University of Bergen
Updates on COVID-19 can be found on https://www.uib.no/en/corona
General Information
Fisheries, aquaculture and marine products currently account for 10 billion euros each year. By 2050, this number will have risen to 60 billion euros. Western Norway accounts for 56% of all Norwegian research and education in the marine sciences. The marine tradition at the University of Bergen (UiB) stretches back to the nineteenth century and the oceanographic research carried out at what was then called Bergen Museum, and which today is known as the University Museum of Bergen.
Today UiB is Norway’s largest marine university, with research and education of a high international standard and several world leading research facilities. Bergen is the thirteenth largest marine research city in the world, if measured by scientific publications.
UiB is a partner in the Bergen marine research cluster, a collaboration between the major marine research environments along with partners from the marine industries. The cluster aims to create a collaboration that will increase the international impact of the research conducted in Bergen. The interdisciplinary approach of UiB and the marine cluster, coupled with state of the art marine technology and future-proof education, makes this the all-time largest commitment to research in Bergen.
Check out the following site for more information: Practical Information for New Students.
Housing
All new international students admitted to the University of Bergen can apply for housing through the Student Welfare Organisation (Sammen).
Further detail regarding housing can be found on this website: https://www.uib.no/en/education/49447/student-housing
Detailed information on coming as a visiting student to UiB is given at the university’s English language web pages, called the Student Pages. Prospective students can also read the welcome brochure for new students, updated each semester, which orients them to the city and the university life.
Useful Links:
Living Costs:
UiB estimates that the living costs for international students is approximately 1000€ per month, which includes most monthly expenses such as housing, food, clothing, study materials, books, transport and social activities.
The university’s International Students blog also gives prospective and new students important information and insight into what is needed to come and study at UiB and what to expect on arrival and to have the best experience possible during the stay. There, the monthly living costs are estimated to be:
- 475 – 620€ for accommodation (including heating and internet),
- 50€ for the local public transportation travel pass, and
- 180€ for food (Groceries NOK 300-400 per week, NOK 1500 – 2000/mo).
- Additional expenses are estimated to be €200 for textbooks (may not be needed) and an obligatory 60€ semester fee which gives membership to the student organisation and allows access to student facilities.
More information on How to finance your studies.
Services
At UiB the Division of Student Affairs hosts an International Admissions Team that handles all international students, including Erasmus students, and helps prepare for coming to Bergen. Application for accommodation is usually made through this portal. MSc students have additional support from BIO department study advisors who have extensive experience in support and orientation for international students.
At the beginning of each semester, the international office also hosts a Semester Startup Help Desk to answer questions and offer general campus guidance and assistance in using UiB's online services. They are responsible for welcoming of new students and handing out welcome information envelopes, giving guidance on semester registration and how to obtain an ICT user account, assisting with signup for residence permits, if needed. A FAQ is maintained by Student Affairs, and useful tips for preparation and arrival are collected in special pages for new students. Orientation days are also organised by the university to help students settle into the city and get introduced to local culture.
The International Students blog also gives prospective and new students important information and insight into what is needed to come and study at UiB and what to expect on arrival and to have the best experience possible during the stay.
Language Opportunities:
UiB offers language learning based on a language exchange programme called Tandem. This is available for all international students studying at UiB, Norwegian students who plan an exchange semester abroad, foreign language students, or any UiB students who want to improve their language skills. The Tandem language learning is simply based on language exchange through communication and interaction between two students speaking different languages. There are also formal courses in Norwegian offered to exchange students, and some formal courses in English language proficiency. These are offered free of charge, as part of enrolment for the semester.
The teaching practices in the specialisation practices offered by UiB promote active learning with many team-based learning activities. Students have often noted in course evaluation surveys that they experience a significant improvement in their confidence and competence in English language as a result of their studies at UiB.
Visa Information
Detailed information regarding documentation, visa requirements and procedures for applying, and registration for residence permits for visiting students is provided on the UiB Student Pages.
EU/EEA nationals are entitled to work, study and live in Norway, but if the stay in Norway is for more than three months, then students must register with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (registration is free). Students from EU/EEA must register within three months of arrival in Norway. Students need to show their acceptance letter from UiB, demonstrate that they have enough money to support their stay, and hold a European Health Insurance Card or have private medical insurance. Students are allowed to work in addition to studying.
For students from outside the EU/EEA, the regulations are that a residence permit for studies must be applied for before entry. This is also called a study permit. UiB’s Division of Student Affairs and the UiB Student Pages provide information and practical support for all students through this process, including advice on getting a visa renewal, etc.
Exams
Courses at UiB use different forms of examination such as written examinations, assigned exam papers, take-home examinations and oral examinations. The type of examination may vary according to the subject. Many courses require students to complete mandatory assignments (e.g. lab work or methodological assignments) or a term paper before being permitted to take examinations. Courses may also offer continuous assessment throughout the semester. The examination or assessment type, and the grading scale (A-F or pass/fail), are listed in the course description of every course.
Students register for examination in addition to registering for the courses, but at the same time and students can withdraw from the examination as late as 2 weeks before the exam date. It is possible to register for the same exam three times (with a few exceptions), so that allows two resits for each exam. Failure to withdraw from an exam registration before the 2 week deadline counts as one of three possible exam registrations. Students can appeal the result obtained for an examination, within three weeks of announcement of the results. Complaints are made to the Faculty Information Centre, and handled at the Faculty level.
UiB is very strict about correct use of sources during examinations, and several systems are in use to check for cases of plagiarism (e.g. Euphorus). Students can receive a failing grade, or can even be expelled from the UiB for plagiarism.