About the organization
At VID, we offer education and research in areas such as health and social sciences, social studies, management, diakonia, and theology. With around 60 study programmes available at the bachelor, master, and PhD levels, VID is a values-oriented Specialized University rooted in a church tradition, aspiring to become a university by 2028.
Size and Locations
With nearly 6,000 students and 600 staff members, VID is one of Norway's largest private university colleges. We have campuses in Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger, as well as study locations in Sandvika, Tromsø, and Sandnessjøen.
Developing Professional Practitioners
We train knowledgeable, reflective, and bold professional practitioners. VID focuses on practice-relevant research, diversity, social inequality, vulnerable groups, and global Christianity.
Ownership and Profile
VID Specialized University was established on January 1, 2016, through the merger of four diaconal and church-affiliated colleges. The new institution was named VID, which stands for scientific, international, and diaconal. On January 1, 2018, a fifth college joined the merger.
VID Specialized University is a non-profit company. It is owned by VID Holding AS, which includes Diakonhjemmet, Diakonova Haraldsplass Foundation, Betanien, and Det norske misjonsselskap. Diakonhjemmet is the majority owner.
The purpose of the merger is to consolidate efforts and resources to create a strong academic institution that is also clearly value-based and rooted in the church, providing an alternative in higher education and research.
