University of Bergen (UiB)

Quick facts

Why choose UiB

• Ocean climate leadership: Study at a global hub for marine and climate science
  with direct links to the Institute of Marine Research and the Bjerknes Centre for
  Climate Research.
• City campus, real impact: Walkable, central campus embedded in Bergen’s
  cultural scene, hospitals, and media/technology clusters.
• Hands-on learning: Field courses, research cruises, marine stations, and close
  collaboration with industry and public institutions.
• Student welfare: Sammen provides affordable housing,
  healthcare, mental‑health services, gyms, cafés, and career support.
• Community and culture: A dynamic student scene anchored by Det
  Akademiske Kvarter (Kvarteret), student media, clubs, and festivals.
• Nature on your doorstep: The seven mountains, fjords, and
  coastal trails are part of daily life rain jacket recommended! 

Academics and programs

Bachelor’s degrees (Norwegian)

Most bachelor’s programs are in Norwegian across the humanities, social sciences, law, natural
sciences, medicine, psychology, and the arts. International applicants with documented Norwegian
proficiency will find many options, with select English‑taught courses available.

Master’s degrees (English, 2 years / 120 ECTS)

• Ocean, climate, and earth systems: Marine Biology, Marine Geology/Geophysics,
  Climate Dynamics, Energy & Sustainable Transition, Fisheries & Aquaculture (varies by
  year)
• Informatics & data: Data Science, Algorithms, Visual Computing, Information
  Science, Human  Computer Interaction, Media & Interaction (in collaboration with Media City
  Bergen)
• Health & medicine: Global Health, Biomedical Sciences, Infection Biology,
  Nutrition (selected offerings)
• Society, law & policy: System Dynamics, Comparative Politics, Public
  Administration, Development/Global Studies, Energy/Natural Resource Law (offerings vary)
• Humanities & arts: Linguistics, Digital Culture, Philosophy; Fine Art,
  Music & Design at KMD (portfolio/audition requirements may apply)

PhD education (English‑friendly)

Fully research‑based with paid research fellow positions advertised year‑round.
Doctoral candidates work closely with supervisors and research groups, often in collaboration with
hospitals, research institutes, and industry.

Teaching and learning

Research‑led education with seminars, labs, studios, fieldwork, and research cruises; emphasis on
critical thinking, methods, and independent
inquiry. Strong integration with Haukeland University Hospital and the marine cluster.

Facilities

Modern labs and core facilities; marine field stations (e.g., Espegrend), research
vessels, Media City Bergen studios and data labs, libraries across campus, and the renowned
University Museum of Bergen.

Research and innovation

• Ocean & climate: The Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research
  (one of Europe’s leading climate environments), Centre for Deep Sea Research,
  and strong partnerships with the Institute of Marine Research and Nansen Center.
• Centres of Excellence (past and present): Examples include the
  Birkeland Centre for Space Science, SapienCE  Centre for Early Sapiens
  Behaviour, and CCBIO  Centre for Cancer Biomarkers.
• Life sciences & global health: Hospital‑embedded research, vaccine and
  infection biology, and health priority‑setting and policy research.
• Media & data: MediaFutures  Research Centre for
  Responsible Media Technology and Innovation, and data/AI collaborations in Media City Bergen.
• Society & culture: Anthropology, comparative politics, digital culture, and
  law and governance with strong international networks.
• Entrepreneurship: Commercialization support via VIS (regional
  technology transfer), incubators at Marineholmen, and industry collaboration
  across ocean, energy, health, and media sectors.

Student life and support

• Orientation & community: Faculty welcomes, international meetups, and
  fadderuke (buddy week) help you build your network from day one.
• Housing & welfare (Sammen): Student housing across Bergen; health and
  mental‑health services; Sammen Trening gyms; affordable cafés; counseling and
  career services.
• Student organizations: Hundreds of groups spanning academics, sustainability,
  music and theatre, volunteering, and tech. Highlights include Det Akademiske
  Kvarter (student house), student radio/TV/newspaper.
• Libraries & study spaces: Quiet reading rooms, group rooms, extended hours,
  and rich digital collections across the University Library system.
• Museums & culture: The University Museum offers natural and cultural
  history; the city hosts major festivals and venues within walking distance of campus.

International students

• Language options: Complete a full master’s or
  PhD in English. Norwegian language courses are available (offerings vary by
  semester and program).
• Admissions:
  • Bachelor’s degrees generally require documented Norwegian proficiency.
  • English‑taught master’s programs require a relevant bachelor’s and proof of
    English (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL). Country‑specific requirements may apply.
  • Application windows for international master’s typically open in late
    autumn for studies starting the following August; EU/EEA applicants may
    have later deadlines.
• Tuition and fees:
  • Public universities in Norway remain tuition‑free for EU/EEA citizens
    (a small semester fee applies).
  • Non‑EU/EEA students are required to pay tuition; amounts vary by
    program. Limited scholarships or external funding schemes may be
    available for select programs.
• Visas and permits: Students from outside the EU/EEA typically need a
  study permit and must document sufficient funding per UDI
  guidelines. A part‑time work permit (up to 20 hours/week) during semesters is
  commonly included.
• Cost of living: Bergen offers high quality of life and efficient public
  transport (light rail and buses). Costs are relatively high; student housing, subsidized gyms
  and cafés, and transport discounts help manage expenses.

Always confirm program details, tuition regulations, and application deadlines on UiB’s
official pages before applying.

Life in Bergen

• City meets sea and mountains: Historic Bryggen waterfront, the
  Fløyen and Ulriken cable cars, and year‑round hiking right from campus.
• Creative capital: Concerts, museums, film and literature festivals, and a
  thriving media and startup scene.
• Get around: Walkable city center, bike‑friendly routes, and the
  Bybanen light rail connecting campus areas, the city, and airport.

Notable achievements and alumni

UiB researchers have advanced international understanding of climate dynamics,
ocean processes, space weather, and cancer
biomarkers, and contributed to health policy and media innovation. Alumni lead in
academia, public administration, health, energy and ocean industries, culture, and technology across
Norway and the world.

How to get started

1. Explore programs: Identify English‑taught master’s or PhD opportunities that
   match your interests.
2. Check requirements: Review program‑specific academic and language criteria,
   plus any country‑specific documentation rules.
3. Track deadlines: International master’s applications commonly open in autumn
   for the next academic year—always confirm exact dates on UiB’s official pages.
4. Plan finances: Understand tuition (if applicable), living costs, and
   scholarship options; prepare proof of funding for immigration.
5. Secure housing early: Apply for Sammen student housing as soon
   as you’re eligible.
6. Prepare to thrive: Join pre‑arrival webinars, brush up on Norwegian basics, and
   connect with student groups before arrival.

Closing

At the University of Bergen, you’ll study at the heart of Europe’s ocean and climate
research, in a friendly city nestled between mountains and sea. Academic rigor, community, and
adventure—rain or shine.