All pupils who have completed 10 years of basic schooling has a right to three years of upper secondary training. This right lasts for four years, which means you have to start upper secondary school no later than one year after completing primary/lower secondary.
After a foundation course (grunnkurs; GK) lasting one year, the next step is advanced course 1 (videregående kurs 1; VK 1) which builds on the foundation course. Advanced course 2 follows and is a specialisation of VK 1, or you continue with in-service training if you are on a vocational course. The in-service training normally lasts two years, which is the apprenticeship period in most recognised trades.
When you have completed upper secondary, you will have either the general university entrance qualification (studiekompetanse) or a vocational qualification, such as a trade or journeyman's certificate or other occupational skills.
"Education for all is a basic precept of Norwegian educational policy. Wherever they live in the country, all girls and boys must have an equal right to education, regardless of social and cultural background and possible special needs.
All public education in Norway is free up to and including the upper secondary level. The standard of instruction at schools and workplaces is of paramount importance for the quality of our society. It is therefore a major goal of Norway’s educational policy that the Norwegian educational system shall be among the best in the world as regards both academic level and breadth of recruiting.
The Ministry of Education and Research has the overall responsibility for research and education at all levels, from curriculum development in primary schools to the establishment of Centres of Excellence in various fields of research. " READ MORE
UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT § 2 PRINCIPAL AIMS
The purpose of upper secondary education is to develop the skills, understanding and responsibility that prepare pupils for life at work and in society, to provide a foundation for further education, and to assist them in their personal development.
Upper secondary education shall contribute to increased awareness and understanding of basic Christian and humanist values, our national cultural heritage, democratic ideals and scientific thought and method.
Upper secondary education shall promote human equality and equal rights, intellectual freedom and tolerance, ecological understanding and international co-responsibility.