New international students

New international students, please be aware: Answers and services mentioned in the other categories of this FAQ may not be available or relevant for you until you have finished the Introductory Programme (or semester registration if you arrive after this).

I have arrived before semester starts-up, what should I do?

You should get settled in your new home, relax for a bit and explore the city. It is not possible to complete any practical formalities before day 1 of the Introductory Programme, so just enjoy Bergen and get ready for the Introductory Programme where you will get all the information you need.

Where can I access internet before the Introductory Programme?

If you have your own lap top, you can use the wireless Internet at Club Fantoft, the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen), or at one of the many cafés in the city centre which offers free wireless Internet. If you use Eduroam at your home university, you can also access wireless internet on campus.

You can also use one of the stationary computers at the public library next to the bus station to access Internet.

When can I register for the semester and open a user account?

You can register and open a user account from day 1 of the Introductory Programme. You will be guided through the process and other formalities in the programme, so attend all the events.

I have questions about the semester fee, student ID card, UiB user account, and other UiB formalities, who can I ask?

Read the rest of the FAQ and check out our website for new students.

Most (hopefully all) of your questions will be addressed during the Introductory Programme. On day 1 you will receive lots of practical information in the Opening Session, and if you still have questions, student advisors from the faculties and staff from the Division of Student Affairs will be available and ready to assist you in the stand area for the rest of the day.

If you have urgent questions, contact your coordinator at UiB or the International Help Desk at the Student Centre (only open during semester startup) (campus map index no. 14) in Parkveien 1.

I’m an exchange student. Where can I get my confirmation of arrival and/or Learning agreement signed?

You can have your confirmation of arrival signed on day 1 of the Introductory Programme by the faculties or Student Services in the stand area.

If you need to have it signed before or after this, please visit the information centre at your faculty. 

Find more information about arrival/departure forms and Learning Agreements on our web pages.

I want to change one or more of my courses, what should I do?

Participate in the Introductory Programme. Staff from all the faculties will be available for questions regarding choice of courses and more from day 1 in the programme. Please consult the study advisor at your department/faculty after this.

What are the opening hours of the International Help Desk?

Please refer to the information webpage for the International Help Desk.

Information and Counseling

Where is the campus?

The University of Bergen campus is spread across the city center and neighbouring areas.  See the campus map. You may also refer to the interactive campus map for directions.

Where is the Information Centre?

Each faculty has its own Faculty Information Centre. Several administrative services are also available online at Manage Your Studies. For general campus guidance and assistance in using online services, please visit the International Help Desk.

I need counselling or guidance. Where can I go?

There are several guidance- and counselling services available for students. They are run (amongst others) by UiB, SiB and volunteer student organisations.

• Issues related to your study: Student advisors at your faculty
• Student life, financial matters, alcohol related advice: SiB Counselling
• Physical and mental health: SiB Health
• Jobs and career: SiB Career Centre
• Students with special needs: Division of Student Affairs
• Students’ interests: The Student Parliament
• Legal aid: Jussformidlingen (volunteer students)
• Personal financial advice: Økonomiformidlingen (volunteer students)

Printing, Transcript of Records and Diplomas

I need to print something. Where can I do this at campus?

A large number of network printers are available in reading rooms and libraries throughout the university. You can use them by logging in to any UiB computer and printing to Pullprint. Read more here. You can also connect your computer to UiB print services at home online using VPN. Read more here.

How do I top up my card so that I can use print services?

You can top up your card with cash online using PayPrint. Read more here. You can also pay in cash at these locations:

• The Arts Library  – payment machine (Norwegian coins and banknotes).
• The Science Library – cash at the counter, NOK 20 minimum.
• The Medical and Dentistry Library – payment machine (Norwegian coins and banknotes).

What is the difference between a Transcript of Records and a Diploma?

A Transcript of Records is a complete overview of all exams that you have passed at UiB. A Diploma is a proof of a degree that you have attained and will only contain the exams included in your degree.

How can I get a Transcript of Records?

Go to Manage Your Studies and press “order a Transcript of Records”.

How many Transcript of Records’ can I order?

You can order as many transcripts as you want from StudentWeb, but there is one limitation: When you have ordered a Transcript of Records, it will take 7 days before you can order a new one. If you require more than one at once, you have to get certified copies.

How can I get a certified copy?

If you need certified copies, you must contact a copy shop, for instance Kopibutikken in Christies gate. Students at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences can visit their Faculty Information Centre to make certified copies.

How do I order a Diploma?

Your Diploma will only be produced one time. If your faculty does not produce Diplomas automatically after your degree programme is finished, you can order one at your Faculty Information Centre or on this webpage.

Classes and Registration

Are classes mandatory?

Some classes in some programmes are mandatory, but this varies. To find out more, please contact your Faculty Information Centre.

When can I register for the semester?

Semester registrations are available from Monday week 25 in the autumn semester and Monday week 50 during the spring semester.  Read more on the page for semester registration.

When is the semester registration deadline?

The deadline for confirming the education plan on StudentWeb, and paying the semester fee is 1 September in the spring semester, and 1 February in the autumn semester. Read more here: Semester registration.

Tuition and Student Welfare

I thought tuition was free in Norway, why the semester fee?

The public institutions of higher education in Norway do not charge tuition fees, but students pay a semester fee to the local student welfare organisation, SiB. Read more here.

What kind of welfare services am I entitled to as a student at UiB?

A range of welfare services are offered to members of the Student Welfare Organisation in Bergen. Read more here.

Can I pay the semester fee in cash?

No. The semester fee must be paid through a bank or in a post office. Read more here.

I did not pay the semester fee within the deadline. What can I do?

If you did not pay the semester fee and confirmed your education plan on StudentWeb within the deadline, you will lose your student status at UiB. Contact your international coordinator at UiB or your Faculty Information Centre as soon as possible.

I paid the semester fee, but the payment has not been registered on StudentWeb.

If you used the wrong KID-number, this will normally be detected after a while as long as you paid to the correct bank account number. See this page if the problem is not solved.

Student ID

I need a proof that I am a student to get student discounts.

To prove that you are a student you must carry a student card as well as a valid semester card

What is the difference between the student card, the semester receipt and the semester card?

The student card is valid as an identity card and an access card. Read more about what you can use the student card for. The semester receipt is the A4 sheet with the perforated semester card which is sent to your semester address. The semester card must be carried with the student card as proof of validity.

I have not received my semester card yet. How can I prove that I am a student?

If you are a new student, you can use the Letter of Acceptance from UiB together with a valid ID-card. If you were a student last semester, you can use your old semester card together with the student card until the deadline for semester registration.

I have lost my semester card. Where can I get a new one?

Go to Manage Your Studies and choose “order a new semester card”.

I have lost my student card. How do I get a new one?

Fill in the form for lost/defect student card and submit it at the Card Centre.