Sogn Jord- og Hagebruksskule (SJH) is Norway’s national programme school for organic agriculture. Located in Aurland in Western Norway, the school offers a two-year agronomy education combining practical farm training with professional theoretical knowledge. Students from all parts of Norway can apply. International applicants who speak Norwegian may also be admitted if places are available. At Sogn Jord- og Hagebruksskule, the farm is the classroom.
What Is the National Programme in Organic Agriculture?
SJH is the only upper secondary school in Norway with a national programme in organic agriculture.
This means:
- Students from all over Norway have equal admission rights
- The programme is specialised in organic and regenerative farming
- You become part of a diverse learning environment with students of different ages and backgrounds
After completing the two-year programme, students qualify as Agronomists in Organic Agriculture.
Programme Structure – Two Years to Become an Organic Agronomist
The education consists of two years:
- Year 1 – Agriculture and Horticulture (Vg2 Equivalent)
- Year 2 – Agriculture Specialisation (Vg3 Equivalent)
Together, these two years lead to formal agronomy qualification in organic farming.
Year 1 – Foundation in Organic Agriculture
During the first year, students receive broad practical and theoretical training in:
- Organic plant production
- Animal husbandry (cattle, goats, sheep, horses)
- Soil science and regenerative farming principles
- Sustainable farm management
- Vocational specialisation projects
Approximately 50% of the teaching is practice-based and takes place on the school farm.
Year 2 – Advanced Agronomy and Farm Management
The second year builds on the foundation year and focuses on professional specialisation.
The school year begins with a three-week summer course in late June before regular classes start in August.
Subjects include:
- Advanced plant and animal production
- Farm business management and financial planning
- Outfield farming and cultural landscape management
- Organic production systems
- Nature-based business development
- Around 25% of teaching is practical.
After completion, students receive the formal agronomist qualification in organic agriculture.
What is organic farming?
An organic farmer is concerned about managing the long-term well-being of the soil and environment by using ecologically sound principles. The goal is to produce healthy food without jeopardizing the soils ability to serve future generations as well. To put it simply, organic farming is trying to put into practice the idea of sustainable living. An organic farmer tries as much as possible to base the production of fodder and manure from the farm itself, and to build on nature’s own principles to avoid diseases and pests. Artificial fertilizers and chemical treatments are therefore avoided.
Regenerative and Organic Farming in Practice
SJH has operated without synthetic fertilisers and pesticides since 1986.
The school follows regenerative farming principles aimed at:
- Building soil health
- Increasing biodiversity
- Sequestering carbon in the soil
- Strengthening resilient farming systems
Students learn to work with natural processes, not against them.
The School Farm – Learning by Doing
The school farm is fully certified organic and includes:
- Dairy cows
- Goats
- Sheep
- Working horses
- Vegetable production
- Fruit orchards
- On-site dairy processing and cheese making
Students participate in daily animal care, seasonal fieldwork, and traditional mountain summer farming in the Aurland valley.
Teaching follows the agricultural seasons, meaning schedules adapt to real farm activities throughout the year.
Life at the school
The school is located between fjords and mountains in Aurland, Western Norway.
Students may live on campus and become part of a close, supportive community. Outdoor activities, farm work, and nature are integrated into everyday life.
Admission and International applicants
Application deadline for the 2026/2027 school year:
March 1, 2026
As the online application system is currently available in Norwegian only, we kindly ask you to contact us directly by email if you wish to apply. We will guide you through the application process and provide the necessary information in English.
You are also very welcome to visit the school. We are happy to arrange a guided tour — and if needed, we can assist with accommodation so you can experience daily life at SJH.
Contact us
Telephone: +47 57 63 71 00
E-mail: sjh@vlfk.no
Sogn Jord- og Hagebruksskule
Skulevegen 24
5745 Aurland
Norway
Farm shop
Our farm shop offers a rich variety of local and organic products. Explore local cheese and other foods, snacks, cosmetics, flowers, gifts etc.
Opening hours
Monday–Friday: 10:00–16:30
Saturday: 10:00–14:00