Applicants and students are themselves liable for submitted documents. Use of fraudulent documents is covered by ยง 361 of the Norwegian Penal Code. Any attempt to obtain admission or recognition by the use of fraudulent documents will be reported to the police.
Possible consequences of submitting fraudulent documents
Depending on the circumstances, submission of fraudulent documents can lead to one or more of the following sanctions:
- You can loose the right to apply for studies for up to one year.
- You can be expelled from the UiO for up to one year.
- You can loose the right to take examinations at UiO, and all other Universities and University Colleges in Norway, for up to one year.
- You can loose your admission and/or your right to study.
- Taken examinations and obtained credits can be annulled.
What is considered a fraudulent document?
A fraudulent document is any document (digital or print) that has been created or altered so that the information displayed is misleading or wrongful. The following are examples of fraudulent documents:
- Certificates or other documentation that have been considered by acknowledged verification offices, and where there is well-founded suspicion of fraud.
- Certificates or other documentation that have been confirmed fraudulent by the issuing institution or office.
- Certificates or other documentation that have been confirmed fraudulent by NOKUT or other Universities or University Colleges.
- Certificates or other documentation from non-accredited, fake institutions ("diploma mills").
Process in cases with suspicion of fraudulent documents
- Notification of suspicion and comments from applicant or student
You will be notified if a document you have submitted is suspected to be fraudulent. Normally, you will be given three weeks to respond. If your response does not eliminate suspicion of fraud your case will be forwarded to the Central Appeals Committee at the UiO. Concurrently your case will be reported to the police.
- The Central Appeals Committee
The Central Appeals Committee will evaluate the case and make their decision. In addition, they will determine the sanctions that will be put into place. You will receive written information on the decision of the Central Appeals Committee.
- Police report and notifying other educational institutions
All cases of suspicion of or confirmed fraud will be reported to the police. In addition, NOKUT and other Universities and University Colleges will be notified of the case.
- Complaint
In the letter informing you of the decision of the Central Appeals Committee you will also receive information about your right to appeal the decision.