The PRIO Peace Research course, part of the University of Oslo's International Summer School since 1969, is experiencing peaked interest in 2026. This reflects a broader surge in demand for the school as a whole, compared with previous years.
In 2026, the International Summer School received 6,137 applications, nearly five times the number recorded in 2025. The growth spans all courses, but the PRIO Peace Research course stands out one of the most popular offerings. Of the 1,724 applicants who applied to the course, 960 listed it as their first choice.
The International Summer School has long served as a forum for intercultural dialogue, drawing students from diverse educational backgrounds and countries. That diversity is growing. This year has seen a notable rise in applicants from African nations, particularly Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria.
The PRIO course offers both a comprehensive introduction to peace studies and a focused exploration of select themes. This year’s curriculum includes peace research theory, conflict ethics, conflict data analysis, machine learning, climate change, gender, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and peace and security in East Asia. Beyond thematic studies, students will also develop practical academic skills such as academic writing.
PRIO summer school will culminate in a Mock Conference where students will have an opportunity to put their newly gained knowledge and skills to practical use. The course is expected to welcome 25 students for a course that runs between 29 June and 23 July.
