Study abroad
Study in Iceland
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Iceland
Iceland is an island nation in the North Atlantic. As a small country, it has a limited number of higher-education institutions, mostly based in and around Reykjavík, so it is worth checking exactly which programmes and levels of study are offered locally.
Students interested in energy, conservation and maritime trade may find the local context especially relevant, and many also compare regional institutions or programmes delivered with partners abroad. Teaching is often in Icelandic, so check the language of instruction and any language requirements for each course. The sections below explain subjects, intakes, costs, funding and visa steps.
Why study in Iceland?
Students choose Iceland for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in the North Atlantic. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Energy, Oil & Gas, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and Maritime & Shipping, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Energy, conservation and maritime trade matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- A close community: study is centred on Reykjavík, and a small country can mean smaller classes and a close-knit student community.
- Culture and language: living in Iceland means everyday contact with Icelandic and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
- European mobility: as part of the European Economic Area, Iceland takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.
Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.
Top subjects to study in Iceland
Here are some subject areas that fit well with study in Iceland. We chose them editorially, with energy, conservation and maritime trade in mind, so treat them as ideas rather than a ranking.
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Maritime & Shipping
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Business & Management
Because energy, conservation and maritime trade matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Iceland on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Universities in Iceland
- University of IcelandReykjavík, Iceland
- THE 2026 501–600
- Reykjavík UniversityReykjavík, Iceland
- THE 2026 801–1000
Scholarships to Study in Iceland
Some international students in Iceland receive scholarships or grants, but availability depends on where you come from and what you plan to study.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Iceland
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
- European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Iceland
The academic