Bergen National Academy of the Arts (KHiB) is one of the two independent institutions of higher learning in the visual arts and design in Norway. Its objectives are: (i) to offer the highest level of education in Norway in the arts and design; (ii) to ensure that training is based on the highest standards in all areas of artistic development, research and practical experience; (iii) to conduct art and design-related R&D; (iv) to increase public awareness of the Academy and its work, promote understanding of art and design, and take an active part in debates on the role of art and design in society both currently and in the future; and (v) to organise further education opportunities

KHiB has three departments - the Department of Fine Art, the Department of Design, and the Department of Specialised Art. Students can take a three-year Bachelors degree and a two-year Masters degree in the following areas: Visual Art; Interior Architecture; Furniture Design; Room Design; Visual Communications; Photography; Printmaking; Ceramics; and Textiles. A range of continuing education courses are also under development.

Since 2003 Bergen National Academy of the Arts has co-ordinated the Norwegian 'Programme for Research Fellowships in the Arts'. This is a PhD-level fellowship programme, among the first of its kind in Europe.

KHiB has 300 students and 100 full-time and part-time staff. More than 50 per cent of the teaching staff have qualifications corresponding to professor or assistant professor criteria. All new teaching appointments are for a fixed term.

Bergen National Academy of the Arts has a large contingent of incoming and outgoing exchange students. Many of the teaching staff come from outside Norway, and maintain contacts with a wide range of international institutions. KHiB is linked up with the official international networks for institutions of higher education in the arts and design: Erasmus and Norplus, including ELIA, Cumulus and Cirrus.

The strategy document for KHiB stresses the community mandate of the institution, which is enumerated as follows in the introduction:

'Bergen National Academy of the Arts is a central arena for education and development in the fields of art and design. The institution shall cultivate new expressions in art and design, promote a high degree of competence in selected fields and contribute to innovation and professional development.

Art and design are essential for the formation of tomorrow’s society. KHiB shall be active in formulating premises for community development.

KHiB shall encourage exchanges with other actors and develop an extensive network of co-ordination with relevant partners, both regionally and internationally.

KHiB shall contribute to the fostering of a critical perspective in the general public on art, design and aesthetic values. With a basis in a humanistic tradition, its paramount aims are academic and ethical integrity, freedom of expression and critical reflection.'

Bergen National Academy of the Arts currently occupies six city centre buildings. In 2012 the Academy will move into a new home, gathering all the various departments together under a single roof.