Bergen Folk High School

Formerly Åsane Folk High School

About Us

LONG HISTORY AND MODERNITY

Mountain 1

EQUALITY AND RESPECT

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WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMS

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DIVERSITY AND OPENNESS

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COLLABORATION AND CREATIVITY

Mountain 5

Bergen Folk High School in Åsane

We are a liberal folk high school in Bergen. Here you’ll encounter an open and tolerant attitude, where diversity is welcome. Together we broaden our horizons, create innovative solutions, and make good choices for ourselves and others.

Our vision is for all students to be able to live free, rich, and meaningful lives, at a school where substances don’t stand in the way of this.

Subject offerings

Electives

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We offer a wide range of electives that students can choose from. In addition to program subjects and common subjects, students will be able to choose electives during four elective periods where two different subjects are chosen per period.

Common Subjects

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During the week, the school will gather to have common subjects together. Here we focus on development within various areas of competence and cultural cohesion

This is what the students say

Sarah Michelle Rorslett e1760469099746 - Bergen Folkehøgskole

My year at Åsane folk high school gave me so much, both academically and personally. I received a good introduction to the subject and valuable experience, which helped me develop my skills and ultimately get into my dream study program. The school day was eventful and varied, and I got to try many different projects. At the same time, it was a social year that made me more confident and open. I made friends for life and became part of a strong community that has meant a lot to me since.

Johanne Kollandsrud e1760468493317 - Bergen Folkehøgskole

My year at Åsane folkehøgskole was filled with long and meaningful conversations with close friends, educational classes, beautiful nature experiences, and, not least, memorable trips. On the Architecture and Design course, I was given exciting challenges and a solid foundation to begin further architectural studies. I wouldn’t have gotten into my dream program (Bergen School of Architecture) if it hadn’t been for the excellent help I received in Architecture and Design. My year at Åsane folkehøgskole has taught me a lot about friendship, adulthood, and the importance of playfulness in everyday life, which I will carry with me throughout my life.

Tobias Nilsen e1748849014464 - Bergen Folkehøgskole

Getting the opportunity to study this program has been absolutely fantastic. I had some background from before and I’m a huge fan of animation. Seeing what happens behind the scenes of animations is extremely fascinating. Being able to work with this for a year and gain insight into different types of animation has been a highlight of my life so far. I’ve learned something in all styles and I now know the basics. I wish to continue working with animation. For me, it has always been a dream to travel to Japan – and that dream came true! It was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had!

Iben Bang Gulliksen e1748848824113 - Bergen Folkehøgskole

I’ve learned a lot about animation and how to work on projects and processes. How you can reach a finished result by working step by step. I think 2D animation is fun and I’m going to continue with this. Stop Motion and 3D animation were nice to try out. A good subject teacher and a very calm atmosphere in the classroom – there’s no stress here.

Kayla Marie Bergan e1744906700798 - Bergen Folkehøgskole

My year in Musical and Performance at Åsane Folk High School was truly one of my best! When I received the call from the principal that they had chosen me as a scholarship student for the program, I quickly seized the opportunity. And I don’t regret it for a second. This year, I’ve truly learned to let loose. We put on many different projects, everything from several musicals to monologues, concerts, and we participated in many workshops in performing arts. My class staged the musical Grease, and I got to play Danny Zuko. This was very scary at first, as I didn’t quite believe I was good enough, but program teacher Karina was incredibly good at pushing me just enough so that I dared to take the final step into the role myself. I quickly learned that you only look silly on stage if you’re not having fun on stage. Even though this was just one year, it feels like I’m left with a lot of experience that I can take with me further in the theater/musical field, but also in everyday life. You develop so much during this year, so I like to say that a year at a folk high school is like 5 years in ‘real life’.

daria - Bergen Folkehøgskole

The study trip with the class was absolutely fantastic! The people in Mexico were so warm, social, and welcoming. You almost feel like you’re family with them. We got to experience many exciting activities, and my favorite was going rafting in the Lacandon jungle. Seeing and hearing all the birds and jungle plants while we rafted down the river and jumped over waterfalls was truly magical!

lucy ada - Bergen Folkehøgskole

We’re really enjoying our time in the Latin America program! The atmosphere is relaxed, without any pressure or stress. We have a fantastic teacher we share lots of laughs with, and it’s great to be in a class with others who are interested in Latin America. A strong love of travel and curiosity about different cultures have brought us together.

Ida Bjordal Ronnestad e1744630891254 - Bergen Folkehøgskole

Meeting indigenous peoples was one of the coolest parts of the journey. The pyramids and
the history behind it all is incredibly interesting. Temazcal – sweat lodge was a ceremony where we were “reborn”. A cool experience and very different from anything I’ve done before.

