Norway to Eliminate Mandatory Language Training for International Postdocs and PhD Students

Minister Announces Policy Change Following Backlash from Researchers

Norway's government has announced plans to reverse a law that mandated Norwegian language training for international PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. This decision has been met with approval from the academic community, who argued that such requirements would hinder Norway's ability to attract global talent to its research institutions.

Background of the Controversial Law

The requirement, introduced in August of the previous year, mandated that non-Norwegian speaking PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers complete 15 study points in Norwegian, approximately three months of language instruction, during their contracts. This provision faced significant resistance from scientists, who expressed concerns that it would deter international applicants, ultimately diminishing Norway's competitiveness in research.

On March 21, Sigrun Aasland, the newly appointed Minister for Research and Higher Education, revealed in a white paper outlining the government's initiative to strengthen Norway’s research landscape that the law would be rescinded. Aasland emphasized the necessity of creating attractive conditions for international researchers, highlighting that Norway, as a smaller nation, benefits greatly from collaboration across borders.

Reactions from the Academic Community

Many academics have expressed their relief over the government's quick response to the criticism. Olga Lehmann, a psychology researcher from Colombia who has lived in Norway for over a decade, noted, "I am grateful that the Norwegian government listened to us so quickly. Norwegian academia needs to strive for balance between local and global needs." Her sentiments reflect a broader optimism among researchers that this policy change is a step towards a more inclusive academic environment.

Nobel laureate Edvard Moser, director of the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, echoed this relief. However, he cautioned that the reversal may face challenges depending on the outcomes of the upcoming parliamentary elections, where the Centre Party could rejoin the government.

Legal Background and Future Implications

More than two dozen Norwegian researchers previously backed a complaint against the mandatory language requirement filed with the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority. They argued that the law breached European Economic Area regulations regarding the free movement of labor. The legal challenge will be withdrawn once the minister’s proposed change is finalized.

It remains unclear if the reversal will also address other language requirements that affect permanent academic staff who do not speak Norwegian, Danish, or Swedish. Currently, these staff members must achieve a B2 proficiency level within three years, a standard higher than that demanded for Norwegian citizenship. Simon Roussanaly, an energy researcher from France, expressed hope that these rules will similarly be relaxed to further attract international talent.

Conclusion

With the proposed policy changes, Norway aims to position itself as a more welcoming destination for researchers from around the world. While the government has initiated a fast-tracked public consultation to formalize the removal of the mandatory language training, the academic community remains hopeful for a future that fosters greater collaboration and inclusivity within its research environment.