History
HVL was formed through a merger between Bergen University College, Sogn og Fjordane University College and Stord/Haugesund University College on January 1 2017.
Education
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences offers Master’s degree programmes in Climate Change Management, Fire Safety, Healthy Ageing and Rehabilitation, Maritime Operations, and Software Engineering.
- Students at undergraduate and postgraduate level have access to high quality exchange opportunities abroad and staff-mobility is encouraged.
Research
We develop new knowledge that contributes to solving the challenges of society from a sustainable perspective. Our professional and working life-oriented profile govern the knowledge and expertise we develop.
To ensure greater quality and relevance, our research activities take place in a regional, national and international research community and involve students and partners.
Common academic priority areas:
- Responsible innovation
- Sustainable development
- Bildung
- Public health
- Profession and working life orientation
- Safety
- Technology
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences Key Statistics & Highlights
- #1033 Ranking
- 1 Courses
- 1,750 Academic Staff
- 17,000 Students
- Public Institution Type
Housing services
About 30.000 students from over 110 countries make Bergen an international student city. Surrounded by 7 mountains and seated near the fjords, Bergen is one of the most picturesque cities in Norway.
Library services
HVL's library is an academic, public library that offers support for research, teaching and public dissemination of scholarly work.
Medical services
The medical staff will assist you with questions regarding contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, abortion, and sexuality and sexual relationships only. All counselling, prescription of contraceptives and testing is confidential and free of charge.
Campus life
- Campus Haugesund
- Campus Stord
- Campus Bergen
- Campus Førde
- Campus Sogndal
Sports facilities
In the sports hall Sognahallen you may climb "The Wall", one of Norway's best indoor climbing walls. If you like swimming, you can go for a swim in the public swimming pool.
Student clubs
- Samfunnet
- Student Scuba club
- Haugesund Students’ Sports Association
- StudKick
- The NITO Students (Engineering students)
- MAST (Maritime students)
- International Students’ Union (ISU Haugesund)
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences Overview
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 25% Norway
Top 22.9% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
1033
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 74 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1039 | 959 | 1033 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
Norway Country
Bergen City
#2 Branch Campus
Norway Country
Haugesund City
#3 Branch Campus
Norway Country
Sogndal City
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences Student Reviews & Awards
3.6
Based on 11 reviews
- 5 Star 2 Reviews
- 4 Star 5 Reviews
- 3 Star 3 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 1 Review
Pro in logistics
I enjoyed learning more about procurement not just theoretically but practically.Interacting with people from different cultural background was also quite interesting
Why Study at a Norwegian University
• World-class education in an innovative environment • Excellence, innovation, and global learning • A leading hub for research and innovation • Quality education in a forward-thinking society • Shaping future leaders through innovation
grateful
very nice Process in versity nice tution great place wealther Good
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