With its distinctive combination of top-notch instruction in English, welcoming environment, and safe learning environment, Iceland encourages international students to study there. Students have the chance to work on cutting-edge research in its breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultural mosaic, especially in environmental science and renewable energy. Globally recognized Icelandic degrees provide a strong basis for a variety of career paths, making an Icelandic education rewarding and applicable abroad.
Iceland's excellent, cutting-edge educational system, emphasis on creativity and research, and breathtaking natural scenery make for a truly unique educational experience. International students find it to be the perfect place to study because of the friendly, safe atmosphere and strong sense of community it offers.
The whole education system of Iceland is managed by The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. The levels in the higher education system of Iceland are:
Bachelor degrees:- These programs take 3 to 4 years to complete. This can be undertaken after 12th.
Candidatus degrees:- This type of degree is a professional degree offered in the fields of medicine, law, theology, law, business administration and dentistry and engineering. It takes four to six years to complete.
Postgraduate certificates:- This certificate is awarded in some of the subjects after completing one year of a postgraduate study.
Masters degrees:- This degree can be obtained after completing two years of postgraduate study. Study masters in Iceland are popular among international students.
Doctorate degrees:- This degree is awarded after completing a doctorate program and thesis.
Iceland is home to seven universities. This includes 3 private universities and 4 public universities. These academic institutions in Iceland are keen to attract more and more international students every year. These 7 universities are:
Bifröst University was established in 1918 in Reykjavík, Iceland. Originally it is one of the business schools in Iceland but it also offers degrees in law and social sciences. You can study at both the stages of higher education, undergraduate and graduate level in the Bifröst University.
The Iceland Academy of the Arts offers courses in fine arts, dance, theatre, design, music, architecture and art education. The university aims to encourage progressive thinking in the arts. It also has the goal to stimulate innovation and development in different fields.
Reykjavik University is one of the private and largest universities in Iceland enrolled with more than 3,500 students. Its main subjects are science and engineering, computer science, business, and law.
The Agricultural University of Iceland was established in the year 2005. This educational and research institution specialises in the study field of agriculture and environmental sciences. It is a public university in Iceland.
It is also one of the public universities in Iceland. Hólar University College offers a quality education at both graduate and undergraduate level and a robust research program. The university is located in the historical centre of education, Holar.
The University of Akureyri is located in the heart of the Akureyri city, in the North-East of Iceland. It offers a broad spectrum of study courses at both undergraduate and graduate-level.
The University of Iceland is one of the oldest and largest universities in Iceland. It is located in the heart of the capital city, Reykjavík. The university participates in the international scientific and academic communities.
Hence there are 2 intakes in Iceland. Check the courses offered in the particular intake and then apply.
A scanned copy of your passport
A scanned copy of your birth certificate
A scanned copy of your diploma (high school or Bachelors)
Transcripts or record of previous academic courses
2-3 Letters of recommendation
Your CV
Language proficiency scores
Statement of purpose
Portfolio and/or writing samples
Even though the main language of instruction in Iceland is Icelandic, still you can find some of the courses in English. The Universities in Ireland offer reputable study programs in English in the subject areas such as the Sciences, Business, the Arts, and Law. Icelandic Universities which offer English taught degrees are:
Public universities in Iceland are tuition-free. However, there is a registration fee which is around ISK 75,000. Private universities have the right to charge the tuition fee from international students. Different universities have different tuition fees depending upon the course. On average Tuition fees can range from ISK 540,000 – ISK 2,000,000 per year.
Living Costs can vary with the location and lifestyles you choose. An average of the cost of living are tabulated below :
| Expenses | Amount |
|---|---|
| Housing | ISK 100,000 per month |
| Food and common expenses | ISK 50,000 per month |
| Books and study materials | ISK 40,000 per semester |
| Local public transportation | ISK 6,500 per month |
| Leisure activities | ISK 30,000 per month |
Scholarships are a good way to decrease your financial burden in studying abroad in Iceland. With the help of fully-funded scholarships, you proceed to make your study for free. Some of the scholarships offered by government, universities and external organisation in Iceland are mentioned below:
To enter Iceland, international students need to get a study visa. You have to apply at the nearest embassy for the student visa with all the documentation needed for the verification. The required documents for Study Visas in Iceland are:
Study Visa Application Form
Photocopy of passport
Medical certificate
Police verification certificate
Proof of admission at the University of Iceland
Evidence of Medical Insurance
Proof of Financial Support during the stay and study in Iceland
One passport-sized photograph
Proof for application payment of the residence permit
The Embassy may request for any other additional documents based on your country of origin. So, complete the process carefully with all the documents, otherwise, there are chances of rejection.
The government of Iceland allows international students to work part-time during their studies. International students are permitted to work only up to a maximum of 20 hours per week without disturbing their studies. However, Non-EU students should fulfil the following 2 conditions to get the right to work.
Look for the job and get a written statement from the employer. Then you can gain international work experience along with the studies.