International Student Festival in Trondheim - ISFiT 2025

What is ISFIT?

ISFiT is short for the “International Student Festival in Trondheim”. What the name does not say, is that ISFiT is also the world’s largest international student festival. ISFiT is a non-profit organization and is brought to life with the efforts of more than 400 student volunteers. The vision of ISFiT is to create a better future for young people in the world.

ISFiT is arranged every other year, and each festival has a theme related to social and political topics with international relevance. The festival is held in the city of Trondheim, Norway. Here, over 450 students from all over the world gather to attend 18 different workshops and take part in the cultural program of the festival. 

Participants spend their days attending workshops that relate to the theme "Creating Knowledge’. You can see information about the workshop options in the ‘workshops’ tab. Here you will have discussions with other students about relevant topics, and participate in a variety of activities. In addition to the workshops you will attend talks from international speakers, and cultural events such as concerts, theatre performances, and comedy nights. And of course, there will be parties and social events with the ISFiT volunteers and students of Trondheim! 

THEME: Revealing Forces in Change

In a world driven by various forms of power, ISFIT25 encourages a reflective journey into understanding and redefining the concept. Power, often associated with authority and control, extends beyond conventional boundaries. At ISFIT, we believe in harnessing the strength of influence to bring about positive change.  

Evolution depends upon change, and the voices that break through the chaos are always the ones that bring forth changes. Empowering these voices is a recognition of their ability to confront the status quo, demolish stereotypes, and create pathways for a more accepting and compassionate society. Giving those who have been disregarded, ignored, or marginalized a platform is one way to elevate voices for change. It means diligently searching out perspectives that challenge our own and fostering an atmosphere that promotes discussion and debate. In doing so, we not only uplift individual voices but also contribute to the emergence of a collective voice that demands justice, equality, and progress.  

ISFIT stands as a platform where diverse voices converge, empowering individuals to express their perspectives on power dynamics. Through communication and mutual understanding, we hope to establish an atmosphere that values justice and equality and allows influence to be wielded properly. As we set out to empower voices for change, let's not forget the responsibility that accompanies this kind of empowerment. It is not enough to amplify voices; we must actively listen, engage, and act upon the lessons they impart. True empowerment lies in collective action, where communities unite to dismantle barriers and create a world where every voice is not only heard but valued. 

The History of ISFiT

It all started back in 1988, when a group of students at Studentersamfundet had an idea of creating an international student festival to gather students from all over the world to create unity between students across borders. Since the very beginning, ISFiT has held a wide program of cultural events providing entertainment to both the international audience and the citizens of Trondheim. The cultural program of ISFiT consists of concerts, scene art, meetings and ceremonies. Through the cultural program, ISFiT wishes to create a venue where the participants get the opportunity to break through cultural barriers. During the festival there will also be workshops. These are smaller workgroups where participants will be discussing and sharing their views on topics related to migration. Right before the festival kicks off in Trondheim there will be held dialogue groups where participants will meet to understand their situation and how to use dialogue as a tool. The dialogue groups have been running since 1997, and have spanned various conflicts and countries since that time.

A year later, in 1998, the students of ISFiT began to wonder why the Nobel Peace Prize was never awarded to students. This was the beginning of the Student Peace Prize. The Student Peace Prize will be handed out during the festival, to a student or student organization that strives towards peace and understanding rather than violence.

Over the years a number of significant people have visited the festival, including Gro Harlem Brundtland, the Dalai Lama, Chai Ling, Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, Desmond Tutu, Betty Williams and numerous others.