Autumn 2025 has seen record-high application numbers so far—and it’s not over yet.
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This autumn, application numbers have been exceptionally strong—a trend first spotted in the spring and which continued through the summer. At the start of the semester, HLT has seen a 37% increase in the number of students in its Norwegian programs compared to the same time last year, and has had to expand the admissions staff due to the surge in interest.
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“For us, it’s a big deal that so many want to study with us,” says David Andersen-Eikeri, Head of Studies, who oversees the admissions process for new students.
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“First and foremost because we’re a school that aims to equip future leaders who combine high competence with a wholehearted spiritual life. We want to steward and develop the students who come to us in a good way, giving them a secure and strong grounding in the Bible and theological depth, alongside solid leadership skills,” David adds.
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“We believe HLT is attractive because of its biblical foundation, and because we align with the growing interest in theology and understanding the Bible. Our new one-year program in Theology and Apologetics has also contributed to increased applications. In addition, HLT ranks at the very top of the Norwegian national Study Barometer in both teaching and learning environment—evidence that HLT is an attractive school,” the engaged Head of Studies concludes.
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Two years ago, the rules for subsidizing international students were changed, with the result that students from outside the EU/EEA must pay full tuition. Many schools in Norway have struggled to recruit international students in recent years, but HLT is bucking the trend: the number of international students at HLT has also increased—up 67% from last autumn.
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“As the new Principal, it’s fantastic to see the effect of many years of work. It feels more like grace than luck,” says Karl Inge Tangen, who took office as Principal this autumn.
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This autumn has also seen the launch of a new one-year program. The One-Year Program in Theology and Apologetics has struck a chord, and at the same time some students have gotten a head start on the new Bachelor’s in Leadership, Economics, and Administration. Students admitted to the new bachelor’s degree—formally launching next autumn—have been able to begin already now, since the program’s second year is already offered at HLT.
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“We’re very pleased with our new study programs. We’re also looking forward to hopefully launching our own master’s program and another new bachelor’s during the year, with a start in autumn 2026—so there’s a lot of exciting things in the pipeline for us,” Karl Inge Tangen concludes.
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The Autumn 2025 semester is underway, but it’s not too late to jump in for Norwegian Students. You can read more about international admissions here, or send an email to admission@hlt.no
