FAQ

A folk high school is a school without grades or exams. You choose a main course and elective subjects based on your interests, and learn through classes, activities, trips and being part of a community with other students.

Many students attend a folk high school for a year after upper secondary school, but some are older or have done other things before they start.

At a folk high school, you take a main course focused on something you are interested in. It can be anything from outdoor activities and sports to music, art, travel, gaming or sustainability. Teaching is generally more practical than at other schools.

In addition to your main course, you take part in subjects and activities shared by the whole school, elective subjects, trips and events. Because you live at the school, life outside the classroom is also an important part of the experience.

Folk high school is a school year, but it is different from what many people associate with school. You attend classes and follow a programme throughout the year, but without grades or exams. Folk high school focuses on the joy of learning.

Many choose folk high school as a gap year between upper secondary school and higher education or work because it gives them the opportunity to develop their interests, try new things and take time to figure out what they want to do next.

You develop your skills in the main course and electives you choose. You can build on something you are already good at or choose something completely new and learn it from scratch. Many students also highlight new friendships, memorable experiences and greater confidence in themselves and their choices.

You also gain experience and knowledge through teaching, travel, projects and activities. In some subjects, you may finish the year with practical work or a portfolio that can help you if you want to continue in the field you studied at folk high school. Some courses also give you the opportunity to earn certifications, such as a diving certificate, a climbing certification or the Norwegian hunting proficiency test.

You receive a diploma showing the subjects you have taken and what you have learned. As many employers value the experience you gain at folk high school, it is a good idea to include the year on your CV.

Yes. After a year at a folk high school, you can still use your first-time applicant diploma (link to more information) when applying for higher education in Norway.

Many use the year to become more confident about what they want to study, while others already know what they want and use the year to prepare themselves before starting higher education. Research shows that students who have attended a folk high school before higher education have higher completion rates.

It is common to attend folk high school after upper secondary school. Most students are between 18 and 25 years old. Some schools admit students under the age of 18, and there is no upper age limit.

Evje Folkehøgskole and Sjøholt folkehøgskole have a minimum age of 16.

See the age requirements for the different schools here, including those that admit students under 18.

No. You do not have to have completed upper secondary school to be admitted to a folk high school

Yes. There is no upper age limit for attending folk high school.

Most students are between 18 and 25, but older students attend folk high schools every year too. Some want to explore new interests, while others are looking for a break or a new direction in life.

Yes. Many choose folk high school precisely because they are unsure what they want to study or work with later.

A year at a folk high school gives you the chance to explore your interests, try new activities and get to know yourself better before making your next choice.

You may be eligible for financial support from Lånekassen to attend folk high school.

60 per cent of the support is a loan, while 40 per cent is initially a loan that may be converted into a grant once your year at folk high school has been approved.

To have part of the loan converted into a grant, your undocumented absence must not exceed 10 per cent.

<Read more about loans and grants for folk high school here>

The cost varies from course to course.

What you pay for at folk high school includes meals, accommodation at the school, study trips and equipment for your course. Some courses have additional costs, for example for travel, equipment or special activities.

You do not pay the full amount at once. Typically, you pay monthly, around the time you receive your support from Lånekassen.

You can find up-to-date information about prices and what is included on each course page at folkehogskole.no.