Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (Høgskulen på Vestlandet, HVL) is one of the largest educational institutions in the country, with approximately 17,500 students. Each year they graduate over 3,000 candidates who help to solve important societal tasks.

HVL will become a vocationally and working life-oriented university. Their educations are close to practice, and through their five campuses they are close to business and social life all over Western Norway. HVL has campuses in Førde, Sogndal, Bergen, Stord and Haugesund, all of which have several bachelor's, master's, research and further education courses.