Folk high schools are open to all, and every year about 6000 students attend. The minimum age for admission into a folk high school is 17 years, although under special circumstances 16 year-olds may also be admitted. Most schools have adopted a minimum age requirement of 18 years. By far the biggest group attending folk high schools are young adults. For many students, the folk high school stay will mean their first taste of living away from home.
Some adults also attend folk high schools.
There are foreign students attending almost every folk high school. However, due to the current immigration policy of the Norwegian Government, only a limited number of vacancies are available to foreign nationals. The folk high schools of Norway are owned and operated by several different types of groups and bodies, ranging from Christian organizations to local councils and independent foundations. May. A few schools offer half-year courses, either for the Autumn semester or the Spring semester. Each school has its own application forms.