The Norwegian government has proposed letting the Norwegian Defence University College award a four-year bachelor’s degree in military engineering and leadership. The proposal went out for public consultation on 20 October 2026.
— We are now preparing the military education system for the effective use of technology as it develops, Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik said.
The degree would carry 240 credits. A standard three-year bachelor’s carries 180. The Ministry of Defence asked for the change. In the consultation, the Ministry of Education and Research agrees with its assessment that an engineering degree and military leadership training cannot both be fully covered in three years. Graduates would still be eligible for engineering master’s programmes at other institutions.
Sandvik linked the proposal to the growth of the Norwegian Armed Forces and the introduction of personnel-intensive technology.
The consultation closes on 1 December 2026. The changes are planned to take effect on 1 January 2027. The first four-year programme could start in autumn 2027.
— The Norwegian Defence University College is an important institution for ensuring the Armed Forces have the competence they will need. These changes let the college tailor its programmes so graduates have the necessary skills in both leadership and engineering, said Minister of Research and Higher Education Eileen Fugelsnes.
The government also proposes to scrap the national framework plan for three-year civilian engineering programmes. This would give universities more freedom to update their courses.