Volda University College
Where nature inspires and knowledge empowers.
📍 Volda, Norway 🇳🇴
🏆 #19 in Norway
Quick Facts about Volda University College
- Type: Public
- Students: 4,600
- Campus: Rural
- Tuition: $1,052 – $11,300/year
- Language: Norwegian, English
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About Volda University College
Academics
Volda University College is structured into four faculties: the Faculty of Humanities and Education, the Faculty of Fine and Performing Arts, the Faculty of Social Sciences and History, and the Faculty of Media and Journalism. The institution is particularly renowned for its media and journalism programs, including animation, broadcast journalism, and documentary film production, emphasizing practical experience. VUC offers around 30 undergraduate programs, 6 master's degree programs, and approximately 300 courses, including a Master in Media Practices and a Master's degree in Special Education. The teaching approach often involves small-scale, student-centered learning environments that foster close interaction between students and faculty.
International Students
Volda University College offers a high-quality academic experience in a personal and welcoming setting, with some English-taught courses available, particularly for exchange students. While most courses are taught in Norwegian, exchange students can find English-taught courses across various disciplines within the Faculties of Humanities and Education, Arts and Physical Education, and Media and Journalism. The International Office provides support and guidance on student permits, accommodation, transportation, and other practical matters. Pangaia, an international meeting point, serves as a social hub for both international and Norwegian students, facilitating cultural integration and offering various activities.
Campus & Location
Volda University College is situated in the scenic town of Volda, nestled between deep fjords and high mountains on the northwest coast of Norway. The campus is compact, with short distances between academic buildings, student housing, and student organizations. Volda offers an active student environment, and the Student Welfare Organization (SiVolda) provides affordable and safe student housing, guaranteeing accommodation for exchange students who apply within deadlines. The town itself provides a peaceful yet inspiring environment conducive to academic and personal development, with nearby natural attractions.
Career Outcomes
Volda University College's emphasis on practical experience, particularly in media programs, provides students with a strong foundation for their careers. Graduates from VUC's animation program have contributed to Norwegian successes in the animation film and advertising industries. The journalism program includes external practice opportunities with national news outlets like NRK, TV 2, and VG, with major media houses actively recruiting Volda's journalism students. While specific employment rates are not always published, the college's strong industry connections and practical focus generally lead to positive employment outcomes. Notable alumni include politicians, journalists, and artists, reflecting the diverse career paths of VUC graduates.
Information for International Students at Volda University College
Volda University College in Volda, Norway welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$400/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: Norwegian, English
Admissions Requirements for Volda University College
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Volda University College:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 80
- Application deadline: January 15, 2026 (Non-EU/EEA); April 15, 2026 (EU/EEA and Norway residents)
Programs at Volda University College (64 programs)
Volda University College offers 64 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (36)
- Nursing (BSc) — 36 months · Norwegian · STEM
This program provides a comprehensive education in nursing science and practice, preparing students to become registered nurses capable of providing high-quality patient care in diverse healthcare settings.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: registered nurse, clinical nurse specialist, public health nurse, ward manager - Journalism — 36 months · Norwegian
Students can pursue a bachelor's degree in journalism, with opportunities for practical experience through the college's own media outlets. Volda University College is widely renowned for its outstanding academic studies in broadcast journalism.
Field: Media and Journalism - Teacher Education (Primary and Lower Secondary School) (BA) — 48 months · Norwegian
This program educates future teachers for primary and lower secondary schools, focusing on pedagogy, subject didactics, and practical teaching experience.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: primary school teacher, lower secondary school teacher, educational consultant - Music — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on music, offering a comprehensive education in musical theory, performance, and history.
Field: Art and Physical Education - Outdoor Life Studies (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on outdoor education, leadership, and sustainable use of natural environments, combining theoretical knowledge with practical outdoor experiences.
Field: Outdoor Education
Career outcomes: outdoor guide, environmental educator, adventure tourism manager, park ranger - Media and Communication (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
This program explores the theories and practices of media and communication, covering topics such as media analysis, strategic communication, digital media, and public relations.
Field: Media Studies
Career outcomes: communications officer, PR consultant, social media manager, media analyst - Social Work (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
The Social Work program prepares students for professional practice in social services, focusing on human rights, social justice, and empowering individuals and communities.
