Norwegian for adult immigrants

Updated: 29 June 2023

Next update: 21 June 2024

Participants in Norwegian language training and social studies
Participants in Norwegian language training and social studies
2022
28 379
Main figures for Norwegian language training
Main figures for Norwegian language training
Number of participantsChange in percent
202120222021 - 2022
Norwegian language training and social studies1 22 19928 37927.8
Males7 4258 83118.9
Females14 77419 54832.3
Norwegian language training for asylum seekers1 3601 096204.4
1Respectively 155 persons in 2021 and 222 persons in 2020 participated in both schemes during the year.
Explanation of symbols

Selected tables and charts from this statistics

  • Participants in Norwegian language training and social studies for adult immigrants by age and sex
    Participants in Norwegian language training and social studies for adult immigrants by age and sex
    2022
    TotalMalesFemales
    ParticipantsParticipantsParticipants (per cent)ParticipantsParticipants (per cent)
    Total28 3798 83131.119 54868.9
    16-25 years3 1231 22539.21 89860.8
    26-35 years10 7633 10028.87 66371.2
    36-45 years8 9192 74330.86 17669.2
    46-55 years3 8731 20431.12 66968.9
    56 years or older1 70155932.91 14267.1
    Explanation of symbols
  • Participants in Norwegian language training and social studies for adult immigrants by region of residence and sex
    Participants in Norwegian language training and social studies for adult immigrants by region of residence and sex
    2022
    TotalMalesFemales
    ParticipantsParticipantsParticipants (per cent)ParticipantsParticipants (per cent)
    The whole country28 3798 83131.119 54868.9
    Viken6 3171 91730.34 40069.7
    Oslo3 2201 10634.32 11465.7
    Innlandet1 95559630.51 35969.5
    Vestfold og Telemark1 98558829.61 39770.4
    Agder2 00159529.71 40670.3
    Rogaland2 57975729.41 82270.6
    Vestland3 2771 06932.62 20867.4
    Møre og Romsdal1 66248729.31 17570.7
    Trøndelag - Trööndelage2 57383332.41 74067.6
    Nordland - Nordlánnda1 32839429.793470.3
    Troms og Finnmark - Romsa ja Finnmárku1 48248933.099367.0
    Explanation of symbols
  • Participants in Norwegian language training and social studies for adult immigrants by level of education and sex
    Participants in Norwegian language training and social studies for adult immigrants by level of education and sex
    2022
    TotalMalesFemales
    ParticipantsParticipantsParticipants (per cent)ParticipantsParticipants (per cent)
    Total28 3798 831100.019 548100.0
    No completed education226440.51820.9
    Basic school level3 5971 31014.82 28711.7
    Upper secondary education7652683.04972.5
    Higher education, short2 3337038.01 6308.3
    Higher education, long1 4595125.89474.8
    Unknown level of education19 9405 97767.713 96371.4
    Explanation of symbols
  • Participants in Norwegian language training and social studies for adult immigrants by duration of residence and sex
    Participants in Norwegian language training and social studies for adult immigrants by duration of residence and sex
    2022
    TotalMalesFemales
    ParticipantsParticipantsParticipants (per cent)ParticipantsParticipants (per cent)
    Total28 3798 83131.119 54868.9
    Under one year of residence12 0253 51029.28 51570.8
    1 year of residence4 7541 78637.62 96862.4
    2 years of residence3 3131 17235.42 14164.6
    3 years of residence3 3521 06331.72 28968.3
    4 years of residence1 99850725.41 49174.6
    5 years of residence1 35436226.799273.3
    6 years and more of residence1 58343127.21 15272.8
    Explanation of symbols
  • Participants in Norwegian language training and social studies for adult immigrants by right in the introduction act and sex
    Participants in Norwegian language training and social studies for adult immigrants by right in the introduction act and sex
    2022
    TotalMalesFemales
    ParticipantsParticipantsParticipants (per cent)ParticipantsParticipants (per cent)
    Total28 3798 83131.119 54868.9
    Right8 6732 13824.76 53575.3
    Right and obligation17 5495 81033.111 73966.9
    Obligation2 15788340.91 27459.1
    Explanation of symbols

About the statistics

The statistics includes (1) participants in Norwegian language training and social studies, (2) participants in Norwegian language training for asylum seekers and (3) test results for the Norwegian language test and social studies test. The schemes are governed by the Introduction Act.

Participant in Norwegian language training and social studies

Person with the right and/or obligation to participate in Norwegian language training and social studies pursuant to The Introduction Act at the start of the calendar year, who have taken part in at least one hour of lessons during the year. Statistics from Skills Norway cover all test results, including tests that were submitted by persons who are not covered by The Introduction Act.

Right and/or obligation to participate

Age and basis for residence pursuant to the Immigration Act determine whether a person has the right and/or obligation to participate . The right is defined as an entitlement to a specific number of hours of free training in Norwegian language and social studies. The obligation emphasises the expectation of individual responsibility to participate in the training. Persons with the obligation, but not right to participate, shall pay for the training.

