Finances
In general the Universty of Bergen offers no scholarships or other kinds of financial support to students on undergraduate and postgraduate levels. International students are ususally either self-financed or financed through their study programme/home university.
Norwegian money
There are no tuition fees charged at the University of Bergen. This applies to both Norwegian and international students. The only fee to be paid is a semester fee to the Student Welfare Organisation, currently NOK 470. Students part of the Socrates/Erasmus, Nordplus programmes as well as bilateral exchange students are exempted from paying the semester fee.
Cost of Living
Foreigners find Norway in general quite expensive. Rent at student hostels is relatively reasonable compared to many private alternatives. Travel is also comparatively reasonably priced for students.
In spite of the general high cost of living, you can manage fairly well on a tight student budget. The average university student's budget is approximately NOK 9250 per month (2012). This amount should cover most monthly expenses such as housing, food, clothing, study materials, books, transport and social activities.
Banks
Bank opening hours are limited and most Norwegians prefer to use internet banking. Cash cards, debit and/or credit cards are accepted practically everywhere and most of the time preferred to cash. Norway is well equipped with ATMs where international credit or debit cards such as VISA, MasterCard and others may be used to withdraw or advance money from your home bank account. Banking services, including exchange of foreign currency, are also offered by Norwegian post offices.
Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund
The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund offers primarily financial support to Norwegian students/citizens.
For futher information see Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund
Insurance
The University of Bergen does not offer any insurance scheme for its students. We advise all students travelling to Norway to consult medical insurance authorities in their home country to ensure valid health insurance while in Norway.
All students also need to provide their own travel insurance both when travelling to Norway as well as for travelling in or outside Norway while studying in the country.
Last updated 28.3.2012