Practical information

The Bergen Summer Research School offers PhD candidates and junior researchers the opportunity to work together with internationally renowned scholars. In order to participate, you need to have a good command of the English language.

The courses are designed for PhD students and are open to:

1. Candidates currently enrolled in a PhD programme 
2. Junior researchers — including those in their last stages of their master programme, with extensive working experience — and those who have recently completed their PhD, or are enrolled in a post-doc programme.

The summer school offers a packed schedule. You will follow both your specific course, and also participate in the joint workshops on systems thinking and creative problem-solving. Participation is mandatory for your course, the joint workshops, and keynote lectures.

In addition, we organise social activities and guided walks in the mountains of Bergen.

You will also submit a two-page paper defined by your course leader before arriving in Bergen (part of the 5 ECTS ). A more extensive paper is due some time after the end of the summer school, if you aim for 10 ECTs.

You find more information about the application process here.

Note that there are two steps to go through when applying to BSRS.

• Part one creates the application to the summer school.
• Part two registers your application in the University of Bergen application system.

No other forms of application will be accepted.

Deadline for applications is 1 February 2025.

There is no application fee and participation at BSRS is free.

The following documents need to be attached to your application:

• Scanned copy of your passport
• Transcript/diploma of your highest degree
• Letter of recommendation signed by your supervisor
• Letter verifying your qualifications and current position signed by the head of your institution/department

Yes, there are a limited number of scholarships (for PhD candidates only). You may apply this when you fill out the general application form.

There are two forms of scholarships:

1. Full scholarship, which covers travel to/from Bergen and accommodation at Bergen Hostel Montana.
2. Partial scholarship, which covers either travel to/from Bergen OR accommodation.

You will be notified by email by 7 March 2025.

You will receive your 5 or 10 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) once your course work and paper are accepted by your course leader.

Bergen faces the North Sea on the Western coast of Norway. With its 270 000 inhabitants, Bergen is the second largest city in Norway. Although it is often called the City of Rain, we certainly have our share of sunny days. Summer temperatures range from 12–25 degrees (Celsius), so be prepared for a chilly evening.

The city centre is pleasantly small and is partly located on a peninsula between seven mountains. Bergen is a lively city with more than 30 000 students—many from abroad. Bergen has a busy cultural scene with a pulsating night life.

Bergen is well connected to the rest of the world, with direct flights to several European cities, and by railway (via Oslo), and ferry via Hirtshals in Denmark.

For all those practical questions, like what electrical plugs we use, how we like to use our nature and how to get around, check out Visit Norway.

You arrange for your own travel to Bergen. If you are granted a scholarship, we will transfer this by end of June 2025.

• Permanent residents of the EU/EEA do not need travel insurance, but do bring your European Health Insurance Card.
• If you come from outside the EU/EEA, you need a full travel insurance, which also covers possible health issues.

Norway is part of the Schengen area, so EU/EEA nationals do not need a visa. In addition, a number of countries outside the EU/EEA are also visa exempt (see list). All other applicants need to apply for a visa to Norway (Schengen visa).

The airport is connected to the city centre by light rail and express busses. Check out the Skyss webpages for how to get from the Airport to Montana Hostel. You may buy tickets at the vending machine on the platform, or get the Skyss ticket app. Local buses and light rail cost the same and you may jump between busses and trains. All tickets are valid for 90 minutes within the same zone. There are separate prices for the express buss.

All participants will receive a travel pass (Bergen zone) for local busses and the light rail. This pass is valid for the duration of the summer school. Please indicate in the application form if you wish to receive a travel pass. 

BSRS takes place at the Law Faculty at the University of Bergen. Here is the route between Bergen Hostel Montana and the venue: Google maps: Johan Blytts vei 30, Bergen to Magnus Lagabøtes Plass 1, Bergen).

You may take bus no. 12 from Montana Hostel to "Festplassen" in the centre of the city and walk for ten minutes. 

We encourage you to stay with your fellow participants at Bergen Hostel Montana at the foot of Mount Ulriken. You may make a reservation, at a discounted rate, when completing the registration form. Payment is due upon accepting an offer to take part in BSRS 2025. 

Our rate is based on a two-person occupancy in a room with bathroom. The rooms come with towels and linens. A common kitchen equipped with basic kitchen utensils is available for all residents. There are laundry facilities. 

Bergen Hostel Montana is a private hostel — we simply help coordinate booking / payment. You may contact them directly if you wish to make your own arrangments, or check out other options — but plan early, as June is a very popular time to visit Bergen.

Although it is often called the City of Rain, we certainly have our share of sunny days. Summer temperatures range from 12–25 degrees (Celsius), so be prepared for chilly evenings and extended downpours.

You will need hiking boots, thick sweaters and rain jacket/pats if you plan to spend time in the mountains.

You will have time to explore the fjords/mountains during the weekend in the middle of the summer school.

The Norway in a nutshell tour is a popular all-day tour to the fjord and mountains. You may also organise your own trip by bus, ferry or train — check out Visit Norway.

This weekend halfway through the summer school, we will organise guided walks around town, a hike in the city mountains and a barbeque dinner, so you will not be bored.

It may be useful to know that the cost of living in Norway is among the highest in the world, for everything from public transport and groceries to restaurants and hotels.

The currency of Norway is Norwegian Kroner (NOK). Check updated exchange rates.

Lunch and coffee/tea will be served every working day. Also, some social events will include a light meal. You are responsible for all other meals. Organise a dinner party where you cook together at the hostel, or check out some of the many restaurants in the city!