VID Specialized University is a private, non-profit, specialized university in Norway. It has a strong academic and professional focus on health sciences, social work, theology, diakonia, leadership, community development, value-based practice, migration, intercultural relations, and welfare-related education. VID was founded in 2016, as a merger between several long-standing diaconal and professional education institutions and has campuses in cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Sandnes. It is particularly noted for incorporating professional education with ethical reflection, social responsibility, community service and applied research.

VID is a different type of university from large, comprehensive universities. It focuses on selected professional and value-based fields. Its academic identity is rooted in health, welfare, society, faith-based service traditions, social innovation, leadership, global community development, migration, intercultural understanding and practical professional training. The university is particularly suitable for students who want education linked to social impact, community work, healthcare, leadership in welfare organizations, diaconal practice, social services, theology, chaplaincy and civil society development.

For international students VID offers selected English taught programs on mainly master level. A major international program is the Master in Community Development and Social Innovation with specializations in Diakonia and Leadership in Christian Social Practice, Value-Based Leadership and Social Innovation, and Migration and Intercultural Relations. It’s a program for students who want to work with communities, organizations, social welfare, leadership, migration, intercultural dialogue, civil society, faith based organizations and sustainable development.

At VID, the approach to teaching is professional, reflective and practice-based. Students can learn through seminars, group work, case studies, fieldwork, professional reflection, community projects, ethical analysis, research assignments and the development of a master’s thesis. The university emphasizes values, social change, inclusion, professional responsibility and interdisciplinary understanding. This makes VID a useful option for students who want to combine academic study with a social purpose.

The university’s campuses offer different urban and regional settings. Students in Oslo have the opportunity to work with national organizations, NGOs, faith-based organizations, public welfare agencies, migration related services, health organizations, and international networks. Bergen and Stavanger also have strong professional environments, healthcare services, local organisations and links to the public sector. VID’s environment is of particular relevance to students with a keen interest in social development, welfare leadership, faith-based service, migration and intercultural work.

Tuition: VID publishes program-specific fees for international students. The Master in Community Development and Social Innovation costs NOK 70,419 per semester for non-EU/EEA and Swiss students. This is approximately NOK 140,838 per year. VID says international students are not eligible for support from Lånekassen and that the university does not offer scholarships for that program. Students should also budget for living costs, housing, books, insurance, travel, semester costs and residence permit documentation.

All in all, VID Specialized University is a good option for students looking for a smaller, values-based, professional university in Norway with strengths in health, social sciences, theology, leadership, community development, migration and social innovation. This will be particularly useful for those looking to build a career in NGOs, welfare organizations, faith-based institutions, public services, community projects, migration services, health and social care, leadership and applied research.