Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and is home to around 280,000 people. It is renowned for its picturesque surroundings, traditional Norwegian architecture, and maritime heritage. The city dates back to the 11th century, which makes it one of Norway鈥檚 oldest settlements. Its location on the west coast of Norway means it was an important trading centre.
The architecture styles you see throughout Bergen reflects its history. The city is famous for the Bryggen Wharf, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will see the colourful wooden houses that date all the way back to the Hanseatic period (13th century). As well as these historic buildings, you will also find modern buildings that reflect the more contemporary elements of Scandinavian design. This blend of old and new gives Bergen a charming and welcoming character.
The University of Bergen was founded in 1946 and is Norway鈥檚 second-oldest public university. More than 2,000 international students form a sizable foreign community at the university, which hosts nearly 15,000 enrolled students overall.
The university is split in two campuses across Bergen, with one campus being in the Nyg氓rdsh酶yden neighbourhood and the other focused on healthcare courses in 脜rstadvollen on the outskirts of the city.
The University of Bergen is home to four Norwegian Centres of Excellence, which are research institutes considered of the highest quality and funded by the Research Council of Norway, a government organisation. Marine-related research is especially advanced at the University of Bergen, while the university鈥檚 Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research is one of the largest climate research institutes in Europe.
Below are the top-ranked Oslo universities for international students, with their ranks in two of the world鈥檚 most well-respected international university rankings, the QS 2025 University World rankings and the Times Higher Education 2025 Rankings.
For more information about rankings systems and methodologies see our university rankings explained guide.
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 | Times Higher Education Ranking 2025 |
| University of Bergen | =291 | 251-300 |
Tuition fees will depend on whether you choose to study at a public or private university. Public universities in Norway are subsidised by the government, and can therefore charge lower tuition fees. Private universities are not subsidised by the government, so tend to charge higher fees. International students should expect to pay between 100,000 NOK (Norwegian Krone) and 300,000 NOK per year for tuition fees.
When it comes to living costs, students should budget for around 12,000 NOK per month, as this is the average student budget according to the University of Bergen. This includes costs for accommodation, groceries, transportation and other miscellaneous personal expenses.
READ MORE: How much does it really cost to study abroad in 2024?
Culturally, Bergen is an exciting hub of Norwegian arts and tradition. It plays host to numerous festivals, museums and galleries. These include the Bergen International Film Festival, the largest of its kind in the Nordic countries. The city was also the birthplace of renowned compose Edvard Grieg, whose influence is celebrated in the local music scene.
Bergen is surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords, Bergen offers a stunning natural environment. Its picturesque scenery, combined with its historical and cultural richness, makes it an interesting destination for international students from around the world.
See all universities in Norway.
Study in Norway
Read our key advice article to help you make the best decision for your education and start your International study adventure.
In this article we look at how to approach choosing where in the world you would like to study.
Read av大平台's suggestions on your first steps when deciding where to study abroad, with helpful tips to make your decision easier.
Find out more about English language tests, your options and what is required as an overseas student.
av大平台.com take a detailed look into the costs of studying abroad and all the aspects that you should budget for when embarking on your studies.
We answer 10 common questions about applying for a student visa to help make your visa application quick and easy.
Find out more about international student visas for studying abroad, as well as how, where and when to apply for yours.
Find out more about funding and scholarships for international students, and what financial assistance might be available to you.
How to choose a course that fits you? Check our top tips on choosing which course is best for you to help you make an informed decision.
The latest articles from study abroad providers and av大平台.com to hep you on your study abroad journey.
