Distinctiveness and history
For over 50 years, NLA University College has been an alternative in the Norwegian university and college sector as a private, Christian university college. NLA is a key player with its own purpose, a distinct character and an important social mission.
Institution profile
NLA University College is characterised by:
- a social mission founded on Christian values
- education for responsible contribution in working life and society in general
- a broad and socially relevant range of courses and an active research environment
- international orientation and study locations in several central regions of the country
- an attractive study and work environment where students are taken seriously and experience good follow-up throughout their studies
Today, NLA University College has over 3,000 students and 300 employees spread across its campuses in Oslo, Bergen and Kristiansand, as well as at its study centres in Trondheim and Stavanger (since autumn 2025).
Social Responsibility
The purpose of NLA University College is to educate and qualify people for work and society, and to contribute constructively to meeting local, national, and global challenges.
The belief that all people are created in God's image with infinite value is the foundation that motivates charity and social responsibility.
The university college's core activity is to offer education and conduct research, dissemination, and development work characterized by quality and ethical awareness on this basis, within the framework laid down in or pursuant to law.
Values and motto
All people have a unique value. This commits us to developing educations and professional practices that benefit our fellow human beings locally, nationally and internationally. We are challenged to be good role models and to promote everything that is true and good, based on values such as commitment, respect and trust.
The Christian stewardship responsibility involves taking social responsibility on all levels - from the management of the earth's resources to the care of children's upbringing and living conditions. With this as a basis, NLA University College offers studies under the motto "- because someone needs you".
A story of commitment and visions
A burning social commitment and visions were the basis for the establishment of music studies, media and teacher education in three Norwegian cities. On each side, these developed into recognised colleges within their respective fields.
In 2013, these value-based colleges came together in one larger and more robust organisation. And this is where the new story about NLA University College begins.
Values-based education - for everyone
NLA wants to uplift students by seeing the individual, teaching them to see their responsibility, and giving them the tools and knowledge to manage this responsibility in the best possible way.