Children and youths have a right and duty to complete a compulsory education, as do adults. Young people and adults who have completed their compulsory education have a right to further education that results in qualifications leading to higher education or employment. With the right qualifications, pupils can go on to take a university or university college education.

Adult education statistics encompass adult education at primary and upper secondary level, Norwegian language studies for adult immigrants and courses organised by folk high schools, study associations and distance learning institutions