Why live in the Stavanger region?

The Stavanger region is a hub of innovation and opportunity, known for its leadership in energy, strong job market, and outstanding natural surroundings. From the bustling streets of Stavanger to the peaceful islands of Kvitsøy, this region offers a high quality of life with access to top-tier education, diverse career opportunities, and a thriving cultural scene. Whether you're drawn to its cutting-edge industries or its proximity to fjords and beaches, the Stavanger region has something unique to offer.

Living in the Stavanger region

The cities and towns here are well-connected, with excellent public transport and infrastructure, making daily life efficient. Weekends might be spent exploring the region’s coastline, hiking in the mountains, or attending one of the many festivals hosted throughout the year. The region’s blend of vibrant urban areas, like Stavanger and Sandnes, with smaller, peaceful communities like Sola and Randaberg, means there’s a place to suit every preference.

The Stavanger region also takes pride in its forward-thinking approach, with a focus on sustainability and green energy projects. Residents benefit from clean air, excellent public services, and a sense of safety that comes from living in a well-functioning, close-knit society.

Places to live in the Stavanger region

Activities in the Stavanger region

Culturally, Stavanger is a vibrant hub. The Stavanger Concert Hall hosts a variety of performances year-round, while local libraries and community centers frequently offer events, workshops, and activities for families. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum and the Stavanger Art Museum are popular weekend destinations for learning and inspiration.

Everyday life in the Stavanger region is enhanced by farmers’ markets and local food traditions, providing fresh, locally sourced produce. The thriving café culture and growing restaurant scene, including Michelin-starred restaurants, add to the richness of life here. Whether it’s participating in organized sports, exploring cultural events, or simply enjoying the region’s natural surroundings, daily life in Stavanger offers a balanced and fulfilling experience.

Study in the Stavanger region

Primary and secondary education

In Norway, the responsibility for education is divided between municipalities and county authorities. Municipalities manage kindergartens and primary education (grades 1–10), while county authorities oversee upper secondary education (grades 11–13), which includes both general and vocational studies.

For families seeking international education, the Stavanger region offers a variety of options tailored to different needs:

• BISS Sentrum and BISS Gausel: Both campuses of the British International Schools of Stavanger (BISS) offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 6-16.
• International School of Stavanger (ISS): ISS provides a globally focused curriculum for students aged 6-16, and the IB Diploma Programme for upper secondary students.
• Sandnes International School: Located in Sandnes, this school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP).
• St. Olav Upper Secondary School: A public high school in Stavanger offering the IB Diploma Programme.

Learning Norwegian

For individuals and families looking to learn Norwegian, the Stavanger region offers several institutions with flexible, high-quality courses to suit different proficiency levels:

• Johannes Læringssenter: Located in Stavanger, this center offers Norwegian language courses for all levels, from beginner (A1) to advanced (B2). Classes are available during daytime, evening hours, and online, with personalized counseling for immigrants.
• Folkeuniversitetet Stavanger: Offers Norwegian language courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels (A1 to C1). Classes are available in the evening or daytime, with options for online or in-person learning.
• Lingu Stavanger: Located centrally, Lingu provides Norwegian courses with flexible scheduling, including intensive and online options for busy professionals or students.
• Caritas Stavanger: Provides Norwegian language courses and Språkkafé sessions designed to support individuals in learning the language and integrating into the local community. Courses cater to a variety of skill levels and emphasize conversational practice.
• Språkkafé at Sandnes Library: In collaboration with ADLE, Sandnes Library hosts a weekly language café every Wednesday from 17:00 to 18:30. This informal setting allows participants to practice conversational Norwegian and engage with the local community
• Språkkafé at Sølvberget Library: Sølvberget Library and Cultural Centre in Stavanger offers free language sessions multiple times a week, providing a welcoming environment for practicing Norwegian and English. These sessions are organized in collaboration with Stavanger Red Cross and Stavanger Active People Society (SAPS), with volunteers guiding groups for beginners (A1-B2) and advanced learners (B1-B2). No registration is required. 

Higher education

The Stavanger region is home to several esteemed higher education institutions, offering a range of programs that cater to global and regional demands:

• University of Stavanger (UiS): The largest university in the region, UiS offers a wide array of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Key areas include energy, petroleum engineering, business administration, health sciences, and education. UiS emphasizes research, innovation, and collaboration with local and international industries.
• Norwegian Business School (BI): BI Norwegian Business School is an independent, not-for-profit foundation and the main provider of research based knowledge on business and management disciplines in Norway. BI offers a wide range of programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like Business Administration, Finances, and Marketing. The school also provides executive education and MBA programs tailored for professionals, emphasizing leadership and practical business skills.
• Noroff University College: Specializing in technology and digital media, Noroff provides bachelor’s degrees in fields such as Cyber Security, Digital Forensics, Animation, and Applied Data Science. Programs are designed to meet the demands of the modern job market.
• VID Specialized University: Located in Stavanger, VID focuses on theology, diakonia, and social sciences. It offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in areas tailored to academic and professional aspirations.
• Fagskolen Rogaland: This vocational college provides programs in maritime studies, construction, health care, and other fields aligned with regional industry needs. Flexible formats are available for individuals with relevant vocational certificates or work experience

Work in the Stavanger region

Key industries and job opportunities in the Stavanger region

The oil-capital-turned-energy-capital

The Stavanger region, historically known as Norway's oil capital, has transformed into a leading energy hub. With over 60 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, the region has developed world-class expertise and technological innovation. This foundation is now pivotal in driving the green energy transition, positioning Stavanger as a global leader in renewable energy development.

The area boasts a vibrant technology environment, hosting some of Norway's most innovative companies in battery technology, electric vehicle charging, drone technology, and wind power. A record number of start-ups and a strong focus on innovation and sustainability further enhance its dynamic business landscape.

For those passionate about contributing to the green transition, the Stavanger region offers a unique opportunity to be part of Norway's renewable energy ambitions.

Other key industries

• Maritime and shipping
  Stavanger's strategic coastal location supports a thriving maritime industry, with businesses involved in shipping, logistics, and advanced marine technology. The sector bridges traditional operations and modern offshore services, enhancing Norway's maritime expertise.
• Technology and innovation
  A growing ICT sector, supported by institutions like the University of Stavanger, drives advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, software development, and smart city technologies. Collaborative hubs like Nordic Edge foster innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
• Tourism and experience industries
  With stunning attractions like Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Lysefjord, the region thrives on tourism. Opportunities abound in hospitality, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, catering to both domestic and international visitors.
• Agriculture and aquaculture
  Agriculture and aquaculture are key contributors to the region’s economy. High-quality seafood and local food products are important exports, reflecting the area’s sustainable production practices.
  
  

Labor market characteristics

• Highly educated workforce: Approximately 40% of the region's workforce holds higher education degrees, reflecting a commitment to knowledge and innovation.
• Global expertise in energy: Decades of oil and gas experience have fostered transferable skills, now critical in renewable energy, engineering, and cutting-edge technology.
• Business clusters and collaboration: The Stavanger region is home to several Norwegian Innovation Clusters, which connect businesses, academia, and public entities to drive progress and competitiveness:
  • Energy Transition Norway
  • Stiim Aqua Cluster
  • Norway Health Tech
  • Nordic Edge Smart City and Agritech Cluster
  • Norwegian Offshore Wind
  • Maritime CleanTech
  • Vital Infrastructure Arena

These clusters promote collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation across industries, solidifying the region’s role as a leader in green technology, health, aquaculture, and sustainable infrastructure.