The Introduction Act does not include any provisions on sanctions in the event of non-compliance with the obligation. However, as from 1 January 2017, permanent residence under the Immigration Act and Norwegian citizenship pursuant to the Norwegian Nationality Act will be conditional on documentation of completed mandatory studies pursuant to the Introduction Act, as well as linguistic skills at a certain level and a pass in the final exam in social studies.

Read more about Norwegian Language training and social studies on IMDi's website.

Participant in Norwegian language training for asylum seekers

Person residing in an asylum reception center who has participated in at least 1 hour of Norwegian language training for asylum seekers during the calendar yer.

Person who has taken the Norwegian language test

Person with the right and/or obligation to participate in Norwegian language training and social studies pursuant to the Introduction Act, who has taken at least one of the four parts of the Norwegian exam during the calendar year.

Person who has taken the social studies test

Person with the right and/or obligation to participate in Norwegian language training and social studies pursuant to the Introduction Act, who has taken at least one test in social studies during the calendar year.

Country of birth

Refers to the country where a person was born, that is the mother's country of residence at te time of birth.

Period of residence

A person’s period of residence in whole years calculated from the date of first immigration to the end of the statistical year.

Reason for immigration

Is the basis for initial immigration of non-Nordic citizens. The variable is only used in tables up to the statistical year 2014.

Name: Norwegian for adult immigrants
Topic: Education

21 June 2024

Division for Population Statistics

National, county and municipality level

Annual

Not relevant

The data are stored as annual files in Statistics Norway

The purpose of the statistics is to elucidate the participation in Norwegian language training and social studies of adult immigrants who have the right and/or obligation to such training, participation in Norwegian language training of asylum seekers, and the results of the Norwegian language test for immigrants subject to the Introduction Act.

The statistics were compiled by Statistics Norway for the first time in 2013 with data on participants in Norwegian language training and social studies for 2010 and exam results for 2011. For the statistical years 2010-2014, figures on participants in Norwegian language training for asylum seekers were published along with the figures for other participants in Norwegian language training and social studies. Since 2014, the statistics for participants in Norwegian language studies for asylum seekers have been published in a separate table. Figures for 2014 are published in both of the time series.

The statistics are funded by the Ministry of Education, and previously by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. Together with the statistics on participants in the Introduction programme, these statistics help to provide a better knowledge base about the participants of the two schemes in the Introduction Act.

Norwegian language training and social studies for newly arrived immigrants

The Act on an introduction programme and Norwegian language training for newly arrived immigrants (the Introduction Act) gives newly arrived immigrants the right and/or obligation to participate in Norwegian language training and social studies (Section 17). Local authorities are responsible for safeguarding such provision for immigrants who are resident in the municipality. The content of the training is regulated by The national curriculum in Norwegian language and social studies for adult immigrants.

The Introduction Act stipulates the right and/or obligation to attend 300 hours of lessons in Norwegian and social studies from 1 September 2005. On 1 January 2012, the number of hours for those who have the right or the right and obligation to such training increased from 300 to 600 for those who were granted a residence permit subsequent to that date. Fifty of the hours shall constitute social studies in a language that the participant understands. The right and the right and obligation are initially granted for up to three years after the first residence permit is granted.

Immigrants who have a right and obligation or just a right to 600 hours of lessons in Norwegian and social studies may be offered an additional 2 400 hours as a maximum if deemed necessary. A total of 3 000 hours was also the maximum number of extra hours prior to 2012. For participants who only have an obligation to participate, the obligation is 300 hours, which may be charged by the local authority (Introduction Act, Section 18). The deadline for completing the studies beyond 600 hours is five years.

Who has a right and/or obligation to Norwegian language training and social studies?

The right and obligation to participate in free Norwegian language training and social studies applies to foreign nationals between the ages of 16 and 55 who have been granted a residence permit under the Immigration Act, which forms the basis for a permanent residence permit, or collective protection in mass refugee situations (Immigration Act, Section 34). Immigrants between 55 and 67 years with the same grounds for residence have the right, but not an obligation, to participate in training. An amendment has been made to the legislation introducing an obligation for training in Norwegian language and social studies also for persons aged 55 to 67 years.

The right to participate does not apply to foreign nationals with a residence permit to work or engage in self-employment (Immigration Act, Sections 23 and 25) and their family members. These have an obligation to participate in Norwegian language training and social studies of up to a total of 300 hours, which may be charged by the local authority.

The right or obligation to participate in Norwegian language training and/or social studies does not apply if the person is granted an exemption upon application to the local authority on the grounds of already possessing sufficient skills in Norwegian and/or social studies.

Norwegian language training for asylum seekers

Host municipalities for reception centres that choose to receive grants for Norwegian language training for asylum seekers are responsible for organising such training for all asylum seekers resident in reception centres in the municipality. Up to 175 hours of training may be offered. From 1 January 2017, a new scheme was introduced where asylum seekers who enter the target group for the scheme can receive 50 hours of training in Norwegian culture and values.

Norwegian language test and social studies test for adult immigrants

Participants who are covered by the right and obligation to participate in Norwegian language training and social studies pursuant to the Introduction Act, and who were granted a valid residence permit after 1 January 2013, have an obligation to take the final examinations in Norwegian and social studies (Introduction Act, Section 19). Participants with the right and obligation who were granted a valid residence permit before this date may take final examinations in Norwegian and social studies.

