Study in Iceland
The Icelandic higher educational system dates back to the first university founded in 1911. Over the last three decades, new institutions of higher education have emerged and are operating in Iceland.
In Iceland, the state or private parties with state support run most higher education institutions. Currently there are approximately 18,000 students enrolled in the higher education system, of which about 5% are international students.
International students either may attend Icelandic higher education institutions as exchange students or as degree-seeking students.
Academic organization
- Bachelor degrees (B.A., B.S., B.Ed.) are awarded to students who have satisfactorily completed three to four years of study in a Bachelor degree programme. Bachelor degrees do not usually confer professional certification, except for nursing (B.S.) and compulsory schoolteachers (B.Ed.). The bachelor degree constitutes a formal qualification for postgraduate study.
- Candidatus degrees qualify the holder for a specialized profession and usually take four to six years to complete.
- Postgraduate certificates are offered in some subjects after one year of postgraduate study.
- Masters degrees (M.A., M.S.) are awarded after the completion of two successful years of postgraduate study. Either a major thesis or research project must be completed as part of the programme.
- Doctorate degrees (Ph.D) are awarded to students who have successfully completed a doctorate programme and defended a doctoral thesis.
- Summer courses featuring topics such as the European integration process, marine biology and ecology and marine recourse policy and management, Modern Icelandic and more.
Admission Requirements
Students enrolling in a higher education institution in Iceland must have completed a matriculation examination or equivalent level of study. Higher education institutions accept students who possess an equivalent level of maturity and knowledge as assessed by the respective higher education institution.
When applying for higher education studies in Iceland you will need all or part of the following documents:
- Official university transcript/s - detailed records of your higher education up to the present, including grades achieved.
- English language test score certificate (non-native speakers only).
- Language test waiver
- The requirement to provide English proficiency scores may be waived, in cases where you have successfully completed a full-time degree-level course of a minimum of nine months at a recognized institution where courses are held in English.
- CV / résumé
- Scanned copy of passport
- Two academic references providing an informed view of your academic or professional ability
You may be requested for an interview; for students outside of Iceland we offer interviews by Skype or telephone. Admission requirements can differ between universities and faculties. Please contact the university in question for further information.
For more information visit: http://ask.rannis.is/page/AdmissionApplication
Assessment
Student assessment is generally based on written, oral or practical examinations, semester papers and assignments. Teachers are responsible for evaluation, but each university or college department provides the overall organisation of the examinations within the regulatory framework of the institution. Examinations are generally held at the end of each semester. Normally a programme of study comprises one major subject along with one or more minor subjects.
Study Visa
Citizens of countries outside the EU and EEA must obtain a visa before entering Iceland.
A student visa is granted to those planning to study full-time in Iceland. Full-time studies are 100% studies at university level, vocational training or other studies requiring an educational background equivalent to university admission requirements.
Once an application for a residence permit is approved, an applicant who needs to obtain a D-Visa prior to his/her arrival must contact the closest embassy issuing such visas on behalf of Iceland.
Submit the following documents:
- Application form, completed and signed by the applicant
- A passport size photograph
- Travel document, valid for at least three months beyond the proposed stay
- Proof of financial support.
- Documentation showing applicants ties to home country
- Medical Insurance. The insurance coverage must be at least 30.000 Euros
- Letter of invitation from the higher education institution in Iceland
If a residence permit is granted, upon arrival the applicants shall:
- register their domicile
- get a health check within the first two weeks of their stay in Iceland
- go to the Directorate of Immigration or to the District Magistrate/Police Authorities in the area where the applicant resides, with their passport or travel documents
