The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
- Last Updated on: June 5, 2025 by
- Sridhar Kongara
The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) operates via five campuses in Norway, offering enhanced programs in the disciplines ranging from health to computer science, including subjects like maritime and climate. The university emphasize innovative research for contemporary challenges in sustainability and societal development. It boasts comprehensive international partnerships, allowing students for study and research collaborations. It offers a conducive atmosphere and high quality of education in the midst of scenic natural surroundings of the region. Students are assured of top-notch academic learning and rewarding career prospects.
Courses Offered
** Fees mentioned here are approximate and are per year, Unless specified otherwise
Why Choose this The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Steadfast Priority on Research & Innovation: HVL pioneers innovative research projects, appropriate funding from EU allows the university to provide solution-oriented outputs in the pressing global issues like, Eastern Africa rehabilitation research, labor market transitions and sustainable food choices. These research projects provides deep insights and meaningful knowledge to students, including real-world experience.
Read MoreLess
Broad Range of English-Taught Programs: The university offers comprehensive programs exclusively taught in English language, enabling international students to access top-tier academic courses. Few prominent programs includes, software engineering, climate studies, maritime operations and healthy ageing & rehabilitation. Moreover, it also provides access to exchange programs, allowing students to study abroad for academic exchanges and intercultural interactions.
Bustling & Integrative Campus Life: HVL fosters inclusive and multi-cultural atmosphere at the campuses, various cultural and student-centric events are regular norm throughout the year. Additionally it provides a Global Lounge at all campuses, which organizes workshops, network events, movie nights and language cafés. These initiatives helps overseas students to acclimatize to campus environment seamlessly.
Budget-friendly Education & Enhanced Student Life: HVL ensures that students doesn’t get over-burdened by educational expenditure. Thereby provides supportive services like, affordable housing, health insurance guidance and visa & permit assistance. However Non-EU/EEA students are charged tuition fee annually, but scholarships and top-notch education is good value for money and time invested.
Scenic Campuses Amidst Nature: HVL boasts five campuses nestled in Sogndal, Stord, Førde, Haugesund and Bergen. These campuses are situated in the lap of nature, offering mountains, fjords and stunning coastlines. The university provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban vibrancy. Students can explore the natural features and pursue top-class education simultaneously.
Take first step towards your Study Abroad Journey
Campus Facilities at The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Comprehensive Library & Advanced Laboratories
- The library of the university is well-stocked with books and academic resources both in English and Norwegian languages. Students also get access to digital database, additional features includes, printing, copying, scanning and desktops. Separate spaces for personalized and group study are also available
- HVL is home to most advanced and modernized laboratories pertaining to engineering, fire engineering, nursing simulators and maritime simulation labs. It offers real-time scenarios for engineering students and only Norwegian university to have fire safety labs. Nursing simulators with advanced equipment and 12 training stations, including different types of dummy ships and vessels for maritime studies.
Read MoreLess
Academic Excellence & Student Welfare Services
- HVL provides exhaustive academic and IT facilities to students at all campuses. Vast computer labs with lightening fast internet, technology enabled classroom and lecture halls with extensive seating arrangement. Few halls are equipped with live streaming facility, separate reading spaces for students for academic and examination preparation.
- The university offers exhaustive student support services such as, counseling service for students struggling with stress, anxiety and mental disturbances. The academic advisors helps students with course selection, examination preparation and career planning. Moreover, the campuses are disabled- friendly, providing hassle-free access to academic blocks through elevators, automatic doors etc., allowing equal access to educational resources.
Student Welfare Organization (Sammen) & Parking Facilities
- The Student Welfare Organization (Sammen) offers various beneficial student services at the campuses, including accommodation, cafeterias, childcare facilities, bookstores and fitness centers. The organization also take care of students during critical health problems by covering treatment expenses
- Spacious parking space is available at the campuses, including E-vehicles, accessibility is also provided to disabled students. Moreover off-campus parking arrangements are made at the city centers
Social & Recreational Facilities: HVL is thoroughly equipped with all extracurricular and recreational facilities, which includes cafeterias and coffee bars offering affordable drinks and snacks. Fitness center at Haugesund campus with advanced equipment and shower. Additionally, students get affordable housing, childcare facilities and health stations for medical and psychological consultations.
Student Services Offered by The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Well-Being Services & Counseling
- HVL provides student health station, offering free health and psychological consultations to needy students. Qualified nurses and psychiatrists are available for consultations. The university promotes equity and inclusiveness at the campus, thereby provides disabled-friendly accessibility such as, automatic doors and elevators for physically disabled students.
- Academic and personal counseling is available to students at the university, the academic advisors helps students in course selection, study strategies, examination preparation. They also assists in exchange program and provides detailed information about postgraduate programs for appropriate career paths. Students can also seek personal counseling to overcome stress, anxiety and psychological issues. Disabled students get extended support for equal learning opportunities.
