University of Tromsø

Institution Info

The University of Tromsø is the northernmost university iin the world. It´s location on the edge of the Arctic implies a mission. The Arctic is of increasing global importance. Climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources and environmental threats are topics of great public concern, which the University of Tromsø takes special interest in. At UiT you can explore global issues from a close-up perspective.

Knowlege on top of the world

Life in the High North is shaped by wild nature, contrasting light and weather conditions, geographic distances and multiculturalism. Many of UiT´s research centres and study programmes reflect the specific character of Arctic Norway.

UiT´s key research focuses on the polar environment, indigenous people, peace and conflict transformation, telemedicine, medical biology, space physics, fishery science, linguistics and computational chemistry.

UiT´s Centre for Advanced Studies in Theoretical Linguistics, CASTL, and CTCC, Centre for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, have both been designated Norwegian Centres of Excellence. In 2002 the Tromsø-based NST, Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine, was appointed a World Health Organization Collaboration Centre.

The ARCTOS network, at the Norwegian College of Fishery Science, is a leader in research on marine arctic ecosystems and an important partner of the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromsø. The Department of Physics focuses on northern lights and space research. All centres are of high international reputation.

An international hub

9000 students and 2500 staff study and work at the University of Tromsø. Teaching is research-based. UiT´s six faculties offer, in spite of a dedication to Northern issues, a broad range of study programmes. The academic community in Tromsø is highly international. More than 20% of the academic staff and 10% of the student body are from abroad. The University offers more than 23 English taught Master´s degree programmes, and all faculties offer English taught courses at both bachelor’s and master’s level.

UiT is a founding member of the University of the Arctic, an international network of study and research institutions of the circumpolar region. But the University of Tromsø cooperates with all parts of the world. 200 international agreements secure an active academic exchange of students and staff with partnerinstitutions worldwide.

On the 1st January 2009 the University of Tromsø merged with the University College of Tromsø. The number of students and study programmes increased due to this merger. The new university has become an even more important driving force for Northern Norway and international cooperation in the High North.