About International Summer School

More than 31,000 students from over 150 countries have spent 6 intense summer weeks at International Summer School in Oslo since the start in 1947. It is Norway's oldest summer school, and at the moment, the only one that is still running.

Image may contain: Smile, Facial expression, Sky, Happy, Sleeve.

Photo: Mantas Grigaliunas, UiO

An academic experience

You can choose from a wide range of Bachelor’s courses, focusing on Norwegian language and various aspects of Norwegian culture and society, as well as a number of Master’s courses dealing with topics of broad international interest. The courses adopt a comparative perspective, where the Norwegian case may serve as a basis for discussion. Courses are based on active student participation, and many of them include field visits.

The ISS has also been involved in a number of special dialog and confidence-building projects for participants from conflict areas, e.g. the Middle East, the Balkans and the Caucasus region.

See all courses

Faculty

The ISS academic staff consists of highly qualified faculty members from the University of Oslo and other educational institutions both in Norway and abroad. 

A cultural experience

You can enjoy a wide range of cultural events, film nights, international evenings and forums, social get-togethers, sports, and local excursions to places of interest in the Oslo area. A varied weekend excursion program includes cultural heritage tours, mountain hiking, and rafting, as well as a tour to Bergen and the fjords of Western Norway. You get to know Norwegian culture, and also the cultures of your fellow students from all parts of the globe. 

See the full social programme

Excellent learning environment

Almost 100% of our students fulfil all course requirements, and can go back home with academic credits.

In 2009 the Summer School was awarded the University of Oslo Prize for Excellent Learning Environment.

Would you like to apply?

Read our admission pages to find out about academic requirement and scholarship-opportunities

Why summerschool - still not convinced?

Read more about why attend the Summer School in our Director's blog

or see pictures and videoes from former Summer School students

Published Oct. 18, 2016 2:19 PM - Last modified Aug. 16, 2023 2:02 PM