Read MoreLess
Service Information Center & Career-Centric Services
- All the campuses has Service Information Center, which provides comprehensive academic and administrative services. Students can approach the concerned office to seek services such as, admission confirmation, fee payment, account creation for various learning platforms like, Canvas, Student Web and Feide account. Students can call, mail or simply walk-in to seek the services.
- HVL has partnered with leading universities across the world, offering valuable study abroad opportunities to students. Both inbound and outbound exchange students get extended support. Moreover, the university provides career enhancing support such as, internships, job assistance, resume building and interview preparedness. It also provides chat support to resolve academic or campus related queries via AI chatbot and manual chat sessions.
Course Finder
Search from 1500+ English taught programs offered by French Institutions.
its easy, search by program name of by stream, specialization & Education level
Student Life at The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
HVL offers diversified student life at different campuses. However, students get enhanced learning experience and enriched student life at all campuses.
Read MoreLess
Student Life at Sogndal & Stord Campuses
- The Sogndal campus is compact with close-knit community surrounded by beautiful fjords and mountains. Students at the campus get engaged in social events and nature exploration. It is an ideal campus that fosters close friendship and interactions.
- The Stord campus is one of the most beautiful campuses of the university, situated in the lap of stunning natural landscapes. Students can go for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking and other leisure activities. This campus is also renowned for urban amenities.
Student Life at Førde & Haugesund Campuses
- A relatively smaller campus, fostering friendship and close interactions among students and faculty. This campus offers various activities such as, sports, concerts, student organizations and community engagements. It is an ideal campus which offers activities like skiing and hiking. The Campus is seamlessly connected with bus and airlines from Oslo and Bergen
- The Haugesund campus is situated at coastal city with cultural and music enthusiasts. It is located at the center of the city with all amenities. Ideal for students who love beaches, coastlines and sailing sports
Student Life at Bergen Campus: Nestled at Norway’s second best city, offering urban vibrancy such as, Nightlife, Café’s, Museums and Music Concerts. The campus has modern features and supportive student support services. It also provides scenic natural surroundings.
Student Organizations & Student Welfare Services: HVL boasts various student-led organizations ranging from sports to music. Students can also enjoy skiing, hiking and kayaking. It also have academic societies and volunteering programs.
A plethora of student welfare initiatives are available at the university. It provides assured accommodation to inbound exchange students. The Student Welfare Organization (Sammen) offers various facilities such as, café’s, fitness centers and financial help. Comprehensive health and well-being services like, counseling for psychological issues and medical consultation.
Scholarships Offered by The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) Scholarship: This scholarship is exclusively awarded to doctoral and postdoctoral students at the university. This fellowship is sponsored by EU with aim to promote innovative research in the disciplines of engineering, technology and social sciences. For eligibility, students must have a master’s degree with outstanding academic achievements and a strong research proposal aligning with university’s research preferences. The application requires a research proposal and faculty supervisor willing to assist the research work.
Read MoreLess
Norwegian Government Quota Scholarship: This government funded scholarship is awarded to students who comes from developing countries and Eastern European nations. In order to be eligible, students must possess admission offer from Norwegian university. They must return back to their respective country after completion of education. Application criteria involves, strong academic performance, a motivation letter detailing study purpose and demonstration of financial hardships.
NORPART (Norwegian Partnership Program for Global Academic Cooperation): This scholarship provides financial assistance to students who are participating in international mobility in partnered universities of developing countries. Eligibility criteria involves, students must be studying joint program only in master’s and doctoral level. They must accept for academic collaboration and students from partnered universities from Asia, Africa and Latin America are eligible. Application process need statement of purpose, academic transcripts, research and study objectives aligning with the scholarship and must be nominated by the home university.
ERASMUS+ Scholarship: The scholarship provides financial assistance to both EU and Non-EU students who are aspiring to study at HVL as a part of exchange program. For eligibility, students must be enrolled at partnered university of HVL, satisfy the language proficiency requirements. Students can seek exchange at all levels of tertiary education. The application criteria involves, learning agreement with both home and host universities. The exchange program must be processed by ERASMUS+ coordinator at home university and students must maintain strong academic performance.
Study Portal Scholarship – International Distinction Awards: This scholarship is applicable to all international students who demonstrates academic excellence and aspiration to study at Norway. Eligibility criteria involves, applicants must apply for undergraduate or postgraduate programs at the university with exceptional academic record and leadership potential. The application process requires, motivational essay detailing study purpose and career goals, academic achievements evidence through transcripts. All applications are processed through Study Portal website only.
HVL does not provide any direct scholarship to students, therefore they must seek external funding through various sources. These external funding options have different eligibility criteria and application process, hence students are advised to prepare required documents well before the deadlines.
Internships & Placements at The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
HVL provides structured internships to students pursuing different disciplines. The following are the internship placement facilitated to students –
Nursing Placements: Nursing students get beneficial internship opportunities during the course of studies. The placements are facilitated at hospitals, community centers and specialized care units, ensuring students get hands-on experience. They receive training under registered practitioners to get insights of patient care and medical procedure.
