Fagskolen Diakonova

Fagskolen Diakonova provides higher vocational education in health, leadership, logistics, and accounting. The school aims to increase access to qualifications for employment in the health and care sector – both for individuals seeking further education and for those currently outside the labor market.

Student from the study program Active Care for Older Adults with Health Challenges/Dementia.

Educational Needs in the Healthcare Sector

The Norwegian healthcare sector is facing several educational challenges, including the need to train more people within the workforce and develop competencies that keep pace with technological advancements and shifting patient needs. There is a strong demand for attracting and upskilling professionals to meet rising expectations.

Growth and Development

Fagskolen Diakonova launched its educational offerings in autumn 2023, starting with 30 study places in the “Active Care for the Elderly” program. As of January 1, 2025, more than 800 students from the former Folkeuniversitetet Vocational School will be integrated into Fagskolen Diakonova, significantly increasing its student base.

Another initiative is the HYUFLY project, which aims to integrate refugees into Norwegian society. By combining tailored vocational education in health sciences with targeted language training and supervised work placement, the project has achieved strong results.

Values and Ownership

Fagskolen Diakonova has a diaconal and values-based profile, with a strong focus on inclusion and social responsibility. The school is accredited by NOKUT and is owned by Stiftelsen Diakonhjemmet, Stiftelsen Diakonova Haraldsplass, and Ferd AS, through Fagskolen Diakonova Holding AS. The merged institution will offer 20 educational programs across 13 locations.

Ferd Social Entrepreneurs has been involved since the very beginning, primarily contributing at the board level. We were also involved in the merger with Folkeuniversitetets Fagskole (2024, effective from 2025).

How much - Impact Performance

Fagskolen Diakonova began its educational offerings in the autumn of 2023 with an initial allocation of 30 study places for the program Active Care for the Elderly. The 2023/24 quality survey report a general student satisfaction rating of 4.3 (out of 5) . From 1. Jan 2025, the inclusion of the more than 800 students from the former Folkeuniversitetets Fagskole will expand the student population significantly.

In addition, the HYUFLY project for the integration of refugees into Norwegian society. By combining tailored higher vocational education in health sciences, targeted language training, and supervised work placement, the project achieved remarkably strong results: 18 of the 18 students completed, and 56% passed their exams, 78% of participants obtained relevant employment in the healthcare sector, and all showed measurable language progression.

4,3 of 5

General student satisfaction (National average: 3.5)

4,7 of 5

Satisfaction with specific programme (National average: 4.4)

79%

Proportion of female students

78%

Employment rate post training for the refugees in the HYUFLY project

100%

Course completion in the HYUFLY project

56%

Of student in the HYUFLY project passed their exams

How the figures were sourced:

Student satisfaction and proportion of female students: Fagskolen Diakonova is required to survey its students and report the findings to the accreditation body NOKUT on a range of qualitative and quantitative parameters for each academic year.

The figures from the HYUFLY project are based on an internal evaluation conducted by Fagskolen Diakonova in 2025. The project was carried out in two main phases: a thorough planning phase (March 2023-August 2024) and an intensive implementation phase (August-December 2024). The evaluation of the report was conducted in the first quarter of 2025.