Gokstad Akademiet celebrates 5 years: From local roots to a national college

This year, Gokstad Akademiet celebrates its 5th anniversary. Since opening in 2020, we have grown from a local vocational college in Sandefjord into a national provider of flexible and future-oriented programmes. With a strong commitment to practice-based learning and close cooperation with industry, we now have students all across Norway – and we are looking firmly ahead.

How it all started

The story of Gokstad Akademiet began several years before the official opening in 2020. Founders Atle Bjurstedt and Simon Hansen Elvestad, with backgrounds in education, business and technology, wanted to establish a vocational college that responded to the need for flexible, relevant and career-focused competence – in line with digitalisation and the growing demand for reskilling in the labour market.

The name Gokstad Akademiet was inspired by the Gokstad ship, discovered in Sandefjord in 1880. The ship symbolises innovation, exploration and progress – the very values that continue to guide the college.

In autumn 2020, Gokstad Akademiet opened its doors with two programmes: Digital marketing and Sales, leadership and marketing, in rented premises at Framnes in Sandefjord. Just a year later, we moved into our own modern facilities at Hvaltorvet, right in the town centre, to meet the growing demand.

From one campus to nationwide studies

A new milestone came in 2023 when we launched fully online programmes, making it possible for students from all over Norway to join Gokstad Akademiet. In autumn 2025 we will expand further with a brand-new campus in Oslo, as well as satellite campuses in Trondheim, Stavanger and Porsgrunn. This hybrid model makes it easier to combine studies with work and family life, while still offering valuable contact with teachers and fellow students.

Approaching 1,000 students

From fewer than 100 students in 2020, we have grown to over 800 students in 2024/2025, across 14 NOKUT-accredited programmes. Our portfolio ranges from IT and technology – such as Cybersecurity, Backend programming and Frontend development – to design, marketing and entrepreneurship. What all programmes have in common is high practical relevance, flexibility, and strong links to working life. By next school year, we will reach the milestone of 1,000 students.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far. In just five years we have developed from a local initiative into a national provider of higher vocational education. Through a clear focus on quality, relevance and flexibility, we have grown rapidly – always keeping students’ needs and learning outcomes at the centre” says Principal Atle Bjurstedt

Looking ahead

Our 5-year anniversary is not only about celebrating what we have achieved – but also about looking forward. Gokstad Akademiet will continue to develop as a national vocational college, with more programmes, new partnerships and even better access to flexible education across Norway.

“We aim to be a school for the future – one that understands the needs of working life, delivers quality, and makes education accessible no matter where in the country you live” Bjurstedt

Thank you

A warm thank you to all our students, staff and partners who have been part of this journey. We look forward to celebrating 5 years with you – and to everything we will accomplish together in the years ahead. This autumn we will mark the anniversary with a special celebration!