The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) was established on 1 January 1996. It replaced the University of Trondheim, which included the Norwegian Institute of Technology (f. 1910) and the College of Arts and Science. As the name shows, it is a national centre for technological education and research within the natural sciences. However, NTNU is also a university with broadly based expertise in the classical university disciplines such as social sciences and humanities.

The Freiberg University of Mining and Technology (FUM&T) in Freiberg, Saxony was Europe's first university specialised in mining and metallurgy; it was founded in 1765. Today, it is an engineering and business university with a special focus on resources and environmental issues.

On April 6, 1994 a Cooperation Agreement was concluded between the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, the Freiberg University of Mining and Technology in Germany and the German gas enterprise Verbundnetz Gas AG Leipzig. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of the Presidents of the Norwegian Storting, Mrs. Kirsti Kolle Grøndahl, and the German Bundestag, Prof. Rita Süßmuth.
 
 

- Student Exchange:

6 scholarships of 16.000 NOK / 4.000 DM each

- Norwegian/German Language Courses:

8 scholarships of 4.000 NOK / 1.000 DM each

- 2 Student Excursions per year: 20.000 NOK / 6.000 DM

- 2 PhD scholarships in Gas Storage and Transport:

35.000 NOK / 8.500 DM

- Teaching Staff Mobility:

"As a physical metallurgist, I wanted to study in Germany. Freiberg was my first choice."

Gerda Nubdal, Metallurgy,

NTNU exchange student in Freiberg 1995/96

"Christian took the initiative and specialized in electron microscopy; I found this very impressive."

Dr. Ulrich Martin of FUM&T about Christian Stette, Metallurgy, NTNU exchange student in Freiberg 1995/96

"My most positive experience at NTNU Trondheim was that Norwegian companies make great efforts to 'head-hunt' the best students for their enterprises. This is in striking contrast to Germany where much effort is needed to find a job."

Stefan Schmitz, Geology,

FUM&T exchange student in Trondheim 1996/97

"NTNU Trondheim is an international university. On the very first day, we met lots of students from Germany, the USA, France, Italy, and many more. The International Department organised an excellent introduction program for international students, including Norwegian language courses and sightseeing tours. We learned Norwegian rather fast; of course, we could always ask our way in English which is a lingua franca in the university."

Alexei Isakov from Russia, Petroleum Engineering,

FUM&T exchange student in Trondheim 1996/97
 
 

"Freiberg is a beautiful small city in the Erzgebirge Mountains. The university has an excellent reputation. My most striking impression was that so many professors and tutors took care of me. There also is a wide range of interesting subject areas."

Stine Larsen, Geo-Engineering,

NTNU exchange student in Freiberg 1996/97