The student Henry will take a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering at NTNU – NRK Trøndelag – Local news, TV and radio

– It has always been a question of whether you get into the study program, not whether there would be free places, says Henry Kvalsund.

He is currently taking a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at NTNU, but was one of those who only had to apply when the new aeronautical engineering study at NTNU was announced.

– The interest has been great among the students, myself included.

The deadline for applying for studies in the autumn expired on 15 April.

On the list of the most popular studies, we find the brand new aeronautical engineering study at NTNU.

Out of 1,900 applicants, only 25 people get a place. 453 have set up the study program as their first choice.

– The number of applicants is high, but exactly as expected, says Kvalsund.

Fly in the wind

– We must ensure competence in critical areas of society. Aviation is one of these.

This was said by former research and higher education minister Ola Borten Moe (Sp) when it was announced that the government would spend 5 million on the new education.

Until now, this expertise has been sourced from abroad.

Although the students might have expected so many applicants, NTNU Rector Tor Grande says the following:

– It has gone beyond all expectations. The applicant numbers are far higher than we had expected.

He says that the figures show that there is obviously a need for aircraft engineers both in the civilian and defense sectors.

– The number of applicants who have this as their first choice is perhaps completely unique in the Norwegian context.

Good and mixed

There is a lot of variation in the list of the most popular studies in Norway. The list is based on how many people have the study as their first choice compared to the number of study places.

At the very top, you will find the civil economics study program at the Norwegian School of Economics.

Further down you find aviation, medicine and customs to name a few.

Just have to wait and see

However, it is still a long time before the young (and old) hopefuls find out what they are actually getting into.

The answer will not come until 20 July, so here you need to apply a good bit of patience.

Although there are many who have applied for the aircraft engineering course, Henry Kvalsund has not given up hope of being one of those who will screw up the plane.

– We just have to wait until the answer comes in July. Before that, there is not much to do.