Completion rates of students in higher education, 2007/2008

Of the 4 600 women who completed a 5-year Master’s degree, 39 per cent did so within six years of the first registration. During this study year, about 8 500 men and women completed a Master’s degree. Forty-five per cent of them completed within six years of registration in tertiary education. Although fewer men study for a Master’s degree, they attain the degree faster than female students in most education fields. The exception is students who study for a Master’s degree in odontology. A larger proportion of these students is made up of women who attain the degree within five years. Seventy-three women attained a Master’s degree in odontology and one out of four did so within five years. Equivalent figures for men are one out of twenty.

More women complete tertiary degrees

If we compare students registered in tertiary education for the first time in 1987 and 1997, and if they completed a degree 10 years later, we can see that among the women, the proportion that attained a graduate level degree is one percentage point higher for students who started in 1997. More than 15 per cent of the females who started their studies in 1997 graduated with a Master’s degree.

Fewer degrees attained

Out of the total 37 600 students, 14 800 new students did not attain a degree within 10 years of enrolment. Ten years earlier, in 1987, fewer persons started a tertiary education, but a larger proportion graduated. The proportion of students who do not complete a degree has risen by almost five percentage points. Among those who were first registered at a tertiary institution in Norway in 1987, 35 per cent were still without a degree after 10 years. Among students registered in 1997, 39 per cent did not complete a degree.

The proportion completing an undergraduate degree decreased. In 1987, 46 per cent graduated with a degree with a study time of four years or less, while among students enrolled in 1997, 42 per cent graduated. This decrease is also larger for men.

Tables:

• Table 1 Undergraduate courses, by number of graduates in the 2007/2008 since the student was first registered in tertiary education. Absolute figures and per cent
• Table 2 Postgraduate courses, by number of graduates in the 2007/2008 since the student was first registered in tertiary education. Absolute figures and per cent
• Table 3 New entrants to tertiary education in 1987 and 1997, by gender and awarded qualification after ten years. Absolute figures and per cent
• Table 4 New entrants to tertiary education in 1987 and 1997, by parents' level of education and awarded qualification after 10 years. Absolute figures and per cent
• Table 5 Completion of selected undergraduate courses in the 2007/2008. Absolute figures and per cent