Cost of Living

Foreigners may find Norway expensive, especially in terms of food prices. But international students will soon find their way to the supermarkets which offer the best deals. Eating and drinking in restaurants costs considerably more than in most other countries. Tobacco, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are heavily taxed, and therefore quite expensive. Students who have received information about their UiB curriculum prior to arrival might benefit from buying books in their home country.
The rent at the student hostels is relatively reasonable compared with many private alternatives, and 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 8 000 per month for 10 months/2 semesters in 2008/2009. This amount should cover most monthly expenses such as housing, food, clothing, study materials, books, transport and social activities. Here are a few examples on prices in Norway:

• 1 month’s rent at Fantoft Student Hostel for one small single room: approx. NOK 2 300 (including electricity)
• Student bus card (1 month): NOK 360 (students under 30 years of age)/NOK 600 (over 30).
• Books for courses (1 semester): approx. NOK 1 600–3 500.
• Dinner at the student cafeteria: approx. NOK 40–80.
• Dinner at an inexpensive restaurant: approx. NOK 60–120.
• Ingredients for making an inexpensive dinner for one person at home: approx. NOK 30–60.
• A trip to the cinema: approx. NOK 85–95 (depending on time of day and film).

To convert Norwegian currency, please see the following website: xe.com

The University of Bergen charges no tuition fees. This applies to Norwegian as well as international students. The only fee to be paid is the semester fee to the Student Welfare Organisation, currently NOK 420. Students on exchange programmes (Erasmus, Nordplus and other bilateral programmes) do not have to pay the semester fee.