University of Bergen

About: 

The University of Bergen is a public university in Norway that is recognised internationally for being a research focused university. It is one of eight universities in Norway and it currently has about 18,500 students studying there. The campus is organised into three sections: the Nygårdshøyden, which has a combination of houses, shops and learning facilities, the Årstadvollen, which is the university's 'health campus' and the Møllendal campus for Fine Art and Design.

Highlights: 

University Museum of Bergen is a highlight of the university. It houses some of the biggest collections within the natural and cultural history of Norway. The university has two departments which are specific to the museum: The Department of Cultural History and the Department of Natural History. Bergen is surrounded by mountains and is located in fjords such as the Hardangerfjord. Festivals take place regularly in Bergen for those interested in music, film, food and more. There are also a few historical venues to visit such as the Bergenhus Festning which is one of the oldest Norwegian fortresses.

Location: 

Bergen, Norway

Courses / Modules: 

For specific information on the courses that are available to exchange students, check out the courses for exchange students webpages on the University of Bergen website. Faculty approval will be required for some courses, whilst others can be applied for via Søknadsweb (the university student portal).

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

You must take a full credit load while on exchange.  The University of Bergen uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values.  30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.  

Courses at the University of Bergen can vary from 5 ECTS credits to 20 ECTS credits.

Teaching Periods: 

The academic year lasts a total of 40 weeks across two semesters, teaching periods vary depending on faculty:

Semester 1: mid August- December

Semester 2: early January- mid June

Language: 

Check the course catalogue for modules taught in English. There may be opportunities for exchange students to take part in Norwegian classes, such as the short introductory course in Norwegian Language and Culture - check with your department if you are able to take such courses for credit. 

Accommodation: 

Exchange students apply for housing through Sammen application portal, which is the Student Welfare Organisation. Exchange students will be guaranteed student housing if there is availability and the application is submitted before the deadline. The Fantoft Student Hostel is the largest student housing complex in Bergen and consists of several buildings. There are also options for off campus housing which can be found on the Study Bergen Website. 

Orientation / Welcome week:

The University of Bergen's welcome programme is designed to introduce students to different aspects of being a student in Bergen through practical information and lectures.  

Support Services: 

The International Centre at the University of Bergen provides support services that assist students by providing general campus guidance, help with online services, information and advice on disability issues and facilitating examination and teaching adjustments. 

Visas: 

You may need a visa to study in Norway.  If you are a UK National you must refer to the Travel Advice page for Norway and its Living in Norway guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate.   If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.

Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland should apply for the Residence Permit for Studies (study permit) as soon as they receive their letter of acceptance from University of Bergen. If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland and are staying in Norway for more than 3 months, you must register with the police.

Travel insurance:  

If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries.  You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange. 

Health insurance: 

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

Students who are travelling to Norway must have valid health insurance from their home country while they are waiting for membership in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. Find out more about health insurance for international students in Norway. 

Rebekah, 2018/2019

On the whole I have really, really enjoyed my year abroad. I have become so much braver and more outgoing, whether this be with making friends in classes, going on organised trips with other international students, or travelling, solo or with others. I think coming abroad has really pushed me to be open to trying new things and just doing my best with everything even if it doesn't work out; the important thing is to try. At first the change in culture and the difference in the sociability of my flat was something that was a really big shock, and it took a lot of getting used to that my flat here aren't really one group of friends like we were at York, but I think in the end that turned out to be a positive thing, because it pushed me to make friends in classes, which I hadn't really done in my first year. It's been really cool to make friends from all over the world, and to hear about their experiences in Bergen and about their hometowns as well. Overall, I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to study here, and to have had such fantastic new experiences that I never would have had otherwise!

Joseph 

My experience in Norway has been special to say the least. The experience of surviving in a completely different environment and integrating into a different culture is going to be rewarding wherever you are. The experience has changed me in a number of ways: I'm more confident, more self-motivated, and more outgoing. If I had one piece of advice for people considering Erasmus it would be: DO IT! It's a fun experience you'll never forget and it's essential in the current job climate to set yourself aside from other students: this is the perfect opportunity. For any students who have already decided to do Erasmus next year, my advice would be to keep on top of the paper work and stay organised from the start. Without wanting to sound too clichéd, Erasmus is an experience that has changed my life. My time in Norway will stay for me forever and I have a burning desire to come back to this country one day and live here. I'd like to think that I will take some skills I've learnt this year back home and apply myself more in second year.

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!

• The University of Bergen Website

• The University of Bergen Incoming Exchange Students

• The University of Bergen Fact Sheet

• FCO Travel Advice for Norway

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

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