Applications are submitted digitally through three forms: One for the student One for the teacher/school One for parents or guardians Both the student form and the teacher form must be submitted for the application to be considered.

STEM Talent Center

Q: When and how often does the program take place?

The Talent Center normally has four sessions during the school year. Each session lasts two to three days, and all teaching takes place during school turns. A detailed schedule will be sent to students who are offered a place before the school year begins. During the pilot phase, there will be 1-2 sessions in autumn 2026.

Q: Will students receive absence from their regular school?

No. The Talent Center is an offer of adapted educations under the Norwegian Education Act. Participation is considered part of the student's regular education. For lower secondary students, this is regulated by the 25%-rule in the Norwegian Education Act.

Q: Does it cost anything to participate?

The STEM Talent Center is a publicly funded program and is free for participants. Travel expenses must be covered by the participants themselves.

Q: Where does the teaching take place?

All teaching primarily takes place at Vitensenter Nordland in Mo i Rana.

Q: Call all students apply?

Only teachers who have completed the teacher training course may submit an application together with the student.

The STEM Talent Center at Vitensenter Nordland is an advanced learning program for students with high learning potential from Grade 5 to the second year of upper secondary school in Nordland.

We are currently running a pilot phase with students from Grades 8-10.

The program provides academic challenges beyond regular classroom instruction and is part of a national initiative to ensure adapted education in STEM subjects.

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Who is it for?

Learns quickly and seeks greater challenges
Asks many questions and wants to understand "why"

Enjoys complex challenges
Wants to meet others who share the same interests

What do students gain?

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

Work with advanced problems in mathematics and science.

MEETING RESEARCHERS

Insight into how science and mathematics are used in research and working life.

COLLABORATION

Interdisciplinary projects together with other motivated students.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Inquiry-based work, hypothesis testing and experiments.

What characterizes students with high learning potential?

Students with high learning potential are not necessarily those with the highest grades. Many are motivated by understanding connections, asking questions, and working in depth. They may learn quickly and often need greater academic challenges than regular classroom instruction can provide.

Practical information

Admission Requirements
A strong interest and motivation for STEM subjects. Applications must be submitted in collaboration with parents/guardians and the student's school.

Formal framework

Admission once per year

Participation is integrated into regular school instruction

Anchored in the Norwegian Education Act

Cost
Free of charge

Application Deadline
Deadline: April 17th, 2026. Applicants will receive a response shortly after.

Program Duration
Runs over one school year, with sessions throughout the semester.

Location
Sessions take place at Vitensenter Nordland. Dates will be provided upon admission.

Often asked questions

How to apply

Applications are submitted digitally through three forms:

One for the student
One for the teacher/school
One for parents or guardians

Both the student form and the teacher form must be submitted for the application to be considered.

When and how often does the program take place?

Will students receive absence from their regular school?

Does it cost anything to participate?

Where does the teaching take place?

Call all students apply?

Apply for a place at the STEM Talent Center

Application period: → April 17th, 2026.
First: April 17th

Student form

Teacher / school form

Parent / guardian form

Contact us

Kristoffer Flatås

Vitensenter Educator
+47 480 24 877
kf@vitenord.no

Teacher Training: Students with high learning potential

How can we identify students with high learning potential – and how can we adapt teaching so that the entire class achieves the best possible learning outcomes?

More information