Field: Social Work
Career outcomes: social worker, caseworker, community organizer, counselor - Animation — 36 months · Norwegian
This internationally known program provides an introduction to all common animation techniques, including cartoons, puppets, cut-outs, and computer animation. Many former students work in the animation film and advertising industry in Norway.
Field: Art Programs
Career outcomes: animation film industry, advertising industry - Early Childhood Education — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on early childhood education, preparing students for careers working with young children in educational settings.
Field: Education - English Language and Literature — 36 months · English
This program focuses on English language and literature, offering a comprehensive study of linguistic and literary traditions.
Field: Language and Literature - Sports and Physical Education — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on sports and physical education, preparing students for careers in teaching, coaching, or sports management.
Field: Sports and Outdoor Life - History and Culture — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on history and culture, providing students with a broad understanding of past events and cultural developments.
Field: History - Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on teacher education for primary and lower secondary levels, equipping students with the pedagogical skills and subject knowledge to teach effectively.
Field: Education - Art and Design — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on art and design, fostering creativity and technical skills in various artistic disciplines.
Field: Art and Physical Education - Social Work and Child Welfare — 36 months · Norwegian
This program offers studies in social work and child welfare, with opportunities for practical experience to prepare students for impactful careers in social services.
Field: Health and Social Sciences - Theater and Drama — 36 months · Norwegian
This program offers a solid and versatile education in a performing and active professional environment, combining practical puppet training with theoretical-academic education. It prepares students for work as performing artists within the free cultural life.
Field: Performing Arts Programs
Career outcomes: performing artists - Norwegian Language and Literature — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on Norwegian language and literature, providing a foundational understanding of the subject for various career paths.
Field: Language and Literature - Communication and Media — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on communication and media, providing a broad understanding of media landscapes and communication strategies.
Field: Media and Journalism - Nursing (BSc) — 36 months · Norwegian · STEM
This program provides a comprehensive education in nursing science and practice, preparing students to become registered nurses capable of providing high-quality patient care in diverse healthcare settings.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: registered nurse, clinical nurse specialist, public health nurse, ward manager - Journalism — 36 months · Norwegian
Students can pursue a bachelor's degree in journalism, with opportunities for practical experience through the college's own media outlets. Volda University College is widely renowned for its outstanding academic studies in broadcast journalism.
Field: Media and Journalism - Teacher Education (Primary and Lower Secondary School) (BA) — 48 months · Norwegian
This program educates future teachers for primary and lower secondary schools, focusing on pedagogy, subject didactics, and practical teaching experience.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: primary school teacher, lower secondary school teacher, educational consultant - Music — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on music, offering a comprehensive education in musical theory, performance, and history.
Field: Art and Physical Education - Outdoor Life Studies (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on outdoor education, leadership, and sustainable use of natural environments, combining theoretical knowledge with practical outdoor experiences.
Field: Outdoor Education
Career outcomes: outdoor guide, environmental educator, adventure tourism manager, park ranger - Media and Communication (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
This program explores the theories and practices of media and communication, covering topics such as media analysis, strategic communication, digital media, and public relations.
Field: Media Studies
Career outcomes: communications officer, PR consultant, social media manager, media analyst - Social Work (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
The Social Work program prepares students for professional practice in social services, focusing on human rights, social justice, and empowering individuals and communities.
Field: Social Work
Career outcomes: social worker, caseworker, community organizer, counselor - Animation — 36 months · Norwegian
This internationally known program provides an introduction to all common animation techniques, including cartoons, puppets, cut-outs, and computer animation. Many former students work in the animation film and advertising industry in Norway.
Field: Art Programs
Career outcomes: animation film industry, advertising industry - Early Childhood Education — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on early childhood education, preparing students for careers working with young children in educational settings.
Field: Education - English Language and Literature — 36 months · English
This program focuses on English language and literature, offering a comprehensive study of linguistic and literary traditions.
Field: Language and Literature - Sports and Physical Education — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on sports and physical education, preparing students for careers in teaching, coaching, or sports management.
Field: Sports and Outdoor Life - History and Culture — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on history and culture, providing students with a broad understanding of past events and cultural developments.
Field: History - Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on teacher education for primary and lower secondary levels, equipping students with the pedagogical skills and subject knowledge to teach effectively.
Field: Education - Art and Design — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on art and design, fostering creativity and technical skills in various artistic disciplines.
