Universities in Iceland
- Iceland has 7 universities in the country, with approximately 18,000 students enrolled. 5% of these students are international students. The international students in Icelandic universities join as either exchange students or degree students.
- These universities are divided into public and private universities, as follows:
Public Universities
- Agricultural University of Iceland
- Holar University College
- University of Akureyri
Private Universities
- Bifröst University
- Iceland Academy of Arts
- Reykjavik University
- University of Iceland
University Calendar
- The academic year in Iceland runs from September to May and is divided into 2 semesters, autumn and spring.
- The autumn semester runs from the beginning of September to late December and the spring semester from the beginning of January to the end of May.
Tuition Fees
- The tuition fees offered at universities in Iceland vary depending on the university selected. The amount paid usually depends on whether the institution is private or public.
- Public universities have no tuition fees. They only charge a compulsory annual registration or administration fee. This fee usually amounts to ISK 75,000 (US$ 743/ €605).
Admission Requirements
- Iceland has no central admission system for university placement. Applicants must, therefore, apply directly to the university for admission.
- Application deadlines for international students differ between universities.
- In some cases, the university may require an application fee.
Bachelor’s degree requirements
- The applicant should have completed a high school examination or matriculation examination, or its equivalent.
- There may be other additional entry requirements or entrance examinations.
Postgraduate degree requirements
- Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree, preferably with good grades.
- The bachelor’s degree should correspond with the postgraduate program being applied for.
- The University of Iceland is one of the private universities in Iceland that does not charge tuition fees.
Admission requirements
- Undergraduate: The main requirement is having done an Icelandic matriculation exam (studentspróf) or proof of having attained an equivalent level of study.
- Graduate: Requirements are based on the individual faculties at which the programs are offered.
Language of instruction
- All of the courses at undergraduate level are taught in Icelandic. At graduate level, there are a few courses taught in English.
Application Fee
- All citizens of countries outside the EEA/EFTA who apply for studies at the University of Iceland are required to pay an application fee of ISK 8000. This fee facilitates the processing and handling of applications and is charged as part of the application process.
Registration Fee
- The annual registration fee at the University of Iceland is ISK 75,000.
