University of Bergen

The University of Bergen was founded in 1946 and is located in the city of Bergen on the west coast of Norway, It is one of the largest universities in Norway, with around 18,000 students and 3,500 staff members.

The university is organized into 7 faculties covering various academic disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, law, medicine, dentistry, and psychology. They are considered one of the leading research universities in Scandinavia. It has a strong focus on international collaboration and exchange programs.

The University of Bergen has a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility in its operations and research. It is known for its inclusive and egalitarian culture, focusing on work-life balance and democratic governance. The university community is diverse, with students and staff from over 100 countries.

Research

The university is one of the leading research institutions in Norway, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary research. Some of the university’s notable research areas include climate and environmental research, marine biology, energy, and global development challenges, The university has several world-class research centers, such as the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, the Centre for Tropical Marine Ecology, and the K.G. Jebsen Centre for Deep Sea Research with contributions in fields like climate science, marine biology, renewable energy, and public health.The university has several world-class research institutes and centers, such as:

• The Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research
• The Centre for Tropical Marine Ecology
• The Centre for International Health
• The Centre for Integrated Petroleum Research

Funding and Partnerships

Researchers at the University of Bergen secure significant external funding from sources like the Research Council of Norway, the European Union, and international foundations. The university has established extensive collaborations with other academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners both in Norway and globally.

It participates in numerous international research networks and joint projects, which facilitate knowledge exchange and foster new research initiatives.

Research Impact 

The university’s research has made important contributions to fields like climate science, marine ecology, public health, and energy technology.

Many research projects have led to the development of new products, services, and spin-off companies through the university’s technology transfer and commercialization efforts, University researchers have been awarded prestigious honors and prizes, including Nobel Prizes, ERC grants, and Fulbright fellowships.

Campus  and Student Life

Generally, the university has several other campuses and facilities located across the cities of Norway.

The Nygårdshøyden campus houses the faculties of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, as well as the Faculty of Medicine, The Møllendalsbakken campus is home to the Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design, and parts of the Faculty of Social Sciences, The Årstadvollen campus is the location of the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Psychology.

The university also has several research stations and field sites, including the Geophysical Institute at Gullfjellet and the Marine Biological Station at Espegrend, The university’s facilities include modern research labs, high-tech auditoriums, specialized libraries, student housing, sports centers, and more. With around 18,000 students, the university has a vibrant and active student community. There are over 100 student organizations and clubs covering various interests like sports, music, politics, and community service.

The student union (Studentsamskipnaden i Bergen) organizes social events, runs student housing, and provides other services. Bergen is considered one of the most beautiful and livable cities in Norway, offering students a high quality of life.

All faculties  has its own dean, departments, and specialized research centers and institutes. The faculties work together to provide a comprehensive range of academic programs and research activities at the university. The diverse faculty structure allows the University of Bergen to cover a wide breadth of academic disciplines and subjects.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate Admission :

• General university admission requirements:
• Completion of Norwegian upper secondary education (videregående skole) or equivalent.
• Minimum grade requirements vary by program, but typically a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 or higher on the Norwegian scale (equivalent to a B average).
• International applicants:
• Proof of English proficiency, usually demonstrated through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or the Cambridge Exams.
• Evaluation of foreign educational credentials to determine equivalency to Norwegian upper secondary education.
• Additional requirements may apply for specific programs.
• Postgraduate Admission (Master’s and PhD Programs):

Master’s programs:

• Completion of a relevant bachelor’s degree, typically with a GPA of 4.0 or higher on the Norwegian scale.
• Additional requirements may include research proposals, letters of recommendation, and interviews.
• Some programs have specific prerequisites, such as prior coursework in the field.

PhD programs

• Completion of a relevant master’s degree, typically with a GPA of 4.5 or higher on the Norwegian scale.
• Submission of a research proposal, writing samples, and letters of recommendation.
• Demonstration of English proficiency, usually through tests or previous academic work.
• Availability of funding and supervision from a faculty member is often required.

In addition

• Undergraduate and postgraduate applications are typically submitted through the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) or directly to the University of Bergen.
• The application deadlines vary, but are generally in the spring for programs starting in the fall semester.
• Applicants may be required to submit transcripts, certificates, test scores, and other supporting documents.
• The university also offers some programs with rolling admissions or flexible start dates.

Tuition and Scholarships:

• The University of Bergen does not charge tuition fees for Norwegian and EU/EEA citizens.
• However, international students from outside the EU/EEA are required to pay tuition fees, which can range from around 120,000 to 200,000 Norwegian kroner (approximately $12,000 to $20,000 USD) per year.
• Various scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available, both from the university and external sources, to support international students.