Courses are the building blocks of a study programme. Some courses are only available to students admitted to certain study programmes, while others are open to all UiB students.
The academic year is divided into two semesters. As a full-time student, you take courses that add up to 30 ECTS credits each semester. The courses vary in size, but normally range from 5 to 30 ECTS credits. So how many courses you'll take each semester, depends on the size of the course.
You have to document Norwegian language proficiency to qualify for both undergraduate programmes and courses if they are taught in Norwegian. Some postgraduate programmes are taught in English and are available without Norwegian language proficiency. Courses taught in English may be available if you are:
- already admitted to one of our MA programmes taught in English
- an incoming exchange student at UiB
- a non-UiB student applying for a single course taught in English
- a refugee living in Norway
Courses for UiB students already admitted to a study programme
Open courses
Open courses are available to all students at UiB admitted to a study programme. You register for these coursed in Studentweb as a part of your semester registration at the start of each semester.
Restricted courses
Restricted courses are only available to UiB students admitted to specific study programmes, like medicine.
Open courses with specific themes
We have developed several courses on specific themes that are available to all UiB students.
DIGI-courses
The DIGI-course package consists of several minor courses aiming to increase digital understanding and knowledge for all students. These courses are 2,5 ECTS credits each.
Read more about the DIGI-courses
Standalone courses on sustainability
These are courses focusing on the UN sustainability goals. They can be included as open ECTS credits in most study programmes.
See all standalone courses on sustainability
Courses for exchange students
We offer a wide range of courses taught in both English and Norwegian for exchange students.
Read more about exchange to UiB
Courses available for non-UiB students
Online or part-time courses
Some of our courses on a bachelor's og master's level are developed and designed for those who are not UiB students who want to attend a single course. These courses are taught part-time, either online or with a few sessions on campus. Usually, you'll have to pay a fee to take these courses.
Read more about online and part-time studies
Norwegian language courses
Norwegian language courses are available for both international employees and students. We also offer Norwegian courses for refugees and immigrants living in Norway.
Admission requirements, deadlines and application or registration procedures depents on which category you belong to.
Read more about Norwegian courses at UiB
Special courses at the Faculty of law
Some master's level courses at the Faculty of law are taught in English and are available to students from other universities in Norway, or as a supplement after having graduated with a Master in Law degree.
See course overview and criterias for admission to the Faculty of Law
Online exchange with European Universities
Through the CHARM-EU alliance, UiB offers our students opportunities to participate in online exchanges. For courses offered spring 2027, there are two application deadlines depending on course starting dates.
About the CHARM alliance
UiB is a member of the European university alliance CHARM-EU, together with partner universities in Spain, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, France, Finland, and Hungary. Read more about the alliance.
Would you like to take part in an innovative European learning experience?
Through the CHARM-EU alliance, UiB offers our students opportunities to participate in online course exchanges. Apply for the transnational online courses if you are interested in expanding your academic portfolio and gaining international learning experience.
About the courses
The courses offered are designed for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students, providing flexibility and learning across borders without leaving your own campus. You can participate online in all courses, which are either fully online or hybrid. The latter means that students at the university offering the courses receive physical instruction, while others participate digitally.
The courses span a range of subject areas and range from 0 to 10 ECTS. You will find the course catalog on CHARM-EU`s website.
Note that the courses have different start dates and that there are two different application deadlines for autumn 2026.
What do you need to do to apply?
- You must be a registered fulltime student at UiB.
- If you complete online courses, you will receive credits or a course certificate.
- You may also apply to have the courses recognized as part of your UiB degree. Check the information for your faculty (Norwegian only).
For more information about online exchanges through CHARM-EU, please visit the How to apply page at CHARM-EUs website, which also includes a link to the application form.
Application process
Application deadlines spring 2027:
- For courses to be started in January or early February 2027: 6th December 2026
- For courses to be started in mid February or later: 17th January 2027
Before the deadline
- Submit your completed application form
Before course start:
- The university offering the course will send information to all participants
Do you have questions?
For more information about online exchanges through CHARM-EU, please visit the How to apply page at CHARM-EUs website, which also includes a link to the application form.
Contact The Division of Student and Academic Affairs on CHARM@uib.no and expect response within reasonable time.