Adrian Aadalen - Bergen Folkehøgskole

In the Latin America program, we learn a lot about Latin America in general, both its history and culture. It’s especially exciting to learn about lesser-known information that you typically don’t hear about in the news. One of the things I like best is learning to dance salsa and making Latin American food together in the school kitchen. The study trip is, of course, a major highlight, and we students get to decide a good deal of what we’ll do on the trip. The high level of student involvement is a big plus.

Marit Ingeborg Garvik e1744906896341 - Bergen Folkehøgskole

Taking Musical and Performance is the best choice I’ve made! It’s a program that has given me challenges, community, and experiences for life.

Even though I didn’t have much experience before, I’ve developed both individually and as part of a larger collaboration. The program hours are filled with everything from singing, dancing, theater, conversations, work, and fun. If we don’t have program hours, it’s because we’re on tour showing our projects. There’s never a boring day!

Through Musical, I get a break from reality where I can put on a costume and become a completely different character. And in collaboration with my classmates, it’s never been scary to make a fool of myself or step out of my comfort zone.

Musical and Performance has given me tons of experience and personal development! It’s a safe space to explore your own abilities and collaboration with others! Highly recommended!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A folk high school is a school without exams or grades. You live in a dormitory on campus and can immerse yourself in subjects you are passionate about.

Attending a folk high school is about much more than just subjects. You live with other students, make new friends, try new things, and become part of an inclusive community. Many describe the year as educational, social, and life-changing.

We are located in the Åsane district of Bergen.

The 26-27 school year starts on Sunday, August 23.

We offer the following full-year courses for the 26-27 school year:

  • Animation and Graphics
  • Architecture and Design
  • Your future
  • Philosophy – Greece
  • Musical and Performance
  • Music and health
  • Latin America Travel and Experience
  • Product Design
  • Revue and Theater
  • The Writing Workshop – Authorship and Creative Writing

Half-year courses 2026:
  • Your future autumn 2026

Usually, we start at 8:45 AM and finish at 2:30 PM. Some of our electives take place in the evening, and on certain evenings, we travel to Bergen city center to attend the theater, concerts, or similar events.

3 days a week we start with roll call and announcements at 08:45. A teacher or student then holds a morning assembly for the rest of the school. They then talk about something they are concerned about, something they have experienced, something they are good at, etc.

A folk high school year lasts for approximately nine months.

The 26-27 school year starts on August 23 and ends on May 15.

Yes, most Saturdays feature seminars and student evenings, but we also have some free Saturdays.

The kitchen emphasizes varied and healthy food. Breakfast and supper are usually bread with different types of toppings.
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, students and staff have a common lunch. Then it is usually served, salad, soup, porridge or leftovers in addition to bread.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, students must pack a lunch at breakfast to have for lunch.

No, you don’t have to, but since you pay for the food, it may be a good idea to get as many of the meals as possible. If you have a special diet, it is important that you notify the kitchen of absence at dinner well in advance.

All teaching and all events under the auspices of the school are compulsory. It is important that you talk to the teachers if for some reason you cannot be present at the teaching

Yes. The school has some vacant rooms that are used for overnight guests, if desired. The price for accommodation is 400/500 depending on whether it is family or friends. This includes all meals and loan of bed linen/towels.

It is also possible to invite visitors to dinner. It costs 100 kr per person.

There is a free weekend approximately every fourth weekend.

No, the school is your home even on free weekends. The school is closed during the autumn, Christmas, winter and Easter holidays, and during these holidays you must leave the school

Yes. Bergen Folk High School has set aside 1.5 hours a week where students who wish to can work on retaking subjects, with guidance and support from a teacher.

Yes, you must turn 18 during the autumn semester.

You send us an application by filling out the application form that you can find here.

Yes, the school fees cover tuition, study trips, food, and housing.

You can read more about prices here.

Yes, all students live in dormitories. We have 7 different dormitories at the school.

No, but you gain useful experience and competence.

You can apply for scholarships and loans from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund. For the school year 2025-2026, you can receive up to NOK 151,690 from Lånekassen. 60% of the sum is a loan and 40% (NOK 60,676) is converted into a scholarship upon completion of the school year.

There are no grade requirements, but motivation is important.

No, Bergen Folk High School is a non-religious folk high school.

It may be possible by agreement.

Bergen Folk High School’s kitchen has extensive experience catering for students with special dietary requirements and is used to accommodating most allergies. Please remember to inform us of any special needs in your application so that we can prepare for your arrival.
If you receive public financial support to cover the cost of a special diet or specific food requirements, you should expect to pay a small additional fee to the school.

Yes, the school offers many activities in the afternoons and on weekends. The activities are open to everyone and are organized by teachers, student mentors, or students who wish to do so.

Yes, we offer Norwegian language classes.

Yes, you can contact us to arrange a visit.

Tel: 55 39 51 90

Email: post@bergenfhs.no