The number of newly graduated master's candidates has nearly quadrupled in 20 years, from 6,260 in 2005 to 22,905 in 2025, according to official figures. NIFU researcher Jannike Gottschalk Ballo said this is the highest unemployment rate in at least 25 years.
Cecilia, a 32-year-old landscape architect, submitted her master's thesis four years ago. According to NRK Innlandet, she has sent over 200 job applications in the last two years and had seven to eight interviews but no job offers. She described the experience as degrading, noting her passion for the field.
The last two years, it's been just over 200 applications.
In contrast, Vetle Johansen Rasmussen, 25, chose vocational training as a concrete worker. According to NRK Innlandet, he started earning money as an apprentice at 18, entered the housing market at 20, and now runs his own company. He got a job immediately after completing his vocational certificate, stating that everyone needs skilled people.
Over half of newly graduated master's candidates find the transition to the labor market more difficult than expected, according to NIFU's survey.
It's quite degrading in a way. You start the study with an ambition to work with this.
It's something I'm passionate about.