Bergen Academy of Art and Design
Where Nordic heritage meets the future of creative innovation.
📍 Bergen, Norway 🇳🇴
Quick Facts about Bergen Academy of Art and Design
- Type: Public
- Students: 600
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $171 – $171/year
- Language: English, Norwegian
- Intakes: Fall
About Bergen Academy of Art and Design
Academics
The Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design (KMD) offers Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs grounded in internationally recognized artistic research. Academic activities are organized across three departments: The Art Academy, The Grieg Academy – Department of Music, and the Department of Design. The teaching approach emphasizes artistic research and experimentation, with a focus on individual student work and a broad range of artistic manifestations, including conceptual art, performative art, photography, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, painting, and new media.
International Students
While specific diversity statistics for KMD are not readily available, approximately 30% of the academic staff at the former KHiB were recruited internationally, indicating a diverse environment. Norway generally offers around 350 English-taught programs for international students, mostly at the Master's level. KMD encourages students to utilize exchange programs in their studies and offers PhD programs with an international standard.
Campus & Location
The Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design (KMD) is located in Bergen, Norway. In 2017, all art and design activities were co-located in a new purpose-built building in Møllendalsveien, designed by the acclaimed Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta. Bergen is a vibrant city, and the campus facilities and equipment are designed to meet high international standards for art and design education.
Career Outcomes
A completed PhD education from UiB, which includes KMD, qualifies graduates for research of international standard and other societal roles requiring scientific insight and analytical thinking. Many PhD graduates pursue careers in research and teaching at universities or research institutes, while others are sought after in business and public enterprises for their analytical and problem-solving skills. Some graduates also choose to start their own businesses, leveraging their innovation and entrepreneurship skills. The University of Bergen provides career services to support PhD candidates and early-stage associate professors with information and guidance for opportunities both within and outside academia.
Information for International Students at Bergen Academy of Art and Design
Bergen Academy of Art and Design in Bergen, Norway welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$9000/month)
- Teaching languages: English, Norwegian
Programs at Bergen Academy of Art and Design (6 programs)
Bergen Academy of Art and Design offers 6 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (2)
- Bachelor's Programme in Fine Art (BA) — 36 months · Scandinavian language
This is a three-year program focusing on artistic practice, critical reflection, and project-based learning. Students explore various media, techniques, and materials.
Field: Fine Art - Bachelor's Programme in Design (BA) — 36 months · Scandinavian language
This program offers specializations in Furniture and Spatial Design/Interior Architecture and Visual Communication. It focuses on creative processes, design history, material exploration, and communication through various tools.
Field: Design
Master Programs (3)
- Master's Programme in Design (MA) — 24 months · English · $401,704/yr
An interdisciplinary program allowing design students to delve deeper into a self-chosen topic. The curriculum is based on professional dialogue and discussions, exploring the role of the designer and developing communication skills.
Field: Design
Deadline: February 1st annually - Master's Programme in Fine Art (MA) — 24 months · Norwegian and English · $401,704/yr
This two-year program provides students with artistic, methodological, and theoretical tools for working in contemporary art. It emphasizes individual artistic projects, research, experimentation, and exhibition making.
Field: Fine Art
Career outcomes: Professional artist, curator, critic, producer, technician, teacher
Deadline: February 1st annually - Master's Programme in Music Performance or Composition (MM) — 24 months · English
This program is for students interested in advanced studies in music performance or composition.
Field: Music Performance
PhD Programs (1)
- PhD Programmes (Artistic Research) (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
KMD offers PhD programs based on internationally recognized artistic research.
Field: Artistic Research
Career outcomes: Academic research, advanced artistic practice, leadership roles in art and design institutions
Scholarships & Tuition at Bergen Academy of Art and Design
Annual tuition for international students: $171 – $171/year
✅ Bergen Academy of Art and Design offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Campus & Facilities at Bergen Academy of Art and Design
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- No disability support info
- Campus type: Urban
- Housing cost: ~$9000/month
Key Highlights
- Part of University of Bergen
- Renowned Snøhetta designed campus building
- Diverse fine art and design programs
- Strong focus on artistic research
- Interdisciplinary creative learning environment
- Leading institution in Northern Europe
Accreditation
- Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT)
Fields of Study at Bergen Academy of Art and Design
- Fine Art
- Visual Communication
- Interior Architecture
- Furniture Design
- Spatial Design
Notable Alumni
- Petter Opsvik
- Lise Davidsen
- Vibeke Tandberg
- Andreas Engesvik
- Matias Faldbakken
Frequently Asked Questions about Bergen Academy of Art and Design
What is Bergen Academy of Art and Design?
Bergen Academy of Art and Design is a public university located in Bergen, Norway. It has approximately 600 students.
How much does it cost to study at Bergen Academy of Art and Design?
Tuition fees at Bergen Academy of Art and Design for international students range from $171 – $171/year. Student housing costs approximately $9000/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What language are courses taught in at Bergen Academy of Art and Design?
Courses at Bergen Academy of Art and Design are taught in English and Norwegian.
How many programs does Bergen Academy of Art and Design offer?
Bergen Academy of Art and Design offers 6 programs: 2 Bachelor's, 3 Master's, and 1 PhD programs across various fields of study.
Does Bergen Academy of Art and Design offer scholarships?
Yes, Bergen Academy of Art and Design offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Bergen Academy of Art and Design provide visa support?
Yes, Bergen Academy of Art and Design provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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