Study in Bergen, international student city guide

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’s 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.

All universities in Bergen

• Bergen School of Architecture
• NLA University College
• Norwegian School of Economics
• Royal Norwegian Naval Academy
• University of Bergen
• Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

Top universities in Bergen

University of Bergen

The University of Bergen was founded in 1946 and is Norway’s 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 Nygårdshøyden neighbourhood and the other focused on healthcare courses in Årstadvollen 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’s Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research is one of the largest climate research institutes in Europe.

Bergen universities world ranking 2025

Below are the top-ranked Bergen universities for international students, with their ranks in two of the world’s most well-respected international university rankings, the QS 2026 University World rankings and the Times Higher Education 2025 Rankings.

For more information about rankings systems and methodologies see our university rankings explained guide.

Tuition and living costs in Bergen

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.

Life in Bergen for international students

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.