Study in Iceland

A beautiful island situated on the edge of the North Atlantic, Iceland is just a three-hour flight from London. Studying there might be more accessible than you first thought…

The Icelandic education system

Iceland is home to seven universities, which are:

• Agricultural University of Iceland
• Bifröst University
• Hólar University College
• Iceland Academy of Arts
• Reykjavík University
• University of Akureyri
• University of Iceland

The University of Iceland is the oldest and most respected institution in the country. It sits in the top 275 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2012-13 and is ranked just outside the top 100 in the European rankings.

There are also accredited institutions that provide higher education. Examples include The Reykjavik Academy of Singing and Vocal Arts and Keilir - Atlantic Centre of Excellence.

Contact details and websites of all seven universities, as well as other higher education institutions, can be found at Study in Iceland - Higher Education .

The academic year lasts from September to May and is divided into two semesters.

Entry requirements

A recognised undergraduate degree is needed to pursue postgraduate education in Iceland. Contact the admissions office of your chosen university to find out if you are eligible to apply.

You may have to sit an exam in order to gain entrance to a higher education institution. Some universities grant admission to students who have completed their study abroad, but it is down to the individual institution.

Each university will have different entry requirements so approach them directly to ensure you follow the correct guidelines.

The majority of institutions teach in Icelandic, although some individual courses are taught entirely in English. Make sure to check which language the course is delivered in before you apply.

Course fees

In Iceland there are no tuition fees at the state-run universities, but you will be required to pay a registration fee. The state manages five universities, but as you may expect, the other, privately run universities charge tuition fees.

For example, the University of Iceland requires no tuition fees but the current annual registration fee is ISK 60,000, which is almost £300.

Funding to study in Iceland

The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture in Iceland  awards a number of annual scholarships to foreign students looking to study Icelandic language, literature and history at the University of Iceland.

Grants are also available at individual universities. For example, Reykavík University awards grants to outstanding first-year Masters students. For more information, see Reykavík University - Scholarships and Awards . 

Speak to your chosen institution about the specific scholarships it offers.

Icelandic exchanges and placements

Reykjavík University offers summer courses in a variety of subjects, including business, computer science, engineering, Icelandic and sport science. For more information visit Reykjavík University - REYST Summer School .

In addition, Erasmus  runs intensive summer language courses for exchange students in partnership with the University Centre of the Westfjords. For more information visit Study in Iceland - Language Course for Exchange Students .

Student visas

British citizens and the majority of European Union (EU) passport holders do not require a visa to study in Iceland.

Citizens of EU countries who reside in Iceland to study, require a residence permit to increase their stay after three months. These are usually granted quickly upon request.

Non-EU students should contact the Icelandic embassy in the country in which they reside.