Discover Gokstad Academy
Our story
Gokstad Akademiet is a modern vocational college offering flexible, practice-oriented education closely aligned with labour market needs.
Our Journey: From Idea to Academy
Gokstad Akademiet was founded by Atle Bjurstedt and Simon Hansen Elvestad who share a strong belief in education as a driver for opportunity and growth. With backgrounds in both education and business, they set out to create a college that combines academic quality with real-world relevance. Their vision was to build a learning environment where the learning outcomes are directly tied to the industry needs and standards — through flexible, digital programmes tailored to modern life.
Our commitment
At Gokstad Akademiet, we are committed to making education both accessible and relevant. Whether you are seeking to qualify for a new profession, strengthen your career prospects, or update your competence with short courses, we provide a pathway that matches your goals. Our students are at the centre of everything we do — we believe that learning should be flexible, future-oriented, and directly applicable in working life.
Our degrees
- Professional Degree – 1 year, 60 ECTS
- Higher Professional Degree – 2 years, 120 ECTS
Both qualifications are part of Norway’s recognised Higher Vocational Education (HVE) system. They are nationally approved and eligible for financial support through the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen).
Who we are
Gokstad Akademiet is a modern vocational college (fagskole) dedicated to flexible, practice-oriented education. As an accredited institution, we ensure that all our programmes meet national standards for Higher Vocational Education (HVE) in Norway. Our vision is quite clear: to make high-quality education accessible to people at different stages of life and career.
What we offer
We specialise in programmes that are closely aligned with today’s labour market needs. Our focus areas include IT, design, business, and project management — fields where practical competence is in high demand. Every programme is developed in collaboration with industry partners to make sure you acquire skills that employers truly value.
Study your way
At Gokstad Akademiet, learning is designed to fit real life. All our programmes are offered online, giving you the freedom to combine studies with work, family, or other commitments. You can choose a full-time pathway (30 ECTS per semester) for a structured study experience, or a part-time option that allows you to progress at your own pace.
Professional courses
Gokstad Kompetanse is the professional training division of Gokstad Akademiet, offering short, work-relevant courses designed for both private and public sectors. Building on the strong academic foundation of Gokstad Akademiet, we deliver flexible and practical learning opportunities that strengthen skills, support lifelong learning, and prepare individuals and organizations for future challenges.
