Up to 15 credits
Leaders with personnel responsibility are encouraged to allow employees to enrol in courses up to 15 credits per semester, offered by UiA. The condition is that the course is relevant to the employee's current job or new tasks. This entails time off to attend lectures during working hours, if possible, concerning the individual's work duties. If more time for studies is needed, flexitime can be arranged.
The limit for granting study leave with pay is generally 3 years/60 credits per employee. Leave beyond this is typically unpaid and can be processed within the respective unit.
Part-time employees should, if possible, schedule their days off to coincide with lecture days.
Upon passing the exam, the employer provides a subsidy of up to NOK 2000 per semester for documented mandatory expenses related to the studies. Other limits may be agreed upon in special cases.
Beyond 15 credits
Leaders with personnel responsibility are encouraged to approve applications for financial support for skills development initiatives beyond 15 credits. In special cases, if UiA cannot offer the subject/programme, employees may apply for support for studies outside UiA. Applications for study leave with pay for studies over 15 credits can be processed within the respective unit. Applications, agreements, approvals, etc., must be archived in P360. In the case of unpaid leave, the HR department must be informed so that any salary notifications can be issued.
A written agreement (document in Norwegian) between the employee and employer must be in place before starting studies/courses beyond 15 credits. The agreement is made between UiA as the employer and the employee, not with the individual unit/leader. It is recommended to establish a written agreement also for employees engaged in a learning programme involving multiple sequential 7.5, 10, or 15-credit modules.
If the course meets the criteria to be tax-free, there is no limit on the amount (all documentable expenses are tax-free). The course must provide skills that the employer can utilise and have a duration of less than 20 months to be tax-free. If the course is not tax-free, all expenses are taxable. The individual leader must assess the extent to which the acquired skills are relevant to the job.