About the Guideline
The aim of this guideline is to manage applications for extended study rights for students at the University of Inland Norway
Superior Documents
Regulations for Admission, Program of Study and Examinations at University of Inland Norway
1. The Right to study
Individuals who have accepted an offer of admission are entitled to study within the standard duration of the program they have enrolled in, cf. Regulations for Admission, Programs of Study and Examination § 5-1, first paragraph
2. Delay compared to Standard time
If the student is delayed in their studies compared to the standard time, the right to study, can by agreement, be retained for up to one additional year. In such cases, the student must contact the faculty to adjust the education plan. If the student has reserved a study place, is on leave, or temporarily expelled from the university, the study right does not apply.
3. Further Extension of the right to study
The study right can be further extended upon application from the student. The application must be made using a specific form.
Along with the application form, the student must submit a progress plan for how the degree will be completed within the extended study right period they are applying for.
There is no set deadline to this kind of application
4. Evaluation criteria for Applications for further extension of the right to study
- The student has only a limited number of credits remaining, such as completing a bachelor's or master's thesis, or one semester of study left.
- For master’s programs, the student must have commenced the thesis before their standard study period ends
- The academic staff or supervisor must evaluate the student's ability to complete the program within the extended period granted.
5. Changes or Termination of Study Program or Course
If a student does not complete within the standard study time, and significant changes or termination of the study program or course have been made in the meantime, the right to take the exam according to the original course description applies in the following semester. If there are still students who have the grade "F/Failed", or valid absence from an exam in a course that has been terminated, a regular exam is arranged one last time in the next following semester. No further exams will be arranged after this.
A specific evaluation must be made of what is a significant change in learning outcome, level, and structure. Changing the examination scheme without changing learning outcomes or level will normally not be considered a significant change.
6. Duration of further extension of the right to study
Normally, no more than one additional semester of extended study right is granted, or one academic year where it is necessary for the student to complete the study programme.
7. Rights with extended and further extension of the right to study
The university has the ability to limit the rights that come with an extended right to study, cf. Regulations for Admission, Program of Study and Examinations at University of Inland Norway, §5-1 fourth paragraph.
For example, the university may require the student to take certain courses within a limited period or in a specific order, or that the student cannot take courses that do not belong to the study program the student has the right to study for.
8. Exceptions for The Norwegian Film School
Students on bachelor's studies at The Norwegian Film School cannot retain their study right beyond the standard study time, cf. Regulations for Admission, Programs of Study and Examinations at University of Inland Norway, § 5-1 fifth paragraph.
9. Illness
Students who, due to prolonged and documented illness, cannot be active students for a period can apply for leave instead of extended study right, cf. Regulations for Admission, Programs of Study and Examinations at University of Inland Norway, §5-5, along with the accompanying guideline for applying for leave.
10. Appeal
There is a right to appeal individual decisions on the extension of the right to study according to the Public Administration Act section 28. The deadline for appeal is three weeks from the point of time the decision has been communicated to the party, cf. Public Administration Act section 29.
This guideline has been approved by Director of Academic Affairs 1st August 2024.