How Online Studies Work

Flexible Online Studies – Without Compromising Quality

Online studies at Gokstad Akademiet give you the freedom to combine education with work, family life, and other commitments – without losing quality or structure.

Since autumn 2023, most of our programmes have been available online, and an increasing number of students are choosing this flexible study format. As an online student, you complete a full qualification with no requirement for physical attendance – with the same academic content, the same diploma, and the same opportunity to graduate on time as campus students.

Although you study online, you receive close follow-up through guidance and weekly digital sessions, as well as a structured study routine built on the same strong academic foundation as our on-campus teaching.

How Online Studies Work

As an online student at Gokstad Akademiet, you follow a clear study plan with academic support and weekly teaching. Each week includes one fixed evening session online, combined with individual work between sessions. This ensures flexibility in your daily life, while providing structure, progress, and close academic follow-up.

All course materials, assignments, and syllabus are available on our digital learning platform Min GA. The online sessions take place on Teams, giving you the chance to ask questions, discuss subjects, and collaborate with fellow students and lecturers in real time.

This study format is designed for those who want to combine education with work or other commitments – without the need for physical attendance.

Key Practical Information

• One online session per week (typically 18:00–20:00, subject to change)
• Individual work between sessions with academic support and a progress plan
• Three mandatory coursework submissions per semester
• Compulsory guidance each semester
• Final project assignment in the last semester
• No physical attendance required – the entire programme is completed online

Weekly Evening Sessions

Each week you join a live online evening session on Teams, normally between 18:00–20:00 on a set day. This is the key arena for teaching and academic community in real time. Here you meet lecturers and fellow students, go through the week’s topics, receive professional input, and take part in discussions.

The sessions are structured to support your academic progress, while giving you opportunities to ask questions and explore topics through dialogue. Many students find this an important motivational factor and a valuable support in an otherwise flexible study routine.

Individual Work with Structure and Support

Between sessions, you manage much of your study time independently – but always following a clear plan from your lecturer with recommended progress, milestones, and support.

In the student portal Min GA, you will find everything you need – syllabus, assignments, resources, and an overview of tasks to be completed.

Although you control your own time, there are clear requirements: each semester you must submit three mandatory coursework assignments to pass each subject. Deadlines are fixed, and you are expected to work continuously and purposefully to stay on track. In your final semester, you complete a project assignment, which also serves as your exam.

Compulsory Guidance – Adapted to Your Needs

Guidance is a required part of the study programme, offered individually or in small groups. Times are agreed in cooperation with your lecturer or supervisor, so they fit into your everyday life. This is your opportunity to discuss assignments, clarify academic questions, and get support for further work.

Unlike many online studies where students are left entirely on their own, we provide regular contact points within a solid framework that supports you throughout your studies. By actively participating in sessions and guidance, you stay on track, increase your chances of success, and develop essential skills such as discipline, independence, and effective planning – all highly valued in working life.

Student Financing (Lånekassen)

All our online programmes are approved by the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). This means you can apply for loans and grants as an online student.

• You must attend the first online session each semester for us to confirm your student status to Lånekassen.
• First payments are made after semester start.
• The amount you receive is determined by Lånekassen according to their rules.

[Go to Lånekassen]

Literature and Digital Learning Resources

An overview of required literature for each programme is published in Min GA before semester start. Learning resources may include books and software necessary to complete your studies, and these vary by programme. Costs for literature and digital resources are covered by the student.

You are responsible for acquiring the required literature before semester start, while software licences can often wait until after. Note that it is not necessary to purchase all books at once – resources may change from year to year.

Coursework, Exams and Guidance

• Each subject includes three mandatory coursework submissions, assessed as pass/fail.
• In the final semester, you complete a project assignment which serves as the exam. This includes both written and oral submissions. The final project exam is graded with a letter grade (A–F), shown on your diploma.
• Compulsory guidance sessions take place each semester via Teams.
• Students may apply for individual adaptations if they have disabilities or other needs.

A Digital Student Community

As an online student, you are part of a digital learning community. Collaboration and dialogue are encouraged through Min GA and Teams.

• Group work is a natural part of the programme, giving you valuable experience with digital teamwork.
• You decide how much contact you want with other students – active collaboration or a more independent path.
• You can also choose to organise informal in-person study groups with peers in your area.

You Are Not Alone

Unlike many online programmes where students must largely manage on their own, we offer a comprehensive framework with close academic follow-up. With us, you receive regular contact with lecturers and supervisors, live teaching sessions, and personalised guidance adapted to your progress.

By engaging actively, you benefit from both academic support and a strong learning community – which improves progress, increases completion rates, and gives you a clear understanding of expectations.

This form of online study requires effort but offers much in return: independence, structure, and effective time management – qualities highly valued in the workplace.

Did You Know?

• All our programmes are approved by Lånekassen (student loans and grants).
• All our programmes are publicly accredited by NOKUT (Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education).
• All programmes are full-time (30 ECTS credits per semester) – regardless of study mode (online, campus, or hybrid).
• A one-year programme awards a Professional Degree (1 year).
• A two-year programme awards a Higher Professional Degree (2 years).
• Semester start for all programmes is week 34 each autumn.