Credit point production at universities and colleges, 2005/2006

A higher proportion of female students produced 60 credit points during the 2005/2006 academic year than male students. Of students completing zero credit points, the female proportion was lower than the male proportion. Total figures shows that 50 per cent of all registered students in Norway produced between 1 and 59 credits during the 2005/2006 academic year. Only one third progressed with a normal full-time loading of 60 credits. 37 725 students, or 16 per cent of the autumn and spring semester student mass, did not complete any student points.

Clear age effect

20 to 24 year old students were most effective, completing a high 50 credit points on average. Production rate declines clearly with age, with students aged 50 years and over progressing at half the pace of 20 to 24 year olds. Female students outnumbered male students in all age groups.

Health and Primary Industries Science dominate

With more than 48 000 enrolled students, 'Health, Welfare and Sport' was the most popular field of study in 2005/2006. Along with 'Primary Industry' students, this was also the most productive: 43 per cent completed a minimum of 60 credit points. In contrast, 22 per cent of the 45 000 'Business and Administration' students progressed with a full-time loading.

Large variation in student progression

Universities had a higher proportion of students completing zero credit points than university colleges in 2005/2006, 25 per cent. In contrast, only 5 per cent of students at the Norway's Police University College, the Bergen National Academy of the arts and the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science did not account for any credit points.

Among students who actively completed credit points during the 2005/2006 academic year, the average was 43 credits per person. University students and students at specialized university institutions produced an average of 45 credits per active student. University college students completed 42 credit points on average. Students of state owned institutions faired better than those studying at private tertiary institutions. Oslo and Bergen's academies of the arts and the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science produced a high 50 credits per active student.

Tables:

• Table 1 Completed credit points in tertiary education, by type of institution, ownership and educational institution. Aboslute figures and per cent. 2005/06 academic year
• Table 2 Credit point production of registered tertiary students, by gender and type of institution. Per cent. 2005/06 academic year
• Table 3 Credit point production of registered tertiary students, by gender and field of education. Per cent. 2005/06 academic year
• Table 4 Average credit point production per student with completed credits in tertiary education, by type of institution, gender and age. Absolute figures. 2005/2006 academic year