Study in Iceland

Sitting just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland might sound like an adventurous choice for university, but it's closer than you think - flights from the UK are relatively short at around three hours. In addition, the climate is milder than many expect, and Reykjavík, the capital, has a lively student scene despite the country's small population.

Iceland is known as the 'land of fire and ice' for good reason. In your downtime, you could visit glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls, relax in geothermal pools, go whale watching, or catch the Northern Lights. If you like the idea of combining study with outdoor adventure, you'll have plenty to keep you busy.

The country is home to seven universities, with most of its 20,000 students based in or around Reykjavík. While many undergraduate courses are taught in Icelandic, there are more English-taught options at Masters and PhD levels, making Iceland especially appealing to postgraduate students.

There are practical benefits too, as public universities don't usually charge tuition fees. However, private universities set their own fees, and living costs can be high, so it's worth planning your budget carefully before applying.

If you're after a smaller, close-knit study environment with a distinctive culture, strong focus on sustainability and some of Europe's most striking scenery on your doorstep, Iceland is well worth exploring.

Icelandic universities

Iceland is home to seven universities. Four of these are public:

• Agricultural University of Iceland
• Hólar University
• University of Akureyri
• University of Iceland.

The other three are private, non-profit universities:

• Bifröst University
• Iceland University of the Arts
• Reykjavík University.

The University of Iceland is the country's largest university, while Reykjavík University is the largest private institution. Three of Iceland's seven universities are in Reykjavík, with two in West Iceland and two in the North.

All universities are authorised by the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education (MNH), but institutions set their own course content. Programmes with the same name can vary between universities, so check modules, teaching language and entry requirements carefully before applying.

The Icelandic academic year is usually divided into two semesters. Autumn typically starts in late August or early September, while spring usually runs from January to May or early June.

Degree courses in Iceland

A Bachelors degree in Iceland usually takes three or four years of full-time study and is worth 180 to 240 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits. Most Bachelors degrees provide formal entry to postgraduate study, although some professionally focused courses, such as nursing and compulsory education, also lead to specific professional qualifications.

Candidatus degrees are designed for students preparing for a particular profession. Depending on the subject, they may combine undergraduate and postgraduate study or follow on from a Bachelors degree. They usually take four to six years to complete.

Assessment is usually graded on a scale of 0 to 10, with 5 or above generally classed as a pass. Some courses or institutions may set higher pass marks.

You'll usually apply directly to individual universities, so check course details, teaching language, entry requirements and deadlines carefully.

To start searching for undergraduate courses, visit Study in Iceland - Find your dream study programme.

Masters degrees

You can achieve a postgraduate certificate or diploma in certain subjects, while Masters programmes usually take one to two years to complete, depending on the course and number of credits.

They are available in a variety of subjects and are delivered through a range of methods, including:

• attending lectures and seminars
• completing individual assignments
• participating in group projects.

Many programmes also include a final thesis, dissertation or research project.

Iceland offers both taught and research-based programmes, although the structure varies by course. Taught Masters students usually study modules and complete a dissertation or final project, while research students work more independently on a project overseen by a supervisor.

More than 100 postgraduate study options are available in English, although availability varies by university, subject and level of study. If your course is taught in Icelandic, or English isn't your first language, you'll usually need to demonstrate your language proficiency through a recognised test.

To be eligible for Masters study, you'll usually need to have successfully completed a Bachelors degree or international equivalent. In many cases, this will need to be in a related subject.

To search for a Masters course, visit Study in Iceland - Find your dream study programme.

PhDs

PhDs are only offered by selected Icelandic universities. You'll be able to study for a Doctorate at:

• Agricultural University of Iceland
• Reykjavík University
• University of Akureyri
• University of Iceland.

You'll usually need a research-based Masters degree, or equivalent qualification, to be eligible. Universities may also require:

• a research proposal
• a strong academic record
• agreement from a suitable supervisor.

PhD programmes typically take three to four years of full-time study, and you'll undertake independent research before writing and defending a Doctoral thesis.

Many PhD projects can be completed in English, but language requirements vary by university, department and supervisor, so check before applying.

Student exchanges

Iceland isn't a member of the European Union (EU), but as part of the European Economic Area (EEA), it participates in European research and exchange opportunities.

Students from the following countries may be able to arrange exchanges in Iceland through the Nordplus programme:

• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Norway
• Sweden.

This supports study and work placements between participating institutions in the Nordic and Baltic countries.

UK students may be eligible for support through the Turing Scheme for study or work placements abroad in 2026/27. The UK government has confirmed that this programme will then be replaced by renewed participation in Erasmus+ from 2027/28, so check the latest guidance before applying.

You won't apply to these schemes directly. Your university, college or school will need to be involved and, for a study exchange, usually have a formal agreement with a partner institution in Iceland.

You can browse more exchange options on the websites of individual Icelandic universities.

Course fees

As an international student, you generally won't be charged tuition fees at Iceland's public universities, whether you're from an EU/EEA or non-EU/EEA country. However, you'll still need to pay an annual registration or administration fee. At the University of Iceland, this is ISK 100,000 (£601) for a full academic year. Applicants from outside the EEA/EFTA also need to pay a handling and processing fee of ISK 20,000 (£120).

