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 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 determined in the Regulations on the curriculum in Norwegian 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 which means that the 55-67-year-olds also now have an obligation to participate.
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.
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 social studies test are categorised as "passed" or "failed".
