Norway prison officer training sees record applicant numbers

Norway's Correctional Service has reported a record number of applicants for its decentralized prison officer training program. A total of 791 individuals have applied for only 55 available study places across 12 selected training prisons nationwide.

This represents an increase of over 290 applicants compared to the previous year. Johannes Elgvin, rector at the Correctional Service University and Education Centre (KRUS), noted the high interest in combining studies with practical work. Competition is particularly high in certain locations; Trondheim Prison received 185 applicants for its available spots, resulting in 37 applicants per place, while Ringerike Prison also saw significant interest with 93 applicants for ten places.

Starting in January 2027, KRUS will transition into the University of Correctional Services (HKO), offering the fundamental training as a bachelor's degree rather than the current college candidate qualification.