Norway: mapping of international cooperation in higher vocational education

Over the past two decades, mobility in vocational education and training (VET) has significantly increased, aligning with the Osnabrück Declaration objective of making Europe a global reference for learners. Norway is preparing a White Paper on higher vocational education, emphasising international cooperation. In this context, a mapping of such cooperation, focusing on the perceived benefits and challenges by higher vocational colleges, was published in May 2024.

A complex sector

The higher vocational education sector in Norway is diverse, encompassing a wide range of institutions and education offerings. This variety extends to the number of students, subject areas, and study formats, which can be full-time, part-time, or online. The student demographic is equally varied, including individuals of different ages and employment statuses.

Scope and activities

The mapping indicates that many students at higher vocational colleges are enrolled in institutions engaged in international cooperation. However, the extent of this cooperation, in terms of the number of projects and partnerships, remains relatively limited. Most international collaboration involves higher VET employee mobility, collaboration between employees, and educational trips abroad, occasionally including students. Additionally, some students participate in short internships.

Primarily, larger higher vocational colleges with multiple subject areas engage in international cooperation, particularly within major technical subjects that offer professional or higher professional degrees. Some small, specialised colleges also participate due to the absence of national vocational environments.

Purpose and usefulness

The primary aim of international cooperation is to gain insights into professional development globally. This knowledge is applied to the professional development of VET staff and students, and aims to enhance the academic content of existing and new courses. Further, cross-border cooperation provides inspiration for education schemes and organisational development.

Representatives from higher vocational colleges highlight the necessity of understanding cultural and national differences in working life and education, given the increasing internationalisation of the labour market.

Factors influencing international cooperation

The mapping identifies several factors crucial for successful international cooperation:

• network development: establishing a network and finding a basis for cooperation is the initial barrier. Different organisation of higher vocational education across countries can make it challenging to find relevant partners;
• resource constraints: for colleges with short courses, limited resources, numerous digital education offerings, and few students, interest and usefulness seem limited. Adult students who are also working may find mobility beyond short stays challenging;
• administrative competence: implementing international cooperation requires administrative skills, capacity, and resources. Knowledge of funding opportunities, such as Erasmus+, and competence in application writing and project follow-up are essential;
• management support: rooting international cooperation efforts in college management is vital for prioritising and sustaining these activities.

Once networks are established and cooperation begins, it can lead to larger networks and further development of partnerships.

Moving forward

Increased attention to higher vocational education in an international context highlights issues related to variations in the level and organisation of education in different countries, and opportunities for funding international cooperation. Following the Osnabrück Declaration, the Ministry of Education and Research in Norway continues its work on measures supporting the transparency of qualifications and providing opportunities for all learners to engage in flexible and inclusive pathways.

The ministry has announced several initiatives to develop higher vocational education in its forthcoming White Paper, scheduled for release in spring 2025.

Reading more

• Osnabrück Declaration 2020
• Mapping on international cooperation in higher VET
• News item about new White Paper about higher VET