The University of Agder (UiA) has 13,000 students and 1,400 faculty and staff members. We are a two campus university, situated in the South coast towns of Kristiansand and Grimstad. The university is recognised for its modern teaching and research facilities and innovative use of technology and communication media. With close ties to regional businesses and the public sector, the university plays an important role in the development of the region.
Educational Profile
UiA offers a variety of courses taught in English across its six faculties and units:
• Faculty of Engineering and Science
• Faculty of Fine Arts
• Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities and Education
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• School of Business and Law
• Teacher Education Unit
Research Profile
Five research environments at UiA have been granted the status as centres for research excellence:
• Centre for Coastal Research (CCR)
• Centre for eHealth
• The Mathematics Education Research Group Agder (MERGA)
• Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR)
• Research Centre for Excellence on Lifecourse Nutrition (FEED)
City of Kristiansand and Grimstad
Kristiansand is a fast growing, modern city with a long history of trade. The city has 92 000 inhabitants and is the regional capital of business, administration and culture. Flourishing businesses with innovative technology in and around Kristiansand attract engineers and professionals from around the world. Grimstad is traditionally a maritime town, with 20 000 inhabitants. In addition to the shipping industry, Grimstad is a centre for offshore activities and technology. Small, white wooden houses, narrow cobbled streets, tiny cafes and bakeries are scattered around the centre of this idyllic town.
In theory, all study areas are open to Nordlys applicants. However, in the case where students can choose to exchange via a programme specific network or bilateral agreement, they need to select that option.
Academic Calendar
Autumn semester:
Early / Mid August – Mid December
• The UiA campuses are designed after the American campus models, with everything in one place.
• UiA’s cafeteria has been named the country’s best student cafeteria several times
• The School of Business and Law at UiA is among the country’s leading Business schools. In 2019, it was awarded AACSB accreditation, being the second institution in Norway to accomplish this.
• The students of UiA have consistently reported being among Norway's most satisfied students
• Southern Norway has the highest amount of sunny days in the country
• 9 out of 10 students enter working life quickly after graduating.