Participants who have a right but not an obligation to participate in Norwegian language training may take the final exam.

Participants who have an obligation to attend lessons under the Introduction Act may take the final exam, but must bear the costs.

As from spring 2014, the exam in Norwegian consists of four separate parts:

  • Oral communication
  • Listening comprehension
  • Reading comprehension
  • Written presentation

As from spring 2014, the results of the Norwegian language test are categorised as follows: ‘Below A1’, ‘A1’, ‘A2’, ‘B1’ and ‘B2’. These levels follow the European framework for languages. For example, level A2 is the same in Norwegian as in German, Italian and other European languages.

  • A1: Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
  • A2: Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
  • B1: Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
  • B2: Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Level A1 corresponds to the old Norwegian exam 1
Level A2 corresponds to the old Norwegian exam 2
Level B1 corresponds to the old Norwegian exam 3
Level B2 forms the basis for entry to higher education together with the university entrance qualification from upper secondary school.

The results of the test in social studies are categorised as "passed" or "failed".

From December 2020, Skills Norway expanded the examination offer to also consist of a Norwegian test in Norwegian C1 - higher academic level.

Central government, local authorities, researchers, the media, politicians and the public. In addition, the statistics are particularly relevant for anyone interested in the field of immigration and integration.

No external users have access to the statistics and analyses before they are published and accessible simultaneously for all users on ssb.no at 08 am. Prior to this, a minimum of three months' advance notice is given inthe Statistics Release Calendar. This is one of Statistics Norway’s key principles for ensuring that all users are treated equally.

Statistics on participation in Norwegian language training and social studies can be viewed in conjunction with Statistics Norway’s statistics on participants of the Introduction Programme, where Nowegian language training and social studies are a key part of the programme. Participants in the programme are mainly persons with a refugee background and persons who are part of family reunification to such persons. The right and obligation to participate in free Norwegian language training and social studies applies to a wider group. The statistics should also be viewed in context with Statistics Norway’s population statistics on immigration and integration.

The local authorities report the data to the National Introduction Register (NIR) on an ongoing basis, pursuant to the Introduction Act and related regulations for a national introduction register for the introduction programme and Nowregian language training and social studies for newly arrived immigrants. The Directorate of Immigration and Diversity (IMDi) is responsible for the management of the register.

Statistics Norway has retrieved the information about participation in the introduction scheme from the Introduction Act. Pursuant to section 10 of the Statistics Act. Statistics Norway will compile official statistics from data received.

Not relevant

Norwegian language training and social studies for newly arrived immigrants

The statistics include all participants with the right and/or obligation to participate in Norwegian language training and social studies following implementation of the Introduction Act at the beginning of the year, who have been registered with at least 1 hour of Norwegian language training during the calendar year. Labour immigrants residing in Norway under the EEA Agreement and persons with temporary residence permits have neither the right nor an obligation to participate in Norwegian language training, and are therefore not included in these statistics. Only participation at municipal education centres and with private service providers partnered with the local authority is covered in the statistics.

Norwegian language training for asylum seekers

The statistics include asylum seekers who receive Norwegian language training in asylum centres. The statistics include all persons with at least 1 hour of Norwegian language training for asylum seekers during the calendar year.

Persons may have participated in both Norwegian language training for asylum seekers and newly arrived immigrants in the same year

Some participants have taken part in both Norwegian language training for asylum seekers and Norwegian language training and social studies for newly arrived immigrants in the same year because they have been granted a valid residence permit during the calendar year.

Norwegian Language test and social studies test for adult immigrants

The statistics cover all persons with a right and/or obligation to participate in Norwegian language training and social studies at the start of the year, who have sat the Norwegian language test or the social studies test.

Statistics Norway collects data from four file extracts from IMDi’s National Introduction Register:

  1. All participants with the right and/or obligation to participate in Norwegian language training and social studies.
  2. Participants in Norwegian language training for asylum seekers.
  3. Persons with the right/or obligation who have sat the Norwegian exam.
  4. Persons with the right and/or obligation who have sat the test in social studies.

The statistics are based on a full count of all participants.

The data are collated with population data by 31 December, and data on the highest level of completed education by the 1st of October in the same year. The statistics only cover persons who are resident in Norway at the end of the year.

Not relevant

Figures are not presented where fewer than four units are involved.

Comparable figures are prepared for participation in Norwegian language training and social studies for newly arrived immigrants, including participation in Norwegian language training for asylum seekers for the years 2010 to 2014. As from 2014, statistics on participation in Norwegian language training for asylum seekers are published in a separate table. Figures for 2014 are published in both of the time series.

There is a break in the time series for 2014 for persons who have taken the Norwegian exam for adult immigrants. The break is due to a new system of exam results, with new values in the exam result variable.

Some errors in connection with the collection and processing of data can occur, such as reporting errors, coding errors, errors in data processing, etc. Efforts are made to minimize such errors. They can generally, therefore, be disregarded in a statistics context.

There should be no sampling errors as this is a full count.

Not relevant

Contact