How to Study in Iceland for International Students

If you are looking for a study abroad destination with low study costs and quality education, look no further than Iceland! As one of the countries with the highest literacy rates, universities in Iceland are internationally renowned for their free tuition fees and comprehensive curriculum. Study and explore the vast and peaceful nation of Iceland!

When it comes to the choices that are available, Iceland currently has 7 universities, from which 4 universities are a part of the public sector and 3 universities are private institutions.

Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Iceland you should definitely check out are Reykjavik University, University of Iceland, and University of Akureyri.

Being able to study in Iceland as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Iceland, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in Iceland

The cost of your studies is a big factor to consider when you're planning to study abroad. It can financially burden you, but here's the good thing: the public universities in Iceland don't charge tuition fees to international students like you! Agricultural University of Iceland and University of Iceland are some of the tuition-free schools. You will just be required to pay some registration and other study fees, but these won't be as high.

On the other hand, if you choose to study in a private institution, expect that you'll pay higher fees. Here are some of the private universities in Iceland with their tuition fees:

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
Iceland University of the Arts 682,000 ISK 828,300 ISK - 1,054,500 ISK
Reykjavik University 1,576,000 ISK 1,350,000 ISK - 2,358,000 ISK

2. Requirements to Study in Iceland for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Iceland, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.

Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.

In Iceland, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Iceland may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Iceland are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.

To give you an idea, here are some universities in Iceland and their required minimum scores for each program level.

Reykjavik University

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

University of Akureyri

Master’s degree

University of Iceland

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.

Application Procedure to Study in Iceland

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Iceland have online applications available on their websites, like Reykjavik University and University of Iceland. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Iceland.

Reykjavik University

University of Iceland

University of Akureyri

Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.

After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!

The admission process in Iceland differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.

The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Iceland.

The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.

4. Visa Application for International Students in Iceland

Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Iceland. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Iceland as an international student.

In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Iceland. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Visa D.

To start your student visa application in Iceland, you will need to present the following:

  1. Visa application form
  2. Recent passport-size photo
  3. Valid passport, including previous visas, if available
  4. Criminal record certificate
  5. Proof of financial means
  6. Travel health insurance
  7. Enrollment letter from an educational institute in Iceland
  8. Housing certificate or accommodation details
  9. Visa fee payment receipt

Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Iceland is 80 EUR.

After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:

  1. Prepare the complete requirements for visa application.
  2. Submit the requirements to the Iceland Directorate of Immigration.
  3. Pay the processing fee.
  4. Obtain the visa at the embassy or consulate.

For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.

That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Iceland. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!