positions or functions in the police if you are from or have connections to selected countries, according to PST's annual threat assessment and other information from PST. Connections can include, for example, a cohabitant, partner, or other close persons. Security clearance is assessed individually by the Civil Clearance Authority. Country background can therefore affect whether you can get certain positions that require security clearance after you have graduated.

Is it difficult to get a job in the police?

In recent years, it has taken some time for graduates to secure employment after completing police education. However, the situation has improved significantly. Today, more graduates are finding jobs quickly, and many are securing permanent positions earlier than before.

According to data from the Norwegian Police Directorate in the autumn of 2025, over 90% of those who graduated this summer had found employment just over two months after completing their studies. More than a third of them had already obtained permanent positions. The same trend applies to earlier graduating classes - many are employed, and an increasing number are securing permanent roles sooner. In short, the waiting time has become much shorter.

The Police University College offers a three-year bachelor's degree that qualifies you to work in the police force.There is no automatic job placement after graduation, so you must apply for positions yourself - nationwide. As in many other professions, most graduates begin with temporary contracts before moving into permanent roles.

I have police education from another country - can I work as a police officer in Norway?

In dialogue with the Police Directorate, Politihøgskolen can offer individuals with foreign police education a written test to acquire documented satisfactory knowledge of legislation and other regulations considered to be of particular importance for the police profession in Norway.

This arrangement does not correspond to an approval or authorization scheme but is an offer to increase one's competence. It will then be up to the individual police chief to decide whether you qualify for a police job.

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