BI Norwegian Business School (Norwegian: Handelshøyskolen BI) is the largest business school in Norway and the second largest in all of Europe. BI has in total 5 campuses with the main one located in Oslo. The university has 831 employees consisting of an academic staff of 419 people and 412 administrative staff. In 2013, BI Norwegian Business School had 19 649 students, of which 10 889 were full-time students. BI Norwegian Business School is a private foundation and is accredited by NOKUT as a specialised university institution.
BI Norwegian Business School was founded in 1943 by Finn Øien as Bedriftøkonomisk Institut (English: Institute of Managerial Economics), hence the abbreviation BI. The current president is professor Inge Jan Henjesand. Past presidents include Jørgen Randers, co-author of the Club of Rome Report Limits to Growth; Peter Lorange, former president of IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland; Leif Frode Onarheim, a former member of the Norwegian Parliament and current CEO of leading Norwegian fish farming company Marine Harvest.
Eligibility requirements and admission process at BI Norwegian Business School (Norway):
Applicants intending to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies at BI Norwegian Business School must meet specific admission criteria set by the institution. For bachelor's degree programs, applicants typically need to have completed secondary education equivalent to the Norwegian upper secondary school diploma. They must provide proof of English language proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, unless their previous education was conducted in English. Additionally, certain programs may have specific subject requirements or prerequisites, which are detailed in the program-specific admission criteria. For master's degree programs, applicants are generally required to hold a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from an accredited institution. They must submit official academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, and a statement of purpose outlining their motivation and goals. English language proficiency must also be demonstrated for master's applicants, usually through TOEFL, IELTS, or other accepted tests. The admission process involves completing an online application form via the university's admissions portal, attaching all required documents, and paying an application fee if applicable. Some programs may require entrance examinations, interviews, or supplementary materials such as letters of recommendation. Applicants are advised to check the specific admission requirements for their chosen program and ensure they submit all documents before the deadlines. Admission decisions are communicated through the online application system, and applicants who meet the criteria are typically offered conditional or unconditional admission. It is important for prospective students to review the official BI Norwegian Business School website for the most current and detailed information regarding eligibility criteria and the application procedure.
BI is accredited as a specialised university institution by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT).
BI has also received the following recognitions from private institutions:
- EQUIS accreditation. BI was the first Norwegian institution to receive the distinction EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System);
- AMBA accreditation. BI was the first Norwegian institution to receive the distinction AMBA;
- NOKUT accreditation;
- Eduniversal award. BI received an award by EDUNIVERSAL as one of the 35 most influential business schools in the world.
The school has two student organizations, one for the main campus in Oslo and one for the other campuses. The Oslo student organization is called "Studentforeningen ved Handelshøyskolen BI i Oslo" (SBIO) (English: The Student Association at BI in Oslo). This union was formed in 2005 after the relocation of the three locations in Oslo into one—Nydalen Campus. The three previous unions were called Bedriftøkonomisk Studentersamfund (BS), BISON and MØSS. BS was the oldest union, formed in 1964. The union for the other campuses is "BI Studentsamfunn" (BIS) (English: BI Student Community). This union was founded on 7 February 1987 and is today the largest student union of a private school in Norway.
The student newspaper is named INSIDE, and its circulation is 11,000.
The all-male student choir is named UFDA The Choir Boys and was established in 1986.
Undergraduate
All taught in Norwegian except Business Administration, Bachelor in:
- Accounting & Auditing
- Finance
- Economics & Management
- Business Administration (Taught in English)
- Business Administration (Taught in Norwegian)
- Retail Management
- Culture & Administration
- Real Estate
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- International Marketing
- Marketing
- PR & Market Communication
- Business Law
Graduate
Only available in Oslo; all taught in English except MSc in Professional Accountancy
- MSc in Financial Economics
- MSc in Business and Economics
- Majors: Economics, Finance, Marketing, HRM, Strategy, Logistics and Business Law, and International Management
- MSc in Leadership & Organizational Psychology
- MSc in Strategic Marketing Management
- MSc in Professional Accountancy
- Executive MBA (EMBA general management in cooperation with Nanyang Business School (Nanyang Technological University), Singapore and Instituto de Empresa in Madrid, Spain and Haas School of Business (University of California at Berkeley), USA)
MBA
The current Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA) course at the Norwegian business school is fantastic. The new structure and the combination of the general EMBA courses with other renowned business schools in Europe, Asia, and the United States gives the program an additional edge. The new structure exposes participants to insights on business structure in Europe, Latin America, Asia and North America; hence, providing participants with a global business exposure.
- EMBA in Energy Management (in cooperation with Nanyang Business School (Nanyang Technological University), Singapore and IFP, Paris)
- EMBA in Shipping, Offshore, and Finance (in cooperation with Nanyang Business School (Nanyang Technological University), Singapore
- Executive Master in Energy Management (in cooperation with ESCP-EAP in Paris and IFP)
- Part-time MBA in China (in cooperation with Fudan University in Shanghai)
- Master of Management programs in International Management, Project Commercial Management and Project Leadership
- Several Executive Master of Management programs, including a relatively new specialization in security and cultural understanding created in cooperation with the Norwegian Armed Forces.
- Doctoral Programs (PhD)
BI Norwegian Business School is renowned for its strong focus on business education and its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the global marketplace. The university offers a wide array of programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various business disciplines, ensuring students gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills. One of the key advantages of BI is its close ties to the business community, providing students with valuable internship and networking opportunities that enhance employability after graduation. The school is also known for its innovative teaching methods, integrating case studies, real-world projects, and digital learning tools to create an engaging and effective learning environment. BI Norwegian Business School holds AACSB accreditation, which signifies high quality standards recognized worldwide. The institution’s international orientation is another significant benefit, as students have access to exchange programs and collaborations with leading universities globally, fostering cultural exchange and global perspectives. The campus is equipped with modern facilities designed to support collaborative learning, including advanced lecture halls and study areas. Additionally, the school promotes research in various fields of business and management, contributing to knowledge development and providing students with insights from leading scholars. The vibrant student community, dedicated faculty, and active involvement in entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives make BI a compelling choice for students seeking a dynamic and future-oriented education in business.
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