Massive interest in Nord Summer School 2025: "A unique opportunity in the north"

Over 240 students have applied for this year’s summer school at Nord University. Despite limited spots, the numbers reflect strong interest – both nationally and internationally – for what is now being held for the second year in a row.

“We received over 245 applications for a total of 85 study places. That’s significantly more than last year and shows that Nord Summer School has struck a chord,” says coordinator Charlotta Maria Langejan from the Faculty of Education and Arts.

Together with Kathrine Mathisen from Nord Business School, Langejan initiated the summer school at Nord University, inspired by traditions from the continent.

They were joined by Rector Hanne Solheim Hansen, Pro-Rector Levi Gårseth-Nesbakk, and Director of Academic Affairs Anne Ringen Pedersen. After the pilot year in 2024, Nord Summer School has now gained a foothold.

These kinds of courses are common elsewhere in Europe but new in Norway. This makes it a great opportunity for Nord University.
Kathrine Mathisen, Coordinator for Nord Summer School

Pro-Rector for Education, Levi Gårseth-Nesbakk, is pleased with this year’s application numbers.

“The courses offered by Nord Summer School are broad and varied, while also reflecting the university’s focus areas and academic strengths: blue and green growth, innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as health, welfare and education. Through Nord Summer School, we demonstrate that we combine strong academic profiles with a global perspective – and the application numbers confirm that these courses attract international interest,” says Gårseth-Nesbakk.

All five faculties at Nord University have contributed with courses for the summer of 2024 and 2025. This year’s courses cover a wide range, from sustainable tourism development and blue growth in the High North to biodiversity and economics. Most courses accept around 20–25 students, some can accept up to 35.

“So far, 92 applicants have been deemed qualified. The admission process is still ongoing,” says Langejan.

The following 3 ECTS courses will be offered in summer 2025:

As in the previous year, the summer school will be held at the Bodø campus, but there are already plans to expand to more campuses in the future. Nord University has eight campuses spread across Nordland and Trøndelag – four in each county.

“We envision, for example, having a week of Ph.D. courses at one campus and another week of bachelor’s or master’s courses at another. But we have to build step by step,” says Mathisen.

The opening of this year’s summer school will take place on Monday, June 30, at Nord University in Bodø.