Field: Art and Physical Education - Social Work and Child Welfare — 36 months · Norwegian
This program offers studies in social work and child welfare, with opportunities for practical experience to prepare students for impactful careers in social services.
Field: Health and Social Sciences - Theater and Drama — 36 months · Norwegian
This program offers a solid and versatile education in a performing and active professional environment, combining practical puppet training with theoretical-academic education. It prepares students for work as performing artists within the free cultural life.
Field: Performing Arts Programs
Career outcomes: performing artists - Norwegian Language and Literature — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on Norwegian language and literature, providing a foundational understanding of the subject for various career paths.
Field: Language and Literature - Communication and Media — 36 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on communication and media, providing a broad understanding of media landscapes and communication strategies.
Field: Media and Journalism
Master Programs (20)
- Cultural Encounters (MA) — 24 months · English
The Cultural Encounters program explores intercultural communication, cultural diversity, and the dynamics of cultural exchange in a globalized world, preparing students for international careers.
Field: Cultural Studies
Career outcomes: cultural advisor, international project manager, NGO worker, researcher - Media Practices (MA) — 24 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on advanced media production, media theory, and critical analysis of media's role in society, offering specializations in areas like digital storytelling and media management.
Field: Media Studies
Career outcomes: media consultant, content strategist, media producer, academic researcher - Documentary and Journalism (MA) — 24 months · English
This master's program delves into advanced documentary filmmaking and journalistic practices, emphasizing research, storytelling, and ethical considerations in media production.
Field: Media Studies
Career outcomes: documentary filmmaker, investigative journalist, media researcher, producer - Animation and Visual Arts (MA) — 24 months · Norwegian
An advanced program for animators and visual artists, focusing on theoretical understanding, artistic development, and practical application in various animation and visual media contexts.
Field: Animation
Career outcomes: lead animator, art director, visual effects supervisor, independent artist - Master in Norwegian Language and Literature — 24 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on Norwegian language and literature, providing advanced knowledge and research skills in the field.
Field: Language and Literature - Risk Communication and Issue Management — English · Part-time
This master's level further education program focuses on risk communication and issue management, likely related to media, communication, or social sciences. - Master in Media Practices — 24 months · English
This program focuses on media practices, building on Volda University College's reputation for outstanding studies in broadcast journalism and documentary film production.
Field: Media and Journalism - Master in Cultural Studies — 24 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on cultural studies, offering an in-depth exploration of cultural phenomena and theories.
Field: Cultural Studies - Master in Teacher Education and School Development — 24 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on teacher education and school development, preparing students for advanced roles in the educational sector.
Field: Teacher Education - Meistring og myndiggjering, strukturperspektivet — Norwegian · Part-time
This master's level further education program focuses on mastery and empowerment from a structural perspective within health and social sciences.
Field: Health and Social Sciences - Cultural Encounters (MA) — 24 months · English
The Cultural Encounters program explores intercultural communication, cultural diversity, and the dynamics of cultural exchange in a globalized world, preparing students for international careers.
Field: Cultural Studies
Career outcomes: cultural advisor, international project manager, NGO worker, researcher - Media Practices (MA) — 24 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on advanced media production, media theory, and critical analysis of media's role in society, offering specializations in areas like digital storytelling and media management.
Field: Media Studies
Career outcomes: media consultant, content strategist, media producer, academic researcher - Documentary and Journalism (MA) — 24 months · English
This master's program delves into advanced documentary filmmaking and journalistic practices, emphasizing research, storytelling, and ethical considerations in media production.
Field: Media Studies
Career outcomes: documentary filmmaker, investigative journalist, media researcher, producer - Animation and Visual Arts (MA) — 24 months · Norwegian
An advanced program for animators and visual artists, focusing on theoretical understanding, artistic development, and practical application in various animation and visual media contexts.
Field: Animation
Career outcomes: lead animator, art director, visual effects supervisor, independent artist - Master in Norwegian Language and Literature — 24 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on Norwegian language and literature, providing advanced knowledge and research skills in the field.
Field: Language and Literature - Risk Communication and Issue Management — English · Part-time
This master's level further education program focuses on risk communication and issue management, likely related to media, communication, or social sciences. - Master in Media Practices — 24 months · English
This program focuses on media practices, building on Volda University College's reputation for outstanding studies in broadcast journalism and documentary film production.
Field: Media and Journalism - Master in Cultural Studies — 24 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on cultural studies, offering an in-depth exploration of cultural phenomena and theories.
