Recognition procedure for applicants without verifiable documentation (UVD)
This is an alternative recognition procedure for applicants without verifiable documentation. You will be referred to this procedure if you apply for general recognition of foreign higher education and your documents cannot be reliably verified.
Recently edited : 30. September 2026Who is this procedure for?
This procedure is meant for applicants with foreign higher education, that is education at the level of university/college, whose qualifications cannot be assessed in the regular general recognition procedure due to missing, insufficient or unverifiable documentation. The procedure is aimed specifically at refugees and people in a refugee-like situation, and helps Norway fulfil its obligations towards Article VII of the Lisbon Recognition Convention (unesco.org).
You must also:
- have valid residence status in Norway
- have documented language proficiency in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English
The list of designated UVD countries will no longer apply from 1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026, HK-dir will change its practice regarding which applications can be processed through the UVD procedure.
The system of designated UVD countries will be discontinued. Instead, HK-dir will assess each application individually before deciding whether it should be assessed under the UVD procedure.
How do I apply?
You must first apply for general recognition of foreign higher education. You may be referred to the UVD procedure if you apply with missing, incomplete or non-verifiable documentation.
How does the procedure work?
- You will receive an invitation to participate in the UVD procedure.
- If you accept the invitation, you will be invited to an initial interview with two credential evaluators, where you will receive more information about the process and what is expected from you.
- After the interview, you will receive a questionnaire to be filled in and returned to us along with documentation on language proficiency and residency in Norway.
- If you proceed to the next stage, we will arrange an expert assessment for you. The assessment consists of a written exam and an interview with an expert committee.
- We will make a decision on general recognition of your qualification(s) based on the report from the panel of experts.
Important information
This procedure requires more from you than the regular recognition procedure. You must be prepared to make an effort and to actively participate in the dialogue with us throughout the process.
Experts in the UVD procedure
Decisions in the UVD procedure are based on an assessment from an expert committee. An expert committee consists of one or two academic experts and one representative from the Directorate of Higher Education and Skills.
HK-dir's representative acts as project manager to help ensure efficient case processing, consistency in assessments and equal treatment.
Expert committees are appointed on an ongoing basis as needed.
Requirements for members of the expert committee
- As a general rule, experts must have qualifications equivalent to at least associate professor or associate teaching professor level, or higher, within the relevant academic field.
- Normally, each case is assessed by one expert. Two experts may be appointed when necessary.
Contact us
You can get in touch with us at uvd@hkdir.no if you have general questions about the UVD procedure. If you already have an application with us, please message us through the applicant portal to reach your contact person directly.