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Sep-May Academic Year
2 Listed Institutes
2 Ranked Universities
1,000 Int. Students
18,000 Students
334,303 Population

Study in Iceland

Thanks to the Vikings, Iceland isn’t named after the fact that it’s an icy place (at least not anymore). But, make no mistake – Iceland has plenty of snow and glaciers, just like its ice-covered counterpart, Greenland. Iceland is also a place full of mythical wonders, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, with active volcanoes and glacial rivers covering its tiny land area – a land of fire and ice, if you will.

Ranking number 3 on the World Happiness Index, Iceland is home to peaceful and adventurous people. For international students, if you want to find a unique place to pursue your Master’s or Bachelor’s degree, you’ll find plenty of mountains to climb in Iceland.

Why study in Iceland?

Iceland’s higher education is relatively recent. In fact, their first university was founded in 1911. This means that Iceland’s universities were formed in a modern context, rather than an ancient or medieval one.

For students, that means you’re entering an environment where universities are interested in staying relevant, current, and innovative. Rather than relying on old traditions and systems, Iceland universities are interested in providing interesting programmes to prepare you for a 21st century environment.

So, if you’re looking for a place to study and advance your career potential, sail on over to Iceland to enroll in one of their wonderful university programmes.

What to study in Iceland?

Did you know that 1 in 10 Iceland residents will publish a book at some point in their lives? There must be some incredibly smart people there! What do all of those geniuses study? Well, if you’re going to Iceland for your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, you can find a range of programmes and subjects to expand your mind.

Here are some disciplines for you to consider in Iceland:

Which universities and colleges to attend in Iceland?

Keep in mind what we said above: university education in Iceland is very, very new. So, universities are just learning how to walk and find their balance. But if you’re interested in studying in Iceland, a wonderful university for you to keep in mind would be University Centre of the West Fjords.

Practical Information

How to apply to universities in Iceland

Each university in Iceland has its own system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enrol in their degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.

Here are some of the basic requirements you’ll need for every application:

A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
A transcript/record of your previous courses
A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
Your CV
Testing scores
Evidence of scholarship or funding
Letters of recommendation (between 2-3)
Portfolio and/or writing samples

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a university in Iceland

Take Preparation Courses: These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes. Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice;

Improve your English through an English-language prep course: If you’re attending a degree programme in Iceland you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

To apply to study in Iceland, you’ll need to provide proof you have a diploma for your English proficiency.

The certificates generally accepted by the universities in Iceland are:

TOEFL
IELTS
C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

Still, you should always check on your university’s website, just to be sure what the exact requirements are.

Living in Iceland

What is it like to study in Iceland?

Universities in Iceland are known for having small classroom sizes. This means that, as a student, you don’t need to feel intimidated to ask questions or participate in a discussion. Plus, your instructors will be able to give you extra, individual assistance if you need it.

While you attend university in Iceland, you’ll also be able to enjoy a thriving social life outside of your classes. With plenty of mountains and volcanoes to climb, or rivers to sail, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in plenty of Icelandic culture, while also getting your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

Tuition fees for universities in Iceland

If you study at one of the public universities in Iceland, you won’t have to pay any tuition fees. You will, however, have to pay a one-time, non-refundable registration fee, ranging between 100 and 250 EUR.

Private universities are a different story. Their tuition fees can be quite expensive, and change depending on whether you’re an EU or non-EU student.

For EU students, they can pay anywhere between 2,000 EUR and 7,000 EUR per semester, depending on their education level.
Non-EU students will pay anywhere between 12,000 EUR and 30,000 EUR, depending on level and subject.

Living cost for Iceland

Because of its rather isolated location and tundra climate, living in Iceland can be quite expensive. But, plenty of international students manage to get by thanks to the inexpensive tuition prices. Plus, with all of the natural beauty and landmarks all over Iceland, there are plenty of ways to have fun for free!

In general, you should prepare a minimum of 1,000 EUR/month to cover living costs in Iceland.

Here is a breakdown of living costs to expect in Iceland:

Renting a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre: 2,100 EUR per month
3-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 93 EUR
Milk: 1.25 EUR
Bread: 2.87 EUR
Cappuccino: 4 EUR
Beer: 8 EUR
Monthly transportation pass (train, metro, bus): 95 EUR

About Iceland

The Republic of Iceland is a country of northwestern Europe, comprising the island of Iceland and its outlying islets in the North Atlantic Ocean between Greenland, Norway, the British Isles, and the Faroe Islands. Iceland is a part of the world- encircling undersea mountain system that is the locus of new crust formation. About 11% of Iceland is covered by glaciers. By far the largest of the ice caps is Vatnajökull in Southeast Iceland with an size equal to all the glaciers on the European mainland put together.

Interesting facts about Iceland

In a survey conducted in 1998, a majority of Icelanders (at least, at the time) believed in Elves. I’m sure living in Iceland can give you that feeling too, if you’re there long enough.
There are zero mosquitos in Iceland.
Iceland prohibited beer consumption until 1989. Can you think of anything bleaker?
There is no McDonalds in Iceland. What a magical place!
In 2011, when Iceland was updating its constitution, they allowed the public to make suggestions via Facebook. Press “like” for due process; “share” for taxation with representation!