Iceland

Step 1: Explore Universities and Programs

Research Iceland’s public universities and colleges, such as the University of Iceland, Reykjavík University, University of Akureyri, and specialized institutions like the Agricultural University of Iceland or Iceland University of the Arts.
Look for English-taught Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs aligned with your academic and career goals. Iceland offers a range of programs in fields like environmental science, renewable energy, engineering, marine studies, arts, and business.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

• For Schooling: Primary and lower secondary education (ages 6–16) is free for residents; international schools (often IB or English-medium) may require entrance assessments and charge tuition.

• For Bachelor’s:

  • HSC/A-Level equivalent with good grades

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL iBT 80+) for English programs

  • Some universities may require interviews or subject-specific prerequisites

• For Master’s:

  • Recognized Bachelor’s degree

  • Competitive GPA (often ~3.0/4.0)

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+)

  • Programs may require a motivation letter, CV, references, and sometimes work experience

• For PhD:

  • Recognized Master’s degree

  • Solid research proposal and supervisor agreement needed

  • Additional materials: CV, academic transcripts, reference letters, and possibly publications

Step 3: Look for Scholarships

Explore funding options, including:

• University-specific scholarships (e.g., University of Iceland scholarships)

• Limited government scholarships or tuition waivers

• Paid PhD positions where candidates are employed as researchers

• Erasmus+ grants (for mobility within Europe)

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Bachelor’s & Master’s: Apply through each university’s online application portal.

• PhD: Apply directly via the university’s doctoral admissions; confirm your supervisor first.
  Prepare to submit: academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, proof of language proficiency, and references. For PhDs, add a research proposal and supervisor confirmation.

Step 5: Receive and Accept Offer

• If accepted, you’ll get an Admission Letter (possibly conditional).

• Confirm acceptance and pay any required tuition deposit.

• For scholarship recipients or paid PhD candidates, you may receive a formal contract or funding confirmation.

Step 6: Get Health and Travel Insurance

• Health insurance is mandatory for residence permit applications, with coverage of at least ISK 2,000,000 (approx. USD 16,000).

• Upon arrival, students staying over 6 months may register for the national health insurance system.

Step 7: Apply for Student Visa / Residence Permit

• Non-EEA students must apply before arrival via the Directorate of Immigration.

• Required documents typically include:

  • Admission letter

  • Valid passport and passport photos

  • Proof of financial means (around ISK 180,550 per month)

  • Health insurance certificate

  • Criminal record certificate (translated if necessary)

• Visa fee: ISK 15,000 to ISK 6,000 depending on application type.

Step 8: Prepare for Travel & Settle In

• Arrange housing in advance (university or private).

• Travel to Iceland and register with Registers Iceland to get a kennitala (Icelandic ID number), needed for banking, healthcare, and other services.

• Residence permits are usually issued per semester (approx. 6 months) or one year for PhD students. Renew your permit at least 4 weeks before expiration.

• Participate in university orientation programs and access student services. International students may work up to 15 hours per week during term time.