University of Iceland Scholarships for International Students

The University of Iceland (UI) in Reykjavík is a state university that captures the heart of the country. Since its inception in 1911, the university combines Iceland’s best – from science, law, and even in philosophy and religion. Today, the university takes pride in its reputation as a scientific and progressive educational institution through its roster of interdisciplinary courses from undergraduate to doctoral levels. In this article, we will be looking at top scholarships at the University of Iceland for international students.

As a scientific institution, research is a priority of the university, specializing in topics and resources which are very Icelandic in nature – from the progression of the Icelandic population to climate and geothermal studies of Iceland’s arctic surroundings. The university also pioneers studies on sustainable energy and the environment. As a progressive university, the University of Iceland is well-immersed in the arts and unorthodox ways of thinking. It celebrates creative thinkers through its annual University Concerts for the past fifty years, showcasing a plethora of music genres.

True to its identity, the university recognizes the power of synergies through domestic and international partnerships. The university is part of the local Public Universities Network and opened a University Hospital as a teaching vector that provides public service. The university has also put up the UI Science Park in collaboration with the Reykjavik municipality, to provide facilities for innovation and research. It is internationally connected to over 400 partner universities worldwide and especially plays a leading role in the Aurora Cooperation – a congregation of European universities that take on complex societal challenges in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

With quality education and research across international standards, the University of Iceland is setting itself up for success. Join them through their competitive scholarships:

Related Scholarships

University of Iceland Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships at University of Iceland

1. Free Tuition

  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition waiver
  • Eligibility Criteria: All students enrolling in the university.
  • Scholarship Link

As a public university, the University of Iceland does not charge tuition fees for all of its undergraduate courses. This incentive also applies to international students. However, students must still pay a yearly registration fee of 75,000 ISK.

2. University of Iceland Student Achievement and Incentive Fund

  • Scholarship Amount: 375,000 ISK.
  • Eligibility Criteria: All international students admitted for undergraduate studies.
  • Scholarship Link

Since 2008, the University of Iceland Student Achievement and Incentive Fund has supported students with excellent scores or undergoing special circumstances upon their admission to UI. All students entering the university for undergraduate studies are welcome to apply for this University of Iceland scholarship.

Interested students must submit a matriculation certificate or equivalent, curriculum vitae, a letter detailing their achievements and plans, a letter of recommendation, and other pertinent documents. Applications without these supporting documents will not be considered. Students will be assessed based on their scores in the matriculation examination and their academic and socio-civic achievements. Accepted scholars will receive a grant valued at 375,000 ISK. 300,000 ISK is applied as a tuition subsidy, while the 75,000 ISK is a registration fee refund.

3. The Watanabe Trust Fund

  • Scholarship Amount: Varies.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Japanese undergraduate students enrolled in the university.
  • Scholarship Link

The Watanabe Trust Fund was created by Mr. Toshizo (Tom) Watanabe, the former president and CEO of Nikken Global. His overseas college education was funded through a scholarship, and as he befriended now-Prime Minister of Iceland Geir H. Haarde, he promised he would pay it forward. The fund was started in 2008 through a starting donation of 3 million USD from Mr. Watanabe. Today, the fund continues to sponsor Japanese students wishing to study in Iceland while also promoting Japan-Iceland relations.

All Japanese undergraduate students enrolled in the university are eligible for this scholarship available at the University of Iceland. Application forms can be found online and must be submitted alongside supporting documents via email. These are then deliberated on by the board for the final roster.

The university also sponsors a variety of postgraduate scholarships as follows:

Postgraduate Scholarships at University of Iceland

1. Free Tuition

  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition waiver.
  • Eligibility Criteria: All students enrolling in the university.
  • Degree Offered: Master’s, Ph.D.
  • Scholarship Link

Similar to its undergraduate courses, the University of Iceland does not charge tuition fees for all of its postgraduate courses. This incentive also applies to international students. However, a yearly registration fee of 75,000 ISK is still required upon enrollment.

2. The UI Doctoral Grants Fund

  • Scholarship Amount: 425,000 ISK per month.
  • Eligibility Criteria: All doctoral candidates enrolled in the university.
  • Degree Offered: Ph.D.
  • Scholarship Link

The University of Iceland Doctoral grants fund is a culmination of research funds from top universities and organizations to sponsor high-potential students in their Doctoral studies while furthering the university’s thrust as a world-class research and educational institution. This grant is available for all students enrolled in the university.

What sets this University of Iceland scholarship apart from its other scholarship is that it assesses the student, the potential of the research, and his supervisor. Students must possess academic excellence and pursue a research project that is approved by the board, while their chosen supervisors must possess sufficient experience and their own published research to provide excellent guidance to students.

Students may apply for a grant themselves, or the supervisor may nominate his student for the grant. Forms are found online and must be submitted alongside a transcript of grades and proof of other achievements. Letters of reference are not required but may be sought.

Approved scholars will receive 425,000 ISK per month, good for the course’s prescribed length of study. Note that there are different disbursement methods per funding institution. To maintain the scholarship, students must submit a yearly progress report to the fund. They must also send a copy of their final thesis to receive the last monthly payment.

3. The University of Iceland Research Fund

  • Scholarship Amount: Varies.
  • Eligibility Criteria: All postgraduate students enrolling in the university.
  • Degree Offered: Master’s, Ph.D.
  • Scholarship Link

The University of Iceland Research Fund aims to provide financial support to the university’s research projects. Applications are open to all postgraduate students enrolling in the university. To apply for this University of Iceland scholarship, students may apply through application forms online. Applications will be assessed based on the research’s value in the scientific community, methodology, and implementation plan. The applicant’s track record of published works will also be considered.

Grants are provided yearly. Only one grant can be awarded per applicant; however, the duration of the grant depends on the level of study. Scholars must submit a copy of their final report at the end of the grant.

For more scholarship options, check out their official website.

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Europe Scholarships Page.