

VID Specialized University
- Last Updated on: June 5, 2025 by
- Sridhar Kongara
The VID Specialized University is among the earliest Norwegian universities with rich academic heritage. It holds unmatched expertise in health and social sciences, including theology and leadership. The university has thriving student community and diligent staff spread over six campuses in the region. It offers multiple programs in higher education with deep focus on groundbreaking research, humanistic ideals and academic excellence. It constantly engage in solution-oriented research outputs concerning with social work and health science. Students are assured of high-quality, research-oriented education in the disciplines of social sciences, family therapy, faith-based study and nursing.
Courses Offered
** Fees mentioned here are approximate and are per year, Unless specified otherwise
Why Choose this VID Specialized University
Plethora of Programs & International Focus
- The university offers enriched programs in multiple disciplines across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. As many as 50 programs are available in subjects like, occupational therapy, nursing & healthcare, social work & education, faith-based study and family therapy.
- VID lays strong emphasis on internationalization, thereby provides exchange program opportunities to more than half of student strength. Students gain international exposure and learn intercultural nuances, enhancing their global career prospects.
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High Academic Standards & Focus on Specialized Research
- The university has rich history of academic excellence, it has maintained the standards of world-class education since its inception, evident through student’s positive feedback. Moreover, it focuses on practical learning, ensuring students gain real-world experience during course pursuance.
- VID core research areas are – vulnerable groups, social inequalities, diversity and global Christianity. The research outputs often benefits the society as a whole, including students who participates in the projects simultaneously.
Recognized Institution & Most PhD Awarding University
- VID is one of the largest privately owned university in the region, having recognition and accreditation. The degrees awarded by the university are accepted and respected all over the world. Majority of alumni has secured high-ranked jobs in different parts of the world.
- In spite of being a privately owned university, it is the largest university in the region which offers most doctoral programs. Students who have interest in pursuing a career in research and academics can choose the university.
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Campus Facilities at VID Specialized University
Modernized Lecture Halls & Common Spaces
- VID has advanced and sophisticated classrooms and lecture halls thoroughly equipped with technology enabled tools and equipment. These academic facilities fosters interactive learning and enhances the study experience.
- Apart from academic and research facilities, the university provides exclusive spaces for students such as, lounges and social spaces. These spaces allow students to relax, socialize and serves as place for networking with peers.
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Sports Facilities & Accommodation
- The university in association with SiO University Sports provides comprehensive sports and fitness facilities. The facilities available are – gyms and fitness centers, swimming pool, personal training sessions and climbing facilities.
- VID provides affordable and comfortable on-campus accommodation to students. Self-catering apartments and student dormitories are available at all campuses. Moreover, the Oslo campus prioritizes accommodation within close proximity to campus as well.
Library & Study Spaces: All the campuses boasts vast and resourceful libraries. Most of the libraries provide access to digital resources, research material. Sufficient study spaces for both individualistic and collaborative study.
Student Services Offered by VID Specialized University
IT Services & Student Health Services
- VID has assigned an IT team at the campuses to look after technology support and services. The team works on specified timings on weekdays provides assistance for troubleshooting and malfunctions. The university provides free wireless network, including printing facility. Every student gets personalized Microsoft 365 office suite.
- The university provides beneficial counseling to students who desperately need assistance for mental health and to overcome personal and academic stress. The Sammen (Student Welfare Organization) provides health services to students including medical assistance and guidance for healthy lifestyle.
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Academic & Career Support: Every campus has designated academic advisors and career counselors, offering valuable advices and counseling for academic queries, course selection and career enhancement strategies. International students at the university get assistance through International office in adjustment to Norwegian life and mobility programs.
Orientation Programs for International Students: VID offers extended support to overseas students at the university. The services includes visa assistance, accommodation guidance and information on student’s rights in Norway. They also get orientation programs that helps them to acclimatize to Norwegian educational life and cultural immersion.
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Student Life at VID Specialized University
Overseas Student Community & Extracurricular Activities
- The university with the aim of internationalization, welcomes international students at the university. It also ensures comprehensive academic and personal development through its beneficial student services and support system. Moreover, study abroad opportunities and student exchange programs allows them experience global education and cultural integration.
- VID encourage and promote various student-led initiatives and extracurricular activities at campus. Students have the opportunity to participate in volunteering, sports, music and organizations to enhance their campus life. Seminars, cultural events and social gatherings are regular norm throughout the year.
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Student Life & Accommodational Facilities
- VID provides advanced academic and cutting edge research facilities. Students get vast libraries, designated study spaces and digital learning tools for an enhanced campus life. Individualistic study, group collaborative learning and academic seminars are integral part of student life at the university.
- The accommodation at the university is provided in collaboration with Student Welfare Organization (Sammen). It offers around 4400 residential units. The Diakonhjemmet housing association facilitates on-campus apartments and dormitories. Whereas, students from university at Oslo get priority in accommodation allocation.
Career Prospects & Job Opportunities: As the university excels in academic impartation and research projects, most of the students during course pursuance secures a part-time jobs, especially in social services and healthcare. More than 90% of graduates get a remunerative job very soon after completion of studies.
Scholarships Offered by VID Specialized University
PhD Research Fellowship in Religion & Crisis: Research candidates enrolled at the university working on research projects related to religion and crisis in modern society get this scholarship. For eligibility, candidates must demonstrate academic merit and submit a research proposal aligning with VID’s research areas. The recipient students receive full tuition fee waiver and a stipend for living expenses.
