“We look forward to start developing the new university of the north,” says Rector of the University of Tromsø Anne Husebekk. “We will become one of the central institutions to answer some of the most significant issues in technology, climate and health,” she says to the university’s web site.
The merger is expected to strengthen the academic environment within technology, and health, social and welfare issues. It is the Government of Norway that will make the final decision about a merger of the three institutions. According to Husebekk, the merger could be finished by January 1st 2016.
The Arctic University of Norway was established in 2013 through a merger between the University in Tromsø and Finnmark University College in Alta.
The University of Tromsø was established in 1968 and is the largest research and educational institution in northern Norway. The main focus of the University’s activities is on the Auroral light research, space science, fishery science, biotechnology, linguistics, multicultural societies, Saami culture, telemedicine, epidemiology and a wide spectrum of Arctic research projects.
Narvik University College is considered to be the leading technological center for higher education in Northern Norway. It has students from about 40 different countries, among them many from Russia, and offers Master programs in English in Computer science, engineering design, Industrial engineering, electrical engineering and satellite engineering.
Harstad University College offers international programs in advanced marketing and travel and tourism, as well as Norwegian programs in business administration and management; retail, service and logistics; auditing; nursing, and child welfare and protection, among other programs.
