Arctic Nature Guide Program

The Arctic Nature Guide program is a one-year study program that provides candidates with the opportunity to experience Svalbard's nature and culture at close hand by combining arctic friluftsliv with a practical program in tourism and guiding.

Program Description

This international study program is a full-time program comprising 60 ECTS credits. The program is given on Svalbard and is provided in cooperation with UNIS The University Center in Svalbard. The program is according to the profession standard defined by the Norwegian Nature Guide Association (NNGA). By fulfilling the study program and completing the required amount of nature guide work experience, candidates are in a position to become members of NNGA and an approved Arctic Nature Guide and International Mountain Leader (UIMLA) by the Norwegian Nature Guide Association.

Admission Requirements

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification and certified language requirements in English.
• A driving license (both sides of the document are required), category B (passenger car, etc.) or category S (snowmobile) valid in Norway.
• Relevant practical experience requirements, which can be fulfilled by:
  • Work experience as a nature guide, equivalent to a minimum 6 months full-time/100%.
  • Work experience as an officer, outdoor leader, or teacher, equivalent to a minimum 6 months full-time/100%.
  • Experience from active arctic outdoor life, such as volunteering as an instructor in winter sports or outdoor life, participation in expeditions or organized outdoor activities, or experience as a glacier or climbing instructor.

Application Deadline

• Nordic applicants: 15 April
• EU/EEA + Swiss applicants: 1 March
• Non-EU/EEA applicants: 15 November

Application Code

• Nordic applicants: 9500
• EU/EEA + Swiss applicants: 9013
• Non-EU/EEA applicants: 2063

Program Structure

The program provides broad theoretical and practical knowledge for safe travel and guiding in Arctic nature, including leadership, hostmanship, and experience-based tourism. Students gain insight into Arctic nature, culture, history, and geopolitics, and develop skills in safety routines, group leadership, and communication of values and experiences.

Learning Outcomes

The program fosters awareness of the responsibilities and competencies required of nature guides, encouraging reflection on personal values and the guide's role as an ambassador for sustainable interaction with the vulnerable Arctic environment.

Job Prospects

Future employment opportunities may be found primarily in guiding activities in the Arctic region. After completing the study program, students will have gained expertise that will be relevant for employment on the mainland in outdoor recreation, tourism, education, culture, and environmental hostmanship, as well as in voluntary organizations.

Degree Name

None

Language of Instruction

English

Teaching and Assessment

Student-centered learning activities with problem-based learning approaches, project work, group work, practical and methodical work with guidance are used throughout the study program, in addition to lectures, discussions, and the use of ICT. A large part of the study program takes place in nature and includes practical exercises and the development of experience. Guide role experience will be obtained through a practical training period.

Admission Capacity

15

Citizenship

Some of the courses in the program are offered by UNIS (The University center of Svalbard). To be admitted to the program, applicants must satisfy UNIS's requirement for citizenship. Applicants from countries without security policy cooperation with Norway will not be admitted. Non-EU students must be prepared to pay tuition fees.

University of Tromso: A Summary

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Overview:

UiT Norges arktiske universitet (University of Tromso) is a public university located in Tromso, Norway. It is known for its focus on Arctic research and education.