Read MoreLess
Maritime Training & Simulations: Maritime students receive training at navigation training stations alongside bridge simulators. They get appropriate practice in maritime safety protocols and cargo loading. These training ensures students are thoroughly prepared for careers in logistics, offshore operations and shipping.
Business Administration Internship: Business administration students go for 10-weeks internship at concerned companies. They need to attend at least two days in a week for completion of tasks such as, data collection, analysis, accounting, business operations etc., students must have at least 90 ECTS credits to qualify for the internship, moreover one cannot get interned at a company which he previously worked as an employee.
Climate & Environmental Sciences Research Internships: The students get the opportunity to work alongside the expert team on the critical issues like, plant ecology, environment conservation and climate change. It also includes sustainability projects funded by European Union. The tasks assigned to students are – lab analysis, data collection and research findings publication.
Engineering & Technology Internship: Students from electrical, mechanical and software engineering are provided with real-time internship opportunities at workplaces. These internships allow students to gain hands-on experience in problem-solving, handling tools etc., few students get placed at university’s advanced fire engineering labs and other labs, including access to maritime simulators.
Benefits of the Internships: The students who undergo internships get real-time experience at workplaces. Enhanced employability through strong resume and experience. They built a robust professional network and few students gain international exposure.
Get Expert Guidance
Study in Norway with Expert Guidance
With over 8+ years of experience and 30+ Norway Counsellors, We can get admission into your dream French Institution.
Entry Requirements at The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
For Undergraduate Entry: Applicants need an educational qualification or high school diploma at par with Norwegian higher education entrance requirement. They must submit all academic transcripts and certificates to assess the qualification for entry at the university. Few programs demand subject specialty, for instance, science or mathematics for engineering programs.
English Language Proficiency Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency via following tests – TOEFL iBT – minimum score of 80 or TOEFL PBT – an overall score of 550 or IELTS – at least overall score of 6.0 or PTE Academic – minimum 59 overall score or Cambridge English – B2 First, C1 advanced or C2 proficiency – at least C grade or higher.
Read MoreLess
For Postgraduate Entry
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from recognized university with at least 180 ECTS credits. Some programs demand subject specialty or specified GPA.
- Few programs also demand relevant work experience, statement of purpose and CV.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
- Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency via following tests – TOEFL iBT – minimum score of 80 or TOEFL PBT – an overall score of 550 or IELTS – at least overall score of 6.0 or PTE Academic – minimum 59 overall score or Cambridge English – B2 First, C1 advanced or C2 proficiency – at least C grade or higher.
- Applicants who had studied at least one year of education from one of these following countries, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand gets exempted from aforementioned language proficiency tests. Furthermore, if the applicant is holding an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in English language or literature also get the exemption.
For Doctoral Programs Entry: Applicants need to furnish a master’s degree from recognized university with minimum 120 ECTS credits. They must also submit a research proposal detailing the PhD project.
Additional Requirements: Applicants must ensure that a faculty supervisor is willing to assist in research. They must also have exceptional academic record and research expertise.
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The English language proficiency is similar to postgraduate requirements.
Process of Application: Applicants are advised to apply through university’s online application portal only. They must submit all academic transcripts, English language proficiency certificate and other relevant documents. Few competitive programs may have an interview session or entrance exam.
Rankings & Awards of The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
National & International Rankings
- HVL has ranked 519th in European Union and 9th in Norway by Center for World University Rankings (CWUR).
- The university was positioned at 1039th globally by US News & World Report Best Global Universities. According to Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) it stood at 1543rd position worldwide. The university is in the league of top 7.9% world universities.
- According to Research.com – following are the subject-wise rankings – 316th global rank for physics. Ecology & Evolution – 785th rank globally. Computer Science – 868th rank worldwide and 10th rank for social sciences in Norway.
Read MoreLess
Recognition & Awards: The university has been bestowed and recognized by multiple awards, including honoring students and faculty by the university. Few prominent are – Best Student Award in Ocean Technology (2022). Best Paper in Regional & Urban Horizons (2022). Best Student Award in Subsea Technology (2022). HR Excellence in Research Awards (2025).
Acceptance Rate of The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL)
- 25% (Twenty Five) is the estimated acceptance rate of the university, making it moderately competitive. The acceptance rate is entirely based on the program and number of applications.
- The acceptance rate varies as per programs and courses. The undergraduate programs have an acceptance rate of 25-30%, postgraduate programs have 20-25%. While doctoral programs have very intense competition, as it requires faculty supervision and research proposal.
- The factors which influence the entry at the university are – outstanding academic achievements, competitive English language proficiency scores, subject specialty for technical programs and thoroughly prepared application documents like CV, statement of purpose etc. moreover, each program has limited number of seats, therefore there is high competition and low acceptance rate.
Conclusion: Although The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) is a highly competitive institution, but applicants who possess outstanding academic achievements, relevant experience and motivation to pursue education at the university gain an entry into the university.
Apply Today
Gallery
Written By
