University of Bergen

The University of Bergen (UiB) was founded in 1946 but its academic roots can be traced back to 1153 with the Bergen Cathedral School. There are about 17,000 students enrolled across seven faculties on three campuses. UiB is the largest marine university in Norway and hosts the largest climate research hub in Scandinavia. More than 300 units at the University are taught in English.

Academic Highlights

UiB teaches science, social science, psychology, law and maths at its main campus and has separate campuses for medicine and dentistry and for humanities and the arts. It’s renowned for research into climate change, marine studies, developing countries, geo-biology and petroleum research.

Special note: students applying to UiB can also apply to UNIS, the University Centre in Svalbard, in the Arctic Circle. UNIS offers research-based education in Arctic Biology, Arctic Geology, Arctic Geophysics, and Arctic Technology. The units range from a length of two weeks up to one semester. Places are limited, so read the information about How to apply to UNIS. 

Location

UiB is located in the city of Bergen, on Norway’s south-west coast about seven hours west of Oslo. It is surrounded by fjords and mountains and is known in Norway as “the City of the Seven Mountains".

Did you know?

The number of red deer inside the Bergen city limits is so large that the city government has to carry out an extensive hunting program to keep the number at a sustainable level.

Handbook/Catalogue

Courses for Exchange Students

• Students are required to study 30 ECTS per semester.
• Units in Medicine and Dentistry are not available to exchange students.

Full-time Credit Load Equivalents

ECTS - European Credit Transfer System

*If your study load cannot exactly equate to 22.5 ECTS, then you will need to complete a study load as close to 22.5 ECTS without going under in order to receive 18 Monash credit points.

Academic Calendar

Bergen Autumn semester (Monash Semester 2): early August – mid-December
Bergen Spring semester (Monash Semester 1): early January – mid-June

Semester Dates

Note

• The listed disciplines are not necessarily exhaustive and other fields of study might also be available at the institution.
• Approval to study particular subjects at any institution is always at the discretion of the departmental/discipline and faculty advisers in your managing faculty(ies) and subject to available places at the host.

Important notes

Due to the popularity of this partner institution, for semester 1, 2026 onwards Monash students can only apply to study here on exchange for one semester.

To begin your application and study plan, click the button below.

Apply here

Have you been to the University of Bergen and want to share your experience? 
Let us know about your exchange via this survey form and your testimonial could be shown here!

Jetta McFarlane
Bachelor of Arts (Global)/Science
Semester 2, 2015
Studied: Arts units

Study Experience

UiB's approach to teaching is different to Monash, classes weren't compulsory and the main assessment was an exam at the end of semester with no assignments. This meant studying was more self-driven and I had more flexibility to travel during semester. UiB also has a number of Norwegian language and culture units specifically for exchange students which helped me become more immersed in Norwegian society.

Culture

Going on exchange to Norway was a wonderful opportunity to learn a second language in a low pressure environment as Nynorsk/Bokmal is the primary language but everyone is also fluent in English. Also Bergen is a much smaller city than Melbourne, but with numerous universities, so it has more of a student atmosphere and lots of student clubs/activities. Norwegian culture is very outdoors oriented and the city is surrounded by mountains and the ocean, so hiking, skiing, swimming, fishing etc, were all encouraged.

Benefits of going on exchange

UiB has a great reputation for international development studies so it was an excellent opportunity for me as my major is international studies/global development. My minor is politics so it was also informative to do classes on European/Scandinavian politics in Europe to get a different perspective to Monash courses.

Career Benefits

Studying overseas helps build your confidence and teaches you to make friends quickly, as well as how to communicate well to people from various cultures - all of these skills will be valuable in my career and have been great talking points in interviews. I've already had employers recognise the worth of international experiences.

Money and Budgeting

Exchange to Norway can be intimidating because of the high cost of living, but it was possible on my student budget as UiB's university housing was relatively cheap and student discounts for transport/gyms etc are decent. Use minipris tickets and be prepared to shop at supermarkets/IKEA. Also join student clubs for cheap activities and discounts, and make sure to buy duty-free going into Norway.

Top tips

• Live in UiB housing – It’s easier to make friends and you'll have more people to do things with (trips/dinners/parties etc.), which can save you money.
• Be prepared! - Things will seem expensive, plan so you have enough money to not worry about spending, you're there to enjoy the experience!
• Make local friends - it is easier to just hang out with exchange students, but local students are your path to really understanding the culture and immersing yourself, plus you'll have accommodation when you want to go back and visit!