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日本語Admission Requirements to Study in Iceland
The world's northernmost student experience — geothermal energy, geysers, and globally recognized degrees.
Iceland is a genuinely unique study destination — a small island nation of 370,000 people with a university system anchored by the University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands), founded in 1911. Iceland consistently ranks among the world's best countries for quality of life, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, and its universities reflect these values in their research priorities. Reykjavík University is a younger private institution with strengths in law, computer science, and business. The trade-off for studying in Iceland is its very high cost of living — one of the most expensive in Europe — which requires careful financial planning.
Academic Qualifications
What Icelandic universities accept as valid entry qualifications
Icelandic universities require a secondary school diploma equivalent to the Icelandic stúdentspróf (matriculation examination) — awarded after four years of upper secondary school. The University of Iceland and other Icelandic institutions evaluate foreign qualifications individually, with reference to the Icelandic Qualifications Framework (IQF). The Directorate of Education (Mennta- og menningarmálaráðuneytið) provides guidance on recognition. EU/EEA secondary diplomas are generally accepted without a formal recognition procedure. Non-EU applicants should contact their target university directly to confirm how their specific diploma will be assessed. For Master's programs, a recognized Bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS in a relevant field is required.
Language Requirements
| English-taught programs | IELTS 5.5–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 72–90 (varies by program and institution) |
|---|---|
| University of Iceland (English) | IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80 for most English-medium programs |
| Reykjavík University | IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90 for most programs |
| Icelandic-taught programs | B2 Icelandic — Icelandic as a Second Language (ISL) proficiency test |
How to Apply
Each Icelandic university manages its own application process directly
- Identify your target institution. The University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands) is the main public research university. Reykjavík University, Bifröst University, and the University of Akureyri are additional options.
- Visit the university's international admissions page and review the requirements for your specific program.
- Prepare your academic documents — diploma, transcripts, and certified English translations.
- Arrange your language proficiency certificate — IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programs, or an Icelandic language certificate for Icelandic-taught programs.
- Submit your application through the university's online portal before the stated deadline.
- After receiving your admission offer, non-EU/EEA students apply for an Icelandic student residence permit at the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun).
Required Documents
- Certified copy of secondary school diploma (Stúdentspróf equivalent)
- Official transcripts for all completed study
- Certified English or Icelandic translation of all documents
- Proof of English language proficiency — IELTS or TOEFL
- Proof of Icelandic language proficiency (for Icelandic-taught programs)
- Motivation letter / Statement of purpose
- CV / Résumé
- Passport copy (valid throughout planned stay)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial means (ISK 200,000–300,000/month)
- Health insurance certificate (required for residence permit)
Financial Requirements
Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive countries — plan your budget carefully
Iceland is consistently ranked among the most expensive countries in the world. Monthly living costs in Reykjavík for a student typically run ISK 200,000–300,000 (approximately €1,350–€2,050), including accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. Non-EU students applying for a student residence permit must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover their stay. The University of Iceland charges a relatively low annual registration fee of around ISK 75,000 (approximately €510) — making tuition a minor line item compared to living costs. Reykjavík University, as a private institution, charges higher tuition fees. The Icelandic Government Scholarship (offered through the Ministry of Education) provides grants to a small number of international students each year.
Key Application Deadlines
| University of Iceland | January – March for September intake (program dependent) |
|---|---|
| Reykjavík University | February – April for September intake |
| University of Akureyri | February – April for September intake |
| Residence permit processing | Allow 4–8 weeks after admission — apply promptly |
| Academic year start | Late August / early September |
Watch Out For
Iceland's cost of living is one of the highest in Europe and is frequently underestimated by prospective students. Budget at least ISK 200,000–300,000 per month and research scholarship options thoroughly before committing.
Iceland is outside the EU but is part of the EEA and the Schengen Area. EU/EEA students have the right to live and study in Iceland without a special permit but must register with the Directorate of Immigration on arrival.
The University of Iceland program portfolio is smaller than major European research universities. Check carefully that your specific program is available and that it has the research depth you require.
Daylight hours in Iceland are extreme — nearly 24 hours in summer and as few as 4–5 in December. This is a significant lifestyle adjustment that affects wellbeing. Iceland's universities actively support international students in adapting.
Часто задаваемые вопросы
Типичные вопросы студентов, поступающих на обучение в Исландия
Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world — comparable to Switzerland or Norway. Monthly living costs in Reykjavík typically run ISK 200,000–300,000 (€1,350–€2,050). Accommodation is the biggest expense — student dormitories through the university are much cheaper than private rentals and should be your first choice. Groceries, eating out, and transport are all significantly more expensive than in mainland Europe. That said, tuition at the University of Iceland is very low, which partially offsets living costs.
Yes, though the range is more limited than in larger European countries. The University of Iceland offers English-taught programs at Bachelor's and Master's level in fields including natural sciences, engineering, business, and social sciences. Reykjavík University has strong English programs in computer science, law, and business. English is widely spoken throughout Iceland, so the daily language environment presents no barrier.
Yes — the University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands) is a fully accredited research university, a member of the European University Association, and a Bologna Process signatory. Its degrees are recognized across the EU and globally. The university has particular research strengths in geosciences, fisheries, Arctic and environmental sciences, and medical research — fields where Iceland's geography and natural resources give it a genuine global advantage.
EU/EEA students have the right to work in Iceland without restrictions. Non-EU students holding a valid residence permit for study can work up to 15 hours per week during term time and full-time during official university holidays. Part-time work can meaningfully offset Iceland's high living costs.
Studying in Iceland is a unique experience defined by dramatic nature, a tiny tight-knit international community, and a society that genuinely values sustainability, gender equality, and quality of life. The University of Iceland campus is in central Reykjavík, walkable to the city's cafés, museums, and cultural venues. Iceland's small size means student-faculty relationships are close and informal. The midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter are experiences unlike anywhere else in Europe.
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