Western Norway University of Applied Sciences is a public university of applied sciences with campuses in western Norway. HVL was established in 2017 through the merger of regional university colleges and is today an important institution for professional education, applied research and regional development. The university has campuses in Bergen, Førde, Haugesund, Sogndal and Stord, and can thus reach students and communities in a large western coastal area.

The HVL is particularly known for its practical training related to working life. Academic strengths include engineering, maritime studies, climate change management, fire safety, health sciences, teacher education, social sciences, business, nursing, rehabilitation, technology, energy, public health and professional practice. The university’s applied sciences identity results in many programs being built with close links to employers, public services, industry, municipalities, schools, hospitals and regional organizations.

HVL offers several master’s programs in English for international students. The main international options are Climate Change Management, Fire Safety, Healthy Aging and Rehabilitation, Maritime Operations and Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Theatre SPACEs. HVL also has several bachelor’s and professional programmes taught in Norwegian, but most of the routes at bachelor level require proficiency in Norwegian. Nevertheless, bachelor fee categories are important as non-EU/EEA/Swiss students may have to pay tuition fees if they are admitted to fee-liable programs.

HVL has a strong location advantage as western Norway is strongly connected to the maritime industries, energy, fjord-based tourism, coastal development, public health, education and environmental challenges. Bergen is one of Norway’s main student cities. Smaller camps like Sogndal, Førde, Stord and Haugesund offer a more regional and community-based study environment. This makes HVL well-suited for students wanting applied education in urban and regional Norwegian contexts.

The university's research is geared towards practical societal challenges. It works in areas such as climate adaptation, maritime operations, security, health and care, education, regional development, sustainable technology, welfare, innovation and professional development. 
Tuition fees Students from Norway, EU/EEA countries and Switzerland are generally not required to pay tuition fees. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students normally pay tuition fees unless exempt. HVL charges specific fees for some international master’s programs, for instance Climate Change Management and Fire Safety are NOK 260,000 per year and Healthy Aging and Rehabilitation is NOK 180,000 per year. Some joint-degree programs have joint-degree structures that are exempt from HVL tuition fees. For example, Maritime Operations and Erasmus Mundus Theatre SPACEs. HVL also has annual fees by category, from NOK 130 000 to NOK 500 000 for other categories of programs.

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences is a good choice for students who are looking for practical, professional and applied education in Norway, overall. This is especially good for students interested in climate change, fire safety, maritime operations, health, rehabilitation, engineering, teacher education and careers in public service.

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences is a public institution with a focus on applied education and professional practice. It was formed in 2017 by merging several university colleges in Western Norway. Today it runs from five campuses – Bergen, Førde, Haugesund, Sogndal and Stord.

HVL’s academic model is designed for practical use and with a focus on working life. The university has programs in engineering, health, education, social sciences, maritime studies, business, technology and safety related fields. Many programs are linked to regional employers, public sector needs, and applied research projects. Students are often involved in fieldwork, practical assignments, laboratory training, simulations, internships, group and thesis projects.

HVl is popular with international students looking for English taught master’s programs. Key areas of international study are Climate Change Management, Fire Safety, Healthy Aging and Rehabilitation, and Maritime Operations. As most of the bachelor’s programs are taught in Norwegian, applicants for the bachelor level normally have to prove their proficiency in Norwegian, unless there is a specific English track available.

HVL is located in Western Norway, which provides a strong connection to the climate, coastal life, maritime industries, energy, healthcare and local communities. Bergen has a larger city feel, but the other campuses have smaller, closer-knit student communities. This provides students with many academic and lifestyle options depending on their program.

The program is perfect for students who want to get practical education pertinent to professional practice. Graduates can find work in engineering, public health, rehabilitation, fire safety, maritime operations, climate policy, education, public administration, welfare services, research and regional development.

• Choose the preferred HVL program from the official study list. • Check whether the program is offered in English or Norwegian. • Review admission requirements and documentation rules. • Prepare transcripts, degree certificates, passport details, English language proof, CV, motivation letter, and program-specific documents. • Apply through HVL’s admission route before the deadline. • Upload all required documents correctly. • Wait for admission results. • If admitted, accept the offer and follow enrollment steps. • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students should confirm tuition invoice, pay tuition fees, document living funds, apply for residence permit, and arrange housing. • PhD applicants should apply to advertised doctoral vacancies or faculty research positions. 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 • Norwegian Requirement: Required for most bachelor’s programs • Tuition Fee Rule: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students usually pay fees unless exempt • Scholarship Availability: HVL does not offer scholarships • Residence Permit: Required for many non-EU/EEA/Swiss students