NLA University College

NLA University College is a private, Christian college with four campuses in three cities. Altogether we have approximately 2000 students spread on our campuses in Bergen, Oslo and Kristiansand. This makes us the third largest private higher education institution in Norway. NLA University College is accredited by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education. This means that the academic level and standard is the same as in public universities. Based on the feedback we get from our students, we can claim that students feel more welcome and better taken care of at NLA, than at larger institutions.

For more than 45 years NLA University College has been involved in a thorough reshaping of Norwegian undergraduate and graduate education. Our aim is to develop and represent an alternative to the education given by state universities.

We are committed to highly qualified teaching and research, and our exams are approved by the Ministry of Education and Research in Norway as equivalent to those of the state universities. The curricula and the teaching methods of NLA reflect a strong commitment to the education of persons who are able to assess both the academic studies and the current trends and developments in society as a whole. NLA University College is founded on Christian values, but students are not required to have any religious affiliation, nor are they asked about their religious views.

Norwegian Teacher Academy (NLA) was founded in 1966. Its roots are in the Norwegian lay Christian movement, which developed during the 19thcentury. 1st January 2010 we changed our English name to NLA University College. NLA University College is the third largest private university college in Norway. In Bergen, on the West coast of Norway, we have two campuses. 1st January 2013 NLA University College merged with Gimlekollen School of Journalism and Communication and Evangelical Lutheran University College. Gimlekollen is located in Kristiansand, in the south of Norway, while former Evangelical Lutheran University College is located in Oslo, Norway’s capital. The new and larger institution will still be called NLA University College.

NLA University College is owned by the following organizations:

• The Norwegian Mission Society
• Norwegian Lutheran Mission
• NorMission
• International Fellowship of Evangelical Students Norway
• Norwegian Sunday School Association
• Norwegian Inner Mission Association
• Evangelical Lutheran Free Church

Campus Sandviken and Breistein (Bergen):

Accommodation

Erasmus and Quota Students are guaranteed housing. In cooperation with SiB (Students' Welfare Organization in Bergen) NLA provides accommodation to this group of international students. We recommend that you live either Fantoft Student Hostel or Hatleberg Student Hostel.

Student Welfare

As NLA student you are also a member of SiB. Through SiB you have access to affordable training centers, sport clubs, counseling, dental service, refund of medical expenses, medical service and career center.

Social events

In addition to your studies, NLA University College arranges different social events for our international students, such as cabin trip, hikes etc. Twice a month we also invite our students to Glocal Lounge, a special lunch event where Norwegian and international students can mingle and get to know each other.

NLA is also a member of StudyBergen. Through StudyBergen you may also attend several social events and excursions.

Campus Staffeldtsgate (Oslo):

Accommodation

A limited number of exchange students are guaranteed housing. In cooperation with SiO (Students' Welfare Organization in Oslo and Akershus) NLA provides accommodation to this group of international students. You find information about the different housing options here.

Student Welfare

As NLA student you are also member of SiO. Through SiO you have access to affordable training centers, sports clubs, counseling, medical service and refund of medical expenses.

Social events

In additoon to your studies, NLA University College arranges different social events for our students, such as excursions. Through different organizations such as Det Norske Studentersamfunn it is possible to get involved in many different activites and events throughout the semester.

Campus Gimlekollen (Kristiansand):

Accommodation

Students to NLA Gimlekollen can apply for housing in the on-campus student studios.

Student Welfare

As NLA student you are also member of SiA. Through SiA you have access to affordable training centers, sports clubs, counseling, supplement to the public health service and refund of medical expenses.

Social events

Through different organizations such as SiA it is possible to get involved in many different activites and events throughout the semester.

Why choose to study at NLA?

1. Do you want to do something different for a semester or a year? At NLA you will have exciting experiences, both academically and socially.
2. At NLA University College we are devoted to good research-based teaching.
3. At NLA University College we provide academic challenges in small classes.
4. NLA University College will meet you at the airport when you arrive.
5. NLA University College arranges intensive orientation week(s) where we help you settle in both at NLA and in the city where you study. We guide you through the different administrative matters.
6. NLA University College arranges different social and cultural activities throughout the semester that will give you a taste of Norway and Norwegian culture.
7. At NLA University College we offer an elementary introduction course to the Norwegian language (autumn semester only). This course is free of charge.
8. At NLA University College it is possible to attend devotion. Translation to English is offered.
9. At NLA University College teachers and students have lunch together.
10. At NLA University College you will not be an anonymous student, but we will know your name and care about your well-being.