The University of Bergen is one of Norway’s largest public research universities and one of the best options for students looking for a research-oriented education in a coastal, international and academically active city. Founded in 1946, UiB has grown to become a well-respected Norwegian university known for academic quality, international research, marine studies, climate science, global challenges, humanities, social sciences, psychology, medicine, law, natural sciences, fine art, music and design. The university is located in Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, and provides a unique study environment based on research, culture, ocean science, sustainability and international collaboration.

UiB has a strong identity related to Bergen as a coastal knowledge city. The university has particular expertise in marine research, climate studies, oceanography, global development, media, humanities, psychology, biomedical sciences, mathematics, earth science, geography, system dynamics and international research cooperation. UiB is especially relevant for students interested in studying topics related to sustainability, climate, society, culture, health, media and global challenges. The academic environment of the university promotes independent thinking, research methods, thesis work, field-based study, laboratory learning, seminars and interdisciplinary understanding.

For international students UiB is mainly relevant at master and doctoral level. In some areas, the university offers English-taught master’s degree programs in digital culture, linguistics, humanities, biomedical sciences, applied mathematics, earth science, biology, molecular biology, meteorology, oceanography, global development, geography, politics, system dynamics, media, fine art, design, and music. Most master’s programs last two years and include advanced coursework, research training, academic writing and thesis development. This structure means that UiB is a good choice for students who are looking for a serious academic pathway into research, policy, creative practice, science or specialist professional work.

The university has a number of faculties that support research and teaching. These include humanities, medicine, law, mathematics and natural sciences, psychology, social sciences and fine art, music and design. This diversity gives UiB a broad academic identity, but at the same time makes it possible to develop strong specializations in areas such as ocean research, climate, global challenges, culture, society, creative arts and biomedical science.
“A big plus is Bergen itself for students. The city is known for its historic harbor and mountains, cultural festivals, student population and close ties to maritime industries and research. It’s smaller than Oslo but still international and active academically. Students get a mix of high quality education, city life, outdoor recreation and close student environment. The natural environment around Bergen is suitable for environmental studies, climate research, marine science and fieldwork.

Tuition Fees Students from Norway, the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from paying tuition fees at public universities Students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland generally pay tuition fees. UiB publishes annual tuition fees for each program and faculty. Humanities and many social science programs are usually around NOK 197,000 per year, science and biomedical programs are often around NOK 226,000 per year, and fine art, music and design programs are much higher at around NOK 401,704 per year. UiB does not generally offer scholarships to cover tuition fees. Students should therefore plan their funding carefully.

All in all, the University of Bergen is a solid option for students seeking a Norwegian public research university with a good academic reputation, a strong profile in environmental and marine research, English-taught master’s programs, creative study options and a unique coastal city experience.

The University of Bergen is a state university located in the city of Bergen in Norway. It was established in 1946 and has become one of the most important academic centers in the country. UiB is known for research-based education, an international outlook and strong academic work in marine research, climate change, global challenges, humanities, social sciences, psychology, medicine, law, natural sciences, fine art, music and design.

The university is situated in Bergen, a historic coastal city rimmed by mountains and fjords. Bergen’s identity as a maritime, cultural and knowledge-based city strongly supports the university’s academic profile. It is a close relationship between city, university, research institutions, cultural organisations, public bodies and networks of industry. This makes UiB especially appealing to students seeking academic depth and a strong city life, but not the size of a very large capital.

UiB offers English-taught master’s programs to international students in some disciplines. Typically, these programs involve coursework, research training, academic writing, seminars, project work and thesis development. Students are expected to be self-directed and to participate actively in academic discussions. The university’s teaching methodology promotes critical evaluation, evidence-informed learning, research techniques and interdisciplinary thinking.

A broad spectrum of subjects is embraced by the university’s faculties. Students can study the humanities, medicine, law, science and technology, psychology, social sciences and creative fields. This broad structure helps UiB maintain a strong research profile and gives students the chance to connect different disciplines. It is especially relevant to students interested in climate, oceans, geography, global development, media, social change, biomedical research, design, music and cultural studies.

International students need to plan their finances. As a general rule, students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees and UiB does not offer scholarships to cover tuition fees. Before applying, applicants are advised to review program requirements, documentation rules, deadlines, tuition fees, living expenses documentation, and residence permit requirements.

• Select the preferred study program from UiB’s available programs. • Check whether the program is open to international applicants. • Review academic requirements, language requirements, and documentation rules. • Prepare degree certificates, transcripts, passport details, English language proof, CV, motivation letter, portfolio, or other program-specific documents if required. • Apply through the correct UiB admission route before the deadline. • Upload all required documents in the application portal. • Wait for admission results according to the university timeline. • If admitted, accept the offer and follow enrollment instructions. • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students should arrange tuition fee payment, documentation of living funds, residence permit application, housing, and insurance. • PhD applicants should apply to advertised doctoral vacancies and follow faculty-specific instructions. Admission Details • Main Intake: Autumn • Bachelor’s Language: Mostly Norwegian • Master’s Language: Selected programs available in English • Application Type: Program-specific admission • Bachelor’s Requirement: Upper secondary education equivalent to Norwegian standards • Master’s Requirement: Relevant bachelor’s degree • PhD Requirement: Relevant master’s degree and advertised doctoral opportunity • English Requirement: Required for English-taught programs • Creative Program Requirement: Portfolio or audition may apply • Tuition Fee Rule: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students usually pay tuition fees • Scholarship Availability: UiB does not generally offer scholarships to cover tuition fees • Residence Permit: Required for many non-EU/EEA/Swiss students