Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

From January 1 2017, Bergen University College, Sogn og Fjordane University College and Stord/Haugesund University College have merged to form Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

With about 16,000 students, the new institution is one of the largest higher education institutions in Norway. The new institution offers a broad range of academic programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD levels.

The ambition is to build stronger and more solid academic and research environments who will interact nationally and internationally. The aim is to become a visible actor on the international higher education arena through increased international cooperation and engagement in externally funded projects within education and research.

Students at undergraduate and postgraduate level have access to high quality exchange opportunities abroad and staff-mobility is be encouraged.

Because of the merger, a process of renegotiating all international agreements will start from 2017 as part of an assessment of existing international links and cooperation in the new institution.

Quick facts

• Approximately 16,000 students and 1,400 staff
• Five campuses: Bergen, Førde, Haugesund, Sogndal and Stord
• Name in English: Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
• Name in Norwegian: Høgskulen på Vestlandet
• Abbreviation: HVL (both in Norwegian and English)
• Existing international agreements and projects will be continued