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Argues that the structure of higher education in Norway cannot be understood without considering both the long-term trends and acute accumulation of pressure. Changes in student population; Factors explaining both individual demands and political decisions; Needs of the labor market for a higher educational level of the workforce; Increasing level of education among parents.

During the second half of the 1980s there has been an increasing political interest in higher education in Norway, and a marked shift in policy. After a long period where non-university institutions were given priority, the focus is now much more on the universities and long-term research-oriented education. This is also reflected in the recent inflow of new students. Another contributory factor in the increased number of new students in 1989 has been a rapid growth in unemployment in Norway. Stronger market orientation and tendencies towards a more indirect model of governance are two important features of higher education in Norway in recent years. Influence from the market is seen in both education and research. Even if there is strong opposition to Norwegian membership in the EEC, there is general enthusiasm for the integration of higher education and research at a European level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]