Norway to Eliminate Mandatory Language Training for International Researchers

In a significant policy shift, the Norwegian government is set to remove the requirement for international PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to complete mandatory Norwegian language training. This decision follows a growing backlash from the scientific community, which argued that the language stipulation would hinder the recruitment of global talent.

Change in Policy

The controversial language requirement, introduced in August of the previous year, mandated that foreign researchers who did not speak Norwegian, Danish, or Swedish acquire 15 study points in Norwegian language training—roughly equivalent to three months of classes—during their contract period. However, on March 21, 2025, Sigrun Aasland, Norway's newly appointed minister for research and higher education, announced in a white paper that the government intends to reverse this requirement. Aasland emphasized the need for more attractive conditions for international researchers and stated the government would also review work-permit regulations to facilitate easier mobility for scientists.

“I am grateful that the Norwegian government listened to us so quickly,” remarked Olga Lehmann, a psychology researcher from Colombia who has been living in Norway for 11 years. Lehmann believes that the decision indicates a positive step towards balancing local and global academic needs.

Support from the Academic Community

The response from the academic community has been overwhelmingly positive. Nobel laureate Edvard Moser, who leads the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, described the potential policy change as “an enormous relief.” However, he cautioned that the Centre Party’s involvement in the upcoming parliamentary elections could result in a reversal of this embrace of inclusivity.

Moser joined other researchers in filing a complaint with the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority last December, arguing that the language requirement violated EEA rules on the free movement of workers. The complaint will be withdrawn once the policy change is formalized.

Pending Clarifications

While the government’s announcement marks progress, some uncertainties remain. It is unclear whether the elimination of mandatory language training will also extend to permanent academic staff, who currently must demonstrate a B2 language proficiency level within three years if they do not speak Norwegian, Danish, or Swedish. Simon Roussanaly, an energy researcher at SINTEF and a resident of Norway since 2011, hopes that the government will address these requirements to further attract talented individuals from abroad.

Previously, many universities had their language policies in place, which allowed for a degree of flexibility that the new law eliminated. Roussanaly noted that the mandatory requirements posed significant burdens on academics and researchers, making its repeal a welcome change.

Conclusion

As Norway aims to strengthen its research competitiveness and secure a place in the global academic community, the decision to discontinue mandatory language training can be seen as a pivotal moment in promoting inclusivity and collaboration with international researchers. The public consultation process for this policy change is underway, signaling a commitment to enhance Norway's appeal as a destination for talented scientists worldwide.