In short
The University of Bergen is a public research university in Western Norway, offering a wide range of programs. International students (non-EU/EEA/Switzerland) should be aware of tuition fees and estimated living costs.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1946
- Students
- 20,000
- International students
- 2,500
- Acceptance rate
- 35%
- Tuition (intl)
- €18–37k/yr
- Languages
- EN, NB
- Location
- Bergen, Norway
The University of Bergen (UiB) is a leading public research-intensive university in Western Norway, offering a wide range of studies across various disciplines. UiB is integrated into the heart of Bergen city, providing a vibrant student environment with strong research-based education that prepares students for diverse career paths. The university is committed to high-quality research and education, aiming to be among Europe's top universities and contribute to sustainable global development. UiB fosters an international atmosphere, with faculty and staff from over 70 countries, and actively participates in global research networks.
Why study here
- Engage in research-based studies that provide excellent career prospects.
- Join a dynamic and international research environment with global networks.
- Benefit from a wide range of academic disciplines and interdisciplinary opportunities.
- Experience student life in Bergen, a city that offers a balanced mix of vibrant culture and community feel.
- Access modern infrastructure and dedicated research support for academic development.
Student life
The University of Bergen offers a vibrant student life, with opportunities for social and academic engagement. Students can participate in activities organized by student organizations like Fagutvalget for Fysikk og Teknologi (FFT) and the Doppler association for physics students. Master's students, especially in fields like Physics, often have access to their own desks at their respective departments, fostering a strong academic community. The university's integration within the city of Bergen means that the city itself acts as a lively campus, with various events and cultural activities happening year-round.
Fees
InternationalAnnual tuition fees for the academic year 2026/2027 for non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens range from 197,000 NOK to 401,704 NOK, depending on the program. For example, Humanities programs are 197,000 NOK/year, Science and Technology programs are 226,000 NOK/year, and Fine Art, Music, and Design programs are 401,704 NOK/year. Tuition fees are subject to annual adjustment and must be paid in full, not in installments. A confirmation of payment is issued for study permit applications.
Home—
LivingPlan for roughly NOK 12,000-15,000 per month (about EUR 1,050-1,300) for living costs in Bergen, including accommodation, food, and transport. Proof of sufficient funds is required for the study permit.
Students who withdraw by September 1st may apply for a refund of their tuition fee payment. Exemptions from tuition fees may apply to students with specific residency or other connections to Norway. Citizens of EU/EEA and Switzerland are exempt from tuition fees.
Admissions
General Master's AdmissionApplicants must meet the general admission requirements for Master's programs at UiB.
Specific Program RequirementsEach program has specific admission requirements that must be satisfied.
Grade Requirement (Physics Master's example)Minimum average grade of Norwegian grade C (2.5) or equivalent.
IELTS AcademicMinimum 6.5 overall (typical requirement for English-taught Master's programmes)
TOEFL iBTMinimum around 90 overall (typical requirement)
See website for detailsRequirements for Master's programmes taught in English are detailed on the university's admission pages.
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2026Around #287 worldwide
Times Higher Education World University RankingsRanked among the global top 200-250
QS World University Rankings (Norway)Among the top universities nationally
University scholarships
Erasmus+ and exchange mobility grantsMonthly mobility grant for eligible exchange students
Quota of tuition-fee exemptions and external scholarshipsVaries
Accreditation
The University of Bergen is a public, state-accredited university established by act of the Norwegian parliament and is a member of international university networks such as the Coimbra Group and the Arqus European University Alliance.
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Bergen · Norway
Biomedical Sciences - Master's Programme
The Master's Programme in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Bergen offers a pathway to advanced study and research in a dynamic field. This program is designed for students with a bachelor's degree who wish to deepen their knowledge and engage in scientific inquiry. The faculty is committed to high international research standards, ensuring that your studies are closely integrated with cutting-edge research and practical applications. You will benefit from modern facilities and become part of a vibrant student community. The program is situated close to the hospitals of Western Norway, providing opportunities for real-world exposure and collaboration. The Faculty of Medicine's research encompasses basic and clinical medicine, public health, and global health, with particular strengths in areas like women's health, neurodegenerative diseases, and health service ethics.