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VID International Scholarship: This scholarship is applicable to international students aspiring for undergraduate or postgraduate programs at the university. The eligibility is based on academic excellence and leadership potential. It offers partial reduction in tuition fee, the amount of scholarship differs as per student’s circumstances.
Green Travel Grant for Sustainable Mobility: This grant is aimed to promote sustainable travelling by students under ERASMUS+ mobility program. The students who prefer sustainable travel such as trains instead of flights are eligible for scholarship. It offers up to 2000 Norwegian krone per semester to recipient students. Maximum 10 students receive the grant via lottery system.
ERASMUS+ Study Mobility Grant: This grant is available to students opting for ERASMUS+ exchange program. To be eligible, students must be a registered enrollee at the university and should complete at least one semester or a year abroad at partnered universities. The grant provides travel and living expenses during the stay, generally the amount of grant depends on the destination country
Norwegian Government Quota Scholarship: This government funded scholarship is available to students at VID from developing countries and eastern Europe or central Asia. For eligibility, students must demonstrate academic merit and genuine financial need. This scholarship provides full tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend to recipient students.
Internships & Placements at VID Specialized University
Research & Exchange Students Internships
- Students who are pursuing postgraduate and doctoral programs at the university get opportunity to be research assistants in the specialized research groups. These roles allow students to grasp real-time research experience in the fields of social sciences, healthcare and theological studies.
- VID offers valuable internships and practicum to exchange students that aligns with their learning outcomes of their course pursuance. Students who arrive at the university get internships in social work, occupational therapy, nursing and theology.
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Career Counseling & ERASMUS+ Internship Grant
- VID provides counseling for career enhancement, including appropriate guidance for preparedness for the job market. It provides CV refinements sessions, workshops and networking events for students, helping them to connect with prospective employers and industry experts.
- The university facilitates ERASMUS+ internships across different countries of Europe such as, Liechtenstein, Iceland, North Macedonia and Serbia. Students undertaking abroad internships at the aforementioned country’s partnered universities get funding for travel and living expenses during the internship.
Mentorship & Volunteering Programs: VID encourage students to participate in volunteering events and mentorship programs. These opportunities enable them to grasp practical skills during serving of community and social & humanitarian services.
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Entry Requirements at VID Specialized University
For Undergraduate Entry: Applicants must have secondary school qualification at par with Norwegian high school diploma (Examen Artium). Additionally, few programs in the disciplines of healthcare and science demand subject specialty. Prescribed English or Norwegian language proficiency requirements must be demonstrated as per program requirement.
For Postgraduate Entry: Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject. However, few programs may ask for relevant work experience or need to pass the entrance examinations. Language proficiency must be demonstrated as per language of instruction of the program.
For Doctoral Programs Entry: Applicants must have a postgraduate degree with strong academic and research background. They must also submit a research proposal aligning with university’s research preferences. Additionally, prior publication and research experience may require.
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Language Proficiency Requirements
For Programs Taught in Norwegian Language: Applicants applying for programs that are taught in Norwegian language must demonstrate prescribed language proficiency via Bergenstest or any other similar test
For Programs Taught in English Language: Applicants must show evidence of English language proficiency via following tests – IELTS – an overall score of 6.0 or TOEFL PBT – minimum overall score of 550 or TOEFL iBT – at least overall score of 80 (with minimum 19 in speaking, listening, reading and 21 in writing) or few programs also accepts equivalent scores in Duolingo English Test.
Documents Required for Application: All academic transcripts & diploma, copy of passport with lucid view of photo, name, address and nationality. Language proficiency certificates, motivation letter or statement of purpose and letters of recommendation (for master’s & PhD programs).
Rankings & Awards of VID Specialized University
International & National Rankings: The university with credible surveys of renowned agencies have been bestowed with the following national and international rankings. VID stands at 10th position in city of Oslo, 28th rank in Norway, the university stood at 1817th rank in European union and it was ranked 8023rd globally.
Subject-Wise Rankings: The university with specialty in health sciences and medical stood at respectable position of 3738th position worldwide in above mentioned subjects. While the Research, Innovation and Societal global ranks are 4497th, 7723rd and 6999th respectively.
Recognition & Awards: VID participates in ERASMUS+ program, allowing students for international mobility and collaborations. It has undisputed specialty in social sciences and theology, offering substantial contributions to ethical studies and humanitarian efforts. The university has been duly recognized by European Commission as higher education institution.
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Acceptance Rate of VID Specialized University
- Unlike most Norwegian universities, VID does not divulge it’s acceptance rate publicly. However, as per credible data and sources, it is moderately selective university with low acceptance rate in few specialized programs
- The major factors that influence the admission at the university are – high scores in both English and Norwegian languages proficiency. Intense competition in the programs with international recognition and research funding. The competition for admissions in nursing, theology and occupational therapy is generally very high, primarily due to university’s academic excellence and international acceptance of degrees
- The estimated acceptance rate of the university on basis of reliable data and sources suggests to be around 40-50%, however the engineering and specialized programs have more intense competition with acceptance rate of 30% only. But, doctoral programs have extremely fierce competition, as the university demands excellent academic background and strong research proposal
Conclusion: Although the acceptance rate through credible sources suggests to be around 40-50% of the university. The applicants, especially the international applicants must ensure moderate academic and language requirements to gain an entry into the university. VID Specialized University do not have restrictive admission guidelines if compared with other Norwegian universities.
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