We understand that it can be difficult to decide what to choose. Here are some facts that might make the choice easier.
Did you know that folk high school students are the most satisfied students in the entire country – 10 years in a row, according to the EPSI user survey 2025. While colleges and universities receive a score of 68.1 out of 100 points, folk high schools receive 79.2 points. In the same survey, Hurdal Verk is ranked among the top 5% best folk high schools in the country measured by customer satisfaction.
Great news: No cuts to student grants!
In the government’s proposed state budget, they had suggested reducing the student grant for those attending folk high school. But the coalition parties Centre Party, Red Party, MDG, and Socialist Left Party did not agree, and therefore there will be NO cuts to the student grant!
You can apply for both grants and loans from Lånekassen. The maximum support for the academic year will be at least NOK 151,690 for the 26/27 academic year.
Did you know that folk high school is often cheaper than being a university student? The cost of a year at a folk high school is more predictable than university studies. You know the cost upfront, and our prices are fixed and will not increase even if food, electricity, and other societal expenses rise. With us, you get all travel included, your own room, access to a washing machine and dryer, a kitchenette with a fridge and stove, common rooms, a fitness room, a sports hall, and other activity rooms, plus prepared meals 4 times a day.
You can find the price overview here.
Here you can apply for loans and grants from Lånekassen.
Folk High School or university studies?
Did you know that those who attend folk high school have a greater chance of completing their studies?
Here are 5 good reasons to attend folk high school before starting your studies:
1. Greater chance of completing studies
1 in 4 students drop out of university and college studies. Research from Denmark shows that attending folk high school increases the chance of completing studies. This is because folk high schools focus on intrinsic motivation and the joy of learning – not external motivation like grades and exams. Intrinsic motivation is valuable to have when you are going to study.
A year at folk high school before university and college can therefore be a good investment.
2. Build a network of friends from all over the country
Most people start at a folk high school without knowing anyone. After nine months, you suddenly have 100 friends from all over the country. This is a unique resource when you enter student life. Many make friends at folk high school whom they move in with when they go to university, and you gain a network that you will benefit from later in life.
The reason is simple: At folk high school, you are 24/7. This means you live here, eat all your meals here, and get to know people in a unique way.
There’s always something to do. You meet people who share your interests, and some who are passionate about something completely different. You spend some time learning other dialects, and you get to know places you may never have heard of before. At Hurdal Verk, we also have many international students whom you might visit when you travel abroad.
3. A year without grades
At folk high school, we have no grades or exams. Many students say this is exactly what they need after many school years with a lot of pressure. Folk high school is the freest school in the world. It gives you space to breathe and space to be yourself while learning something new.
4. Become more confident about what you want to study
Some choose folk high school because they are unsure what they want to study. Others have decided what they want to become but feel they need a break before embarking on a demanding education. No matter where you stand, you will find that a year at folk high school helps you move forward. Months without grades and exams will help you relax and give you time to think. Many find that it strengthens the choice they have already made, while others change course entirely. You develop as a person and become more confident about what you want to do next.
5. Teachers who see YOU
At folk high school, you won’t just be one of many, but an important part of both your class and the school community. Teachers see you, what you can do, and what you should be challenged on. You will receive assignments and feedback, but also experience support and encouragement. Teachers become important conversation partners throughout the year, and together with other staff at the school, they see you when you’re having a tough day. They are enthusiastic about their subjects and inspire you with a joy of learning and motivation for the future.
Travel with folk high school or on your own?
Why is it better to experience the world at folk high school than to travel on your own?
Some wonder if they should take a year backpacking on their own, or if it’s better to experience the world with folk high school trips?
Our study trips are completely different from a package holiday with a charter company. Most of our trips go to places that are not so easy to reach on your own. We have local contacts in the countries who provide unique encounters with the local population, and we get better prices for accommodation and experiences than you would on your own. In addition, it is safer to travel with others, and your safety is taken care of in a completely different way than if you travel alone. Not least, sharing the experience with good friends makes the experience much stronger, and you have someone to share the memories with afterwards.
We dare to claim that we are the folk high school that is best at travel, both in terms of content, experiences, and value for money (according to the EPSI user survey 2025)
Folk High School or the Armed Forces?
Some are waiting for an answer on whether they will enter compulsory military service, or have received a summons after applying to folk high school.
Fortunately, there are several ways to combine folk high school and the Armed Forces. If you are starting military service in January, you can attend Hurdal Verk folk high school for half a year, either before or after your year of service. If you are starting in April, you can attend with us and experience almost everything, right up until you leave. Even if you have to leave just over a month before the school year ends in mid-May, your year will be approved.
Of course, you only pay for the weeks you attend if you cannot be here for all weeks due to military service.
You can also attend folk high school after your military service.
Many choose to attend folk high school after a year of compulsory military service. If you plan to study afterwards, you still have plenty of time to apply with your first-time certificate. It is valid until the year you turn 21.
You can get an exemption from the Armed Forces to attend folk high school, but only if you have paid the enrollment fee to the school or started as a student before you attended the selection process. You can read about the rules on the Armed Forces’ website.
You can read more about how to combine the Armed Forces and folk high school here
Still unsure?
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions, or if you have received an offer but need more time to consider.
Email: post@hvf.no
Phone: 63 92 06 00
