Erasmus guide University of Bergen
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Bergen in Bergen, Norway.
Study abroad at University of Bergen (UiB): overview
Study abroad at University of Bergen (UiB) means choosing Western Norway's research-intensive university, strong in marine science, climate, social sciences and humanities, with exchange life centred around the city campus and Sammen housing. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: More than 20,000 students in spring 2025; international mix: Internationally oriented university; incoming exchange and degree students are handled through UiB's international admission routes; academically it fits best around Marine science, Climate and sustainability, Social sciences, Humanities. The part to check without romanticising it: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Enrollment
More than 20,000 students in spring 2025
International Mix
Internationally oriented university; incoming exchange and degree students are handled through UiB's international admission routes
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Marine science, Climate and sustainability, Social sciences, Humanities in Bergen, with a course list that genuinely matches their home degree. Do not choose it on reputation alone; watch this trade-off: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Language of instruction: Norwegian, English (dedicated exchange course list)
Exchange & application at University of Bergen (UiB)
Exchange at UiB starts with home-university nomination, then UiB sends the Soknadsweb application details. The key deadlines are clear: nominate by 15 April or 1 October, apply by 25 April or 15 October, and keep housing deadlines separate so the semester does not start in panic.
✅Requirements
UiB requires home-university nomination, passport or national ID, transcript of records, at least 30 ECTS documented at application and 60 ECTS from the home institution before semester start in Bergen. Non-EU/EEA students must document sufficient funds.
📨Nomination Process
Your home university nominates you in UiB's nomination portal. UiB then emails the application link and password for Soknadsweb; do not start the online application until both emails have arrived.
🧭Orientation Week
Recommended arrival: Arrive before orientation and before Sammen key pickup becomes stressful. Autumn students should be ready for housing from 1 August and course registration by 1 September; spring students from 1 January and registration by 1 February.
Use UiB's exchange-student arrival guidance, Studentweb registration and faculty information before changing courses.
Events hub: https://www4.uib.no/en/studies/for-exchange-students-at-uib/planning-your-arrival
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | April 15 | April 25 |
| 2nd semester | October 1 | October 15 |
Arrival Checklist
- Accept or decline the UiB offer in Soknadsweb by the published deadline.
- Apply for Sammen housing by 15 May / 1 November if you qualify for the guarantee.
- Register in Studentweb and sign up for courses by 1 September / 1 February.
- Check exam dates before finalising courses so schedules do not overlap.
Academics & courses at University of Bergen (UiB)
Academics at UiB use ECTS and Norway's A-F grading scale, with a dedicated course list for exchange students. The smart move is to build a backup course list before arrival, because restricted courses, language classes and exam clashes can change your final timetable.
📝Course Registration
Exchange students use UiB's dedicated course list and Studentweb. You apply for restricted courses during the exchange application, then can add and remove courses until the registration deadline on 1 September / 1 February.
🎓Credit System
ECTS. A normal full-time exchange load is 30 ECTS per semester, and UiB asks applicants to document 30 ECTS completed at application and 60 ECTS before semester start.
💯Grading System
Norway's A-F scale is common, with some courses using pass/fail. Always check the individual course page for assessment and compulsory activity rules.
✍️Exam Culture
UiB courses can combine lectures, seminars, assignments and final exams. Some restricted courses and language courses have earlier deadlines, so build a backup list before arrival.
Tuition & fees at University of Bergen (UiB)
Exchange students do not pay UiB host tuition, but Bergen is still expensive. The main budget pressure is housing, groceries and everyday transport; Sammen housing can keep the semester realistic, especially compared with private rentals in central Bergen.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | NOK 0 host tuition | Exchange students come through partner agreements; the real cost to plan is Bergen living costs plus any home-university fees, not UiB host tuition. |
| Full degree - EU/EEA/Swiss student | NOK 0 tuition for most EU/EEA/Swiss degree students; semester welfare fee may apply | Full-degree admission is a separate route from exchange. EU/EEA/Swiss students are normally outside Norway's non-EU tuition-fee rule, but should confirm the … |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA student | Programme-specific; confirm on the UiB programme page before applying | Norway introduced tuition fees for many non-EU/EEA full-degree students. UiB programme fees vary by degree, so Odisea keeps this qualitative instead of inven… |
NOK 0 host tuition
Exchange students come through partner agreements; the real cost to plan is Bergen living costs plus any home-university fees, not UiB host tuition.
NOK 0 tuition for most EU/EEA/Swiss degree students; semester welfare fee may apply
Full-degree admission is a separate route from exchange. EU/EEA/Swiss students are normally outside Norway's non-EU tuition-fee rule, but should confirm the …
Programme-specific; confirm on the UiB programme page before applying
Norway introduced tuition fees for many non-EU/EEA full-degree students. UiB programme fees vary by degree, so Odisea keeps this qualitative instead of inven…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at University of Bergen (UiB)
Housing is one of UiB's biggest practical advantages: eligible new exchange students applying from abroad can use the Sammen guarantee route if they meet the deadlines. Fantoft is the classic international option, but you should treat the contract dates and cancellation rules seriously.
University of Bergen (UiB) offers official housing
Sammen housing, often Fantoft for exchange students, roughly NOK 3,800-8,800/month with guarantee conditions.
Apply for housingFull housing guide
Find housing in Bergen
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at University of Bergen (UiB)
UiB's exchange support is structured around nomination, Soknadsweb, Studentweb and Sammen services. Use those systems early: they handle the paperwork, housing route, course registration and the health/welfare support that makes Bergen easier in the first month.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
🏥Campus Clinic
Sammen health services in Bergen plus regular Norwegian public healthcare.
🧠Mental Health
Sammen offers counselling and student welfare support for Bergen students.
European Health Insurance Card (EU/EEA students)
Private comprehensive insurance for non-EU/EEA students before Norwegian coverage is clarified
Student life at University of Bergen (UiB)
Student life at University of Bergen is less about a closed campus and more about a city-campus rhythm: Nygardshoyden lectures, Sammen cafeterias, rainy walks, mountain hikes and small social circles. It rewards students who join organised groups early instead of waiting for spontaneous social life to appear.
Student Clubs
- Bergen student societies around Nygardshoyden
- Faculty associations at UiB
- Student groups connected to Sammen and international student events
Buddy Program
UiB arrival/orientation activities for exchange students
Sports & Recreation
- Sammen training centres and hiking routes on Floyen and Ulriken
Public Groups & Communities
UiB international student channels and faculty-specific student groups
Your First 2 Weeks
- Pick up Sammen keys and check the tenancy dates before signing anything else.
- Complete Studentweb registration and lock in courses before the deadline.
- Walk the campus-city route between Nygardshoyden, the city centre and your housing.
- Join at least one faculty or international-student event before Bergen's rain routine becomes isolating.
Key exchange dates at University of Bergen (UiB)
For autumn exchange, the important sequence is nomination by 15 April, application by 25 April, housing by 15 May and course registration by 1 September. For spring, use 1 October, 15 October, 1 November and 1 February as the equivalent planning anchors.
-
1
Autumn intake nomination and application
April 15-25
Nomination deadline 15 April; application deadline 25 April.
-
2
Housing guarantee window
April 1-May 15 / October 1-November 1
Eligible exchange students apply through Sammen by 15 May or 1 November.
-
3
Studentweb registration
1 September / 1 February
Final course and semester registration deadlines for autumn and spring.