Master's
Level
€20k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Bergen · Norway
Chemistry of the Elements
This undergraduate course introduces the fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry. It explores the chemical elements, their properties, and their positions within the Periodic Table, with a focus on periodic trends and relationships between elements and their compounds. The course also delves into bonding theory, molecular structures, and the nature of metals, salts, and minerals. Additionally, it examines the environmental, biological, and industrial significance of inorganic compounds.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Bergen · Norway
Combustion Physics
This postgraduate course offers a deep dive into combustion as a physical phenomenon, exploring its relevance to safety, energy production, and environmental concerns. The curriculum covers experimental descriptions, thermodynamic principles, chemical kinetics, and various models for mass and energy transport. Students will learn about ignition, quenching, laminar and turbulent flames, droplet and dust combustion, pollutant formation, and detonations. The course also includes simulation of explosions using the FLACS CFD simulator.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
University of Bergen · Norway
MA in Music Performance or Composition
The Grieg Academy offers a Master of Arts (MA) programme in Music Performance or Composition, designed for students with a passion for classical music, jazz, or composition. This program emphasizes independence, critical reflection, and practical application within a supportive and creative environment. Students will explore a wide range of artistic expressions and develop their skills through dialogue and critical discussion. The faculty comprises active professionals, many of whom are prominent musicians with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and other ensembles, ensuring that teaching is grounded in artistic research and practice. The program fosters collaboration between artistic and scientific disciplines, both within the department and across the university.
Master's
Level
€36k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Bergen · Norway
Master's Degree Programmes
The University of Bergen offers a variety of master's programmes taught entirely in English, specifically for international students from outside the EU/EEA/EFTA. These programs are typically two years in duration, with the second year often dedicated to thesis work. All international students are required to pay tuition fees and must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their living expenses in Norway.
Master's
Level
€36k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Bergen · Norway
Master's Degree Programmes at the University of Bergen
The University of Bergen offers a range of Master's programmes taught in English, designed for applicants from EU, EEA, and Switzerland. These two-year programmes typically dedicate the second year to thesis research and writing. The university provides a broad selection of disciplines across various faculties, including Fine Art, Music, Design, Health, Psychology, Law, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Technology, IT, and Social Sciences. While the majority of programmes start in the autumn, some in the humanities and natural sciences may have January start dates. All international students are required to pay tuition fees, with the cost varying by faculty, and must also demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses in Norway.
Master's
Level
€36k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Norway
full fundingUiT The Arctic University of Norway - Department of Technology and Safety (Faculty of Science and Technology)
PhD Fellowship in Societal Security and Disaster Research at UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Applicants must hold a master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as societal security and risk management, geography, environmental studies, anthropology, sociology, science and technology studies, philosophy of technology or global development studies, with a minimum GPA of C (3.0 equivalent) including an independent research project. Strong written and spoken English is required.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Oct 23, 2026
Deadline
full fundingBI Norwegian Business School
BI Presidential Scholarship
Open to Norwegian and international applicants admitted to a Master of Science programme at BI's Oslo or Bergen campus (the BI-Luiss joint MSc is excluded). Candidates must hold a top grade average (minimum 'A' on the ECTS scale or the equivalent top mark). For international applicants the award covers tuition plus a living stipend; nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are not eligible. Final terms are set by BI each cycle.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
Mar 15, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Bergen?
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Annual tuition fees for non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens range from 197,000 NOK to 401,704 NOK for the 2026/2027 academic year, depending on the program. Citizens of EU/EEA and Switzerland are exempt from tuition fees.
What are the estimated living costs in Bergen for students?
+
Students should plan for approximately NOK 12,000-15,000 per month for living expenses, covering accommodation, food, and transport. Proof of sufficient funds is required for study permit applications.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for Master's programs?
+
Typical requirements include a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of around 90 overall. Specific details for English-taught Master's programs can be found on the university's admission pages.
Are there scholarships or financial aid options for international students?
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International students may be eligible for Erasmus+ and exchange mobility grants if participating in exchange agreements. Non-EU/EEA students can also explore external funding or may qualify for tuition-fee exemptions based on residency or connection to Norway.
What is the University of Bergen's global ranking?
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The University of Bergen is ranked around #287 worldwide by QS World University Rankings 2026 and among the global top 200-250 by Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
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