Field: Cultural Studies - Master in Teacher Education and School Development — 24 months · Norwegian
This program focuses on teacher education and school development, preparing students for advanced roles in the educational sector.
Field: Teacher Education - Meistring og myndiggjering, strukturperspektivet — Norwegian · Part-time
This master's level further education program focuses on mastery and empowerment from a structural perspective within health and social sciences.
Field: Health and Social Sciences
PhD Programs (6)
- PhD in Professional Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English
This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in various professional fields, allowing candidates to contribute new knowledge and insights to their chosen discipline.
Field: Interdisciplinary
Career outcomes: university professor, senior researcher, policy advisor, expert consultant - PhD in Health and Social Sciences: Professional Practice - Conditions and Development (PhD) — 36 months · Norwegian · $1,052/yr · Scholarship available
This program, offered in collaboration with Molde University College, focuses on professional practice within health and social sciences. It prepares professionals for university-level roles and government agencies.
Field: Health and Social Sciences
Career outcomes: university-level roles, government agencies
Deadline: Research fellow positions are announced annually. - PhD in Education, Language and Culture (PhD) — 36 months · Norwegian
This is Volda University College's first internal doctoral program, launched in January 2025, focusing on education, language, and culture. It strengthens research output and academic recognition for the university, and addresses regional demand for doctoral-level expertise.
Field: Education, Language, and Culture
Career outcomes: strengthens research output and academic recognition for the university, addresses regional demand for doctoral-level expertise
Deadline: Positions are announced annually. - PhD in Professional Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English
This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in various professional fields, allowing candidates to contribute new knowledge and insights to their chosen discipline.
Field: Interdisciplinary
Career outcomes: university professor, senior researcher, policy advisor, expert consultant - PhD in Health and Social Sciences: Professional Practice - Conditions and Development (PhD) — 36 months · Norwegian · $1,052/yr · Scholarship available
This program, offered in collaboration with Molde University College, focuses on professional practice within health and social sciences. It prepares professionals for university-level roles and government agencies.
Field: Health and Social Sciences
Career outcomes: university-level roles, government agencies
Deadline: Research fellow positions are announced annually. - PhD in Education, Language and Culture (PhD) — 36 months · Norwegian
This is Volda University College's first internal doctoral program, launched in January 2025, focusing on education, language, and culture. It strengthens research output and academic recognition for the university, and addresses regional demand for doctoral-level expertise.
Field: Education, Language, and Culture
Career outcomes: strengthens research output and academic recognition for the university, addresses regional demand for doctoral-level expertise
Deadline: Positions are announced annually.
Scholarships & Tuition at Volda University College
Annual tuition for international students: $1,052 – $11,300/year
✅ Volda University College offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Volda University College
- National Ranking: #19 in Norway
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: Medium
Campus & Facilities at Volda University College
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Rural
- Housing cost: ~$400/month
Key Highlights
- Stunning scenery between fjords and mountains
- Renowned media and journalism education programs
- Strong focus on teacher training excellence
- Vibrant and close-knit international student community
- Modern campus with high-tech media facilities
- Rich traditions in social sciences and animation
Accreditation
- Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT)
- Kunnskapsdepartementet (Ministry of Education and Research)
Fields of Study at Volda University College
- Media Studies
- Social Sciences
- Education
- Humanities
- Arts
Notable Alumni
- Sylvi Listhaug
- Thomas Numme
- Arne Krumsvik
- Alv Jakob Fostervoll
- Helene Sandvig
Frequently Asked Questions about Volda University College
What is Volda University College?
Volda University College is a public university located in Volda, Norway. It has approximately 4,600 students.
How much does it cost to study at Volda University College?
Tuition fees at Volda University College for international students range from $1,052 – $11,300/year. Student housing costs approximately $400/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Volda University College?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 80. Application deadline: January 15, 2026 (Non-EU/EEA); April 15, 2026 (EU/EEA and Norway residents).
What language are courses taught in at Volda University College?
Courses at Volda University College are taught in Norwegian and English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does Volda University College offer?
Volda University College offers 64 programs: 36 Bachelor's, 20 Master's, and 6 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Volda University College ranked?
#19 in Norway.
Does Volda University College offer scholarships?
Yes, Volda University College offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Volda University College provide visa support?
Yes, Volda University College provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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