Apply for special examination arrangements
You can apply for special examination arrangements if you have a disability, illness or special needs.
Who can apply?
Students with disabilities and students with special needs can apply for individual adaptation. The right applies to the organization of the institution, teaching, teaching materials and exams.
Pregnant students and students caring for children may also apply for individual adaptation.
Disabilities can be impairments, such as loss or damage to a body part or one of the body's functions.
Special needs involve physical, psychosocial and / or learning challenges. The special need may be temporary or permanent, but must be of a significant nature.
Application deadlines
- September 1 for the autumn semester
- February 1 for the spring semester
- July 17 for The International Summer School
If the deadline expires on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, it will be extended to the next working day.
If your application is justified by a disability, illness or injury that occurred after the application deadline, or if other special reasons indicates so, you can submit an application after the deadline.
What can you apply for?
For school exams
Extra time
Extended exam time that can be used to answer the assignment. Granted as needed.
Extra time for rest or breastfeeding
Rest time
Extra time that can be used to rest during the exam. Rest time cannot be used to answer exam questions and can only be used for the purpose it has been granted.
Extra time for breastfeeding
Extra time that can be used to breastfeed during the exam. Extra time cannot be used to answer exam questions and can only be used for the purpose it has been granted.
Read more about how rest time and extra time for breastfeeding are used during the exam.
Assistive technology
It is expected that the student is familiar with the software(s) before the exam.
University of Oslo offers the following programs.
| What | Description |
|---|---|
| Infovox4 |
Speech synthesis that reads text on screen. Speech synthesis is software that decodes digital text and reads it aloud. This program does not have a glossary, and are available in all languages. |
| Lingdys Pluss |
A reading and writing tool designed to help people with dyslexia or other forms of reading and writing difficulties. Contains glossary in Norwegian and English. Speech synthesis for written text, that decodes digital text and reads it aloud. To secure a good exam experience, you should bring your own Lingdys Pluss licence on the exam day. If you do not have a licence, please specify this in the application. |
| Microsoft Word (2016) | Correction and writing program for candidates where the correction program in Inspera is not sufficient. |
| Windows Magnifier | Built-in magnifier in Windows 10. Enlarge part or all of the screen so you can see the words and pictures better. |
| ZoomText | Magnifying the screen and reading text on the screen. Used mainly by the visually-impaired. |
Assistive equipment
University of Oslo offers the following assistive equipment.
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Table lamp with dimmer |
A table lamp with dimmer. |
| Ergonomic computer mice | Alternatives to normal computer mouse. |
| Foot stool |
Adjustable foot stool. |
| Adjustable height desk |
Adjustable desk so the candidate can stand or sit during the exam. |
| Wrist support |
A wrist support in gel that gives the candidate a natural support while writing. |
| Mousepad with wrist support |
A mouse mat to support the wrist. |
| Screen wall |
Screen wall that can be moved around, and to specific places within |
| Adjustable chair |
An ergonomic chair that can be adjusted in different heights. |
| Forearm support |
A support board the candidate can rest their arm. |
| Dictaphone |
Can be used by candidates that can not write notes on a normal keyboard/by hand, or need their own dictation read out loud. |
| Various keyboards |
Alternatives to normal keyboards. |
Smaller examination room / private seating
University of Oslo also offers smaller examination room and / or private seating.
| What | Description |
|---|---|
| Screening in regular examination room | Screen wall on each side of the space to reduce noise and interference. |
| Smaller examination room | Smaller examination room (room 4C). |
Reading- and writing help
You can get help to read and write on the exam if assistive technology or equipment is not sufficient.
The reading- and writing help can help you read and/or write the exam paper and describe visual information. The reading- and writing help also acts as an exam invigilator and does not answer to questions regarding the actual exam.
For home exams
Extra time/deferred submission
Extra time on home exams is in practice deferred submission.
For other exam forms
If you need accommodation for other forms of examination, you must specify the type of accommodation you are applying for in free text under the point "Other" in the application form.
Documentation
When applying, you must attach a documentation from a doctor/expert on your disability, illness or special needs. You are responsible for informing your case as best as possible so that UiO can assess it.
The documentation must:
- contain information about how your difficulties affect the exam.
- be applicable for the period for which you are applying for adaptation.
- be in English or a Scandinavian language.
If you do not have the documentation available now, you can send it within 3 weeks after the application deadline.
The application form must be used for both forwarding and submission of documentation.
If you do not already have a valid documentation, you can print out this doctor's form to be filled in by a doctor/expert:
Different types of documentation
Documentation of own health/condition
Documentation of your disability, illness or special need can be documented via a doctor's certificate or equivalent.
Reading and writing difficulties
In the case of reading and writing difficulties, a statement or assessment report from PPT/speech therapist/specialist must be attached. Examples of reading and writing difficulties can be dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia.
Birth and care of children
Documentation of birth or confirmation of parental responsibility can be a birth certificate, or confirmation from the Norwegian Tax Agency of parental responsibility.
Pollen allergy
Documentation for pollen allergy must be submitted no later than two weeks before the first exam date. The documentation must contain information about:
- what specific challenges you face as a result of pollen allergy and/or the use of medication.
- how the challenges affect the examination.
- period/date for when these challenges are prominent.
Application form
If you are enrolled in courses at more than one faculty, you must send an application and documentation to each faculty.
If you are unsure of which faculty or department your course belongs to, look up the course on the course page and check the bottom of the page under "Contact". You can also ask the information centre at your faculty.
Individual adaptation in everyday study
Read more about individual adaptation in everyday study.
Questions?
Contact your faculty's information centre