Apply to participate
Here you find all the information you need in order to apply for BSRS. Please read these instructions before filling in the application. You may change and update your application until the deadline, 1 February 2026.
Here you will find all the information you need to apply for the Bergen Summer Research School. Make sure you complete the two complementary parts of the application process.
Below, you find the link to part one, which creates your application. When you successfully complete part one, you will get a confirmation email with a link to part two and instructions of how to proceed. Part two registers your application in the University of Bergen application system.
Make sure you complete both parts. No other forms of application will be accepted.
Application deadline is 1 February 2026.
Eligibility
Before starting your application, please ensure you meet the academic requirements. Only eligible applicants will be considered.
BSRS courses are open to:
- Current PhD students
- Junior researchers, including those nearing completion of a master’s degree with substantial work experience
- Recent PhD graduates and postdoctoral researchers
Expectations
To participate, you must have a strong command of English.
Active participation is required throughout the programme. This includes:
- Completing assigned readings before arrival
- Fully engaging in one of the parallel courses (only one course may be selected)
- Attending all plenary sessions
You will have access to the University Library’s electronic resources from the time of acceptance until the end of May the following year.
Academic credit
Once accepted, you will be asked to submit a short essay (2–4 pages) based on your own research, responding to a question set by your course leader. This essay will form the basis for presenting your work to the fellow participants.
You will be credited by the University of Bergen under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS):
- 10 ECTS: Requires submission of a publishable manuscript (10–20 pages) after the completion of the research school. The deadline is set by your course leader.
- 5 ECTS: Granted for full participation without submitting the final manuscript.
Stipends
A limited number of compeditive stipends are available to support participation in BSRS. These are awarded based on academic merit as demonstrated in your application, and the relevance of your research to the course objectives.
To qualify, you must be a registered PhD candidate at an accredited academic institution.
Stipends are fixed amounts intended to help offset the cost of attending the summer school. The exact amount depends on your country of residence and will be stated in your acceptance letter.
If awarded, funds will be transferred by the end of June 2026.
- Full stipend: covers travel and accommodation at Bergen Hostel Montana
- Partial stipend: covers either travel OR accommodation at Bergen Hostel Montana
Please note that you are responsible for arranging and paying for your own travel, insurance, and visa.
There is no registration fee for BSRS.
The application
To submit an application to attend BSRS, please follow the steps as described here.
Create the application
Before you start the application process, please prepare the following documents:
Abstract of your ongoing research (max. 250 words). Outline the main objectives, theoretical framework, and methodology of your current PhD project.
- Motivational letter (maximum 250 words) which should include:
- Your research interest in the topic of the course of interest
- Your expectations for the course
- What you hope to gain from attending BSRS
- Your academic resume, stating:
- Your current position
- Your highest degree and awarding institution
- Educational background (maximum 500 words)
- Work experience (maximum 400 words)
- Publications - up to ten publications, if any
- Proof of your English proficiency. English is the only language of instruction and communication at BSRS.
Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for completing part two. If you do not receive this email within 24 hours, please check your spam/junk folder before contacting us at bsrs@uib.no.
You may start your application, save your progress, and return to complete it anytime before the deadline.
Register the application
Follow the instructions in the confirmation email you receive after you submitted your application in part one.
In order to register your application at the University of Bergen, you need the following documents:
- The application (pdf) you find attached to the confirmation email
- A scanned copy of your passport
- Transcript/diploma of your highest degree
- A letter of recommendation signed by your supervisor
- A letter verifying your qualifications and current position signed by the head of your institution/department
Please note that the two letters must be stamped and written on the official stationary of your institution.
Complete application
Your application is complete when you have:
- filled in your complete home/residential address
- selected a course(s)
- uploaded all the required documents
- received confirmation by email