Life in Bergen and Norway
Explore the benefits of living and working in Bergen and Norway as an international employee at UiB, including work-life balance, family-friendly policies and easy access to nature and outdoor life.
A life beyond work
Choosing a position at UiB means choosing more than a workplace. It means becoming part of a city and a society known for its combination of quality of life, social trust and close connection to nature.
City campus
Bergen is Norway's second-largest city, yet it remains compact and easy to navigate. Surrounded by seven mountains and open water, it is possible to leave your office and reach hiking trails, viewpoints or the fjords within a short walk or public transport ride. Rather than being located on a separate campus, UiB is integrated into the city itself, making Bergen feel like an extension of the university.
Benefits of working and living in Bergen
For many international employees, relocating to Bergen and Norway is not only a career move but also an opportunity to enjoy a safe, inclusive and family-friendly society with easy access to nature and outdoor life.
Salary, benefits and employment conditions
Norway has a relatively high cost of living, but salaries and employee benefits are designed to reflect this. Unlike in many countries, PhD candidates in Norway are employed and paid as staff members rather than receiving a stipend. This means they receive a salary, build pension rights, and enjoy the same employee benefits and protections as other staff.
Work-life balance
Work-life balance is not simply an aspiration in Norway, it is built into the way society functions. Spending time with family, friends and leisure activities is widely valued. Generous parental leave schemes, subsidised childcare and five weeks of annual holiday for most employees contribute to a strong quality of life.
Health care, welfare and social security
Norway is also known for its welfare system and social security arrangements. Residents have access to public healthcare, and employees benefit from protections related to sick leave, parental benefits and workplace rights. These systems provide predictability and security, whether you relocate alone or with family.
Familiy life and equality
For families, kindergarten places are heavily subsidised, and public primary and secondary education is generally free of charge. Children have the right to attend school regardless of nationality, ensuring access to high-quality education from an early age. Norway consistently ranks highly for gender equality and family-friendly policies, making it an attractive destination for researchers at all stages of life.
Languange and integration
You do not need to speak Norwegian before arriving. English is widely spoken in both academia and everyday life, and many international staff work successfully in English from day one. While some positions require employees to develop Norwegian language skills over time, UiB provides support through language courses for international staff and, in many cases, their partners. Learning Norwegian can help you engage more fully with colleagues, students and local communities.
Climate and outdoor life
Bergen is indeed famous for its rain. Locals will happily tell you that good rainwear is an essential part of life. The reward is a city with mild winters, dramatic landscapes, a vibrant cultural scene, and some of the world's most spectacular natural surroundings right outside your door.