This may change for some future students. Icelandic public universities have been authorised to introduce tuition fees for students from outside the EEA/EFTA and Switzerland from autumn 2027, with fee levels to be confirmed. Check university websites for the latest information before applying.

If you study at a private university, you'll need to pay tuition fees. These vary by institution, course and fee status, so check individual university websites for exact costs.

For example, at Reykjavík University, 2026/27 undergraduate fees are ISK 328,000 (£1,973) per semester for EU/EEA students and ISK 897,000 (£5,396) per semester for non-EU/EEA students.

Masters costs vary between ISK 483,000 (£2,906) and ISK 677,000 (£4,073) per semester for EU/EEA students and ISK 1,052,000 (£6,328) and ISK 1,246,000 (£7,495) per semester for non-EU/EEA students.

In addition, MBAs cost ISK 1,292,000 (£7,772) for both groups, while PhDs cost ISK 548,000 (£3,297) for business studies and ISK 483,000 (£2,906) for other programmes.

Don't forget to factor living costs into your budget. Iceland is not a cheap country to live in. According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly living costs for an individual are £1,155, excluding rent, which is 61% higher than in the UK. Reykjavík is usually the most expensive, while living further afield may be more affordable.

Funding to study in Iceland

Scholarships are often awarded by individual universities, so check with your chosen institution to see what support is available.

The Icelandic government also awards a small number of scholarships each year to students from foreign universities who want to study the BA programme in Icelandic as a second language at the University of Iceland in Reykjavík. The scheme is administered by the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies, and eligibility requirements apply.

Rannís, the Icelandic Centre for Research, manages a range of research and innovation funding. For example, the Icelandic Research Fund supports research projects and Doctoral-level research in Iceland, while the Icelandic Student Innovation Fund provides grants for undergraduate and Masters students to work on summer research and development projects.

You may also be able to take on part-time work alongside your studies. If you're from outside the EU/EEA, including the UK, you'll need to make sure your residence permit allows you to work.

Student visas

If you're an EU/EEA citizen, you can move to Iceland without a permit or visa. If you're planning to stay for longer than three months, you'll need to register your residence with the local authorities, which you can usually do once you've arrived.

However, if you're moving to Iceland from a country outside the EU/EEA, including the UK, and are planning to stay for longer than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a student residence permit before entering the country.

Applications are handled by the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. You'll usually need to submit the application in paper form, along with supporting documents, including:

• a valid passport
• proof of admission or enrolment at a recognised institution in Iceland
• a criminal record certificate
• evidence that you can support yourself financially during your stay
• proof of health insurance
• housing information or a housing certificate.

For autumn courses, applications and supporting documents must usually be received by 1 July. For spring programmes, the deadline is usually 1 November. Apply as early as possible, as late or incomplete applications may not be processed before your course starts. You'll also need to pay a processing fee, so check the Directorate of Immigration website for the latest amount.

Permits for Bachelors and Masters students are usually granted for six months at a time. Doctoral student permits are usually issued for 12 months. It's your responsibility to apply for renewal at least four weeks before your permit expires.

After arriving in Iceland, you'll usually need to complete the required registration steps, including having your photo taken for your residence permit card. Students staying in Iceland will also need a kennitala, an Icelandic ID number, for practicalities such as opening a bank account.

How to apply

There's no centralised application portal in Iceland, so you'll apply directly to your chosen university.

You'll need to complete an application form and attach any documents requested. These are likely to include:

• your CV
• academic transcripts and certificates
• certified translations, if your documents aren't in English or Icelandic
• a copy of your passport
• evidence of your proficiency in the language your course is taught in.

Deadlines vary between universities and courses, and may be earlier for international students, so check application dates well in advance.

In some cases, you may need to send a printed, signed copy of the form. Any application fees should also be paid at this stage.

Language requirements

Although Icelandic is the country's official language and an important part of its culture, you won't need to be fluent to get by. English is widely spoken, particularly in Reykjavík and in university settings.

However, you should still check the language of your chosen course before applying. Many undergraduate programmes are taught in Icelandic, while English-taught options are more common at postgraduate level. If the course isn't taught in your first language, you may need to provide proof of Icelandic or English language proficiency.

Living in Iceland is also a good opportunity to learn some Icelandic. The language has a reputation for being difficult, but even basic knowledge can help with everyday life and becoming more involved in the local community.

To help you get started, IcelandicOnline.com is a free online language programme run by the University of Iceland. It offers self-paced courses from beginner to advanced level, with paid tutor-supported options also available.

Discover the full range of language courses on offer by visiting Study in Iceland - Learning Icelandic.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Iceland and the UK are both part of the Bologna Process, which helps make higher education qualifications more comparable across Europe.

In most cases, UK qualifications should be understood by Icelandic universities, and Icelandic qualifications should be recognised by UK institutions and employers.

If you need formal guidance on how your qualifications compare, visit ENIC-NARIC or UK ENIC.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to work in Iceland.