If you’re searching for an international opportunity that’s different from traditional scholarships or internships, the International Student Festival in Trondheim (ISFiT) 2027 is worth exploring. Instead of focusing on grades, research, or work experience, the festival is all about bringing students together through dialogue, culture, and global exchange. Participation is free, accommodation and meals are provided, and 350 students from around the world will gather in Norway. Applications are currently open.
What Is ISFiT?
ISFiT, short for the International Student Festival in Trondheim, is recognized on its official website as the world’s largest international student festival. Since its launch in 1990, the festival has been held every two years, turning the Norwegian city of Trondheim into a meeting place for students from across the globe. Rather than functioning as an academic conference or career event, ISFiT focuses on discussions, workshops, debates, art, and cultural activities that address important global issues.
The theme for the 2027 edition is “Changing Winds.” It encourages participants to think about today’s changing political landscape, climate concerns, and global challenges while exploring how students and young people can help shape the future.
One feature that sets ISFiT apart is its connection to the Student Peace Prize, which is awarded every two years in Trondheim to recognize student or youth organizations making significant contributions to peace and human rights. This partnership reflects the festival’s broader goal of promoting dialogue, understanding, and peacebuilding.
ISFiT 2027 – Quick Overview
Host Country: Norway
Host City: Trondheim
Festival Dates: February 11–21, 2027
Theme: Changing Winds
Participants: 350 students from around the world
Participation Fee: Free
Application Period: June 7 – August 2, 2026
Application Deadline: August 2, 2026, at 23:59 CEST
What Does ISFiT Provide?
There is no participation fee, and selected students receive several benefits during the festival, including:
Free accommodation for the entire event.
Meals throughout the festival.
The opportunity to request financial assistance for travel costs through the application form.
Access to workshops, discussions, debates, and cultural events with students from many different countries.
A certificate of participation after completing the festival.
One important point to remember is that airfare is not automatically covered. According to the official FAQ, participants who need travel assistance can apply for funding during the application process. The festival then distributes available travel support as fairly as possible based on financial need, so applicants should not assume all travel expenses will be paid.
Who Can Apply?
ISFiT has relatively open eligibility requirements compared to many international programmes. According to the official guidelines, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Be enrolled as an active student during the Spring 2027 semester.
Be able to communicate comfortably in English, as all festival activities are conducted in English.
Students from every country, academic discipline, and background are welcome to apply, with no regional or nationality quotas.
Unlike many competitive programmes, ISFiT does not place its main focus on grades, previous international experience, or professional achievements. Instead, organizers look for students who are genuinely interested in participating, sharing ideas, and learning from people with different perspectives. A sincere and thoughtful application is often more valuable than an impressive résumé.
How Are Participants Selected?
Selection is based entirely on the written application submitted through the Participant Web portal. The organizers aim to create a diverse group of students representing different cultures, experiences, viewpoints, and fields of study. The official information also confirms that there are no country-based quotas during the selection process.
Because every application is reviewed individually, applicants should not expect results before mid-September 2026, after the application period has closed.
Required Documents
Applicants will need:
A student enrollment certificate showing they are enrolled at their institution until at least December 1, 2026, or later.
If you do not yet have proof of enrollment for Spring 2027, ISFiT allows you to upload an older enrollment certificate or another acceptable document, such as an admission letter, student ID, or an official letter from your university. If selected, you will be asked to provide updated enrollment documentation later.
How to Apply for ISFiT 2027
Applying is straightforward:
Visit the official Participant Web application portal.
Create an account if you are a new user.
Complete your personal and educational information.
Upload your enrollment certificate or another accepted document.
Answer the application questions related to the Changing Winds theme, your interests, and your motivation for attending.
If you require travel support, complete the financial assistance section.
Review your application, accept the terms and conditions, and submit it before the deadline.
Applications must be submitted no later than August 2, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive a confirmation email after submitting my application?
Not necessarily. According to the official FAQ, Participant Web does not automatically send confirmation emails. However, your application is still received and safely stored in the system.
Are some applicants given priority?
Only officially appointed ISFiT ambassadors receive separate invitations. Apart from that, every application goes through the same review process without preferential treatment.
When will applicants receive results?
The review process takes time because each application is carefully evaluated. Successful applicants are expected to hear back around mid-September 2026.
What happens if I’m selected?
Successful participants are responsible for arranging their own visa, if required, and must book and pay for their airfare. If travel funding is approved, reimbursement is generally handled according to the festival’s procedures.
Why Consider Applying?
Many international opportunities place heavy emphasis on academic records, research experience, or professional achievements. ISFiT takes a different approach by welcoming students who are curious, open-minded, and interested in meaningful global conversations.
With no participation fee, free accommodation and meals, and the opportunity to join a long-running international festival connected to the Student Peace Prize, ISFiT offers one of the most accessible and rewarding international experiences available to students in 2026.
Official Festival Page: ISFiT – International Student Festival in Trondheim
Disclaimer: ScholarVerse publishes information about scholarships, fellowships, internships, and other international opportunities for informational purposes only. Although we make every effort to verify details using official sources, application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and programme policies may change over time. We strongly recommend checking the official White House website for the most up-to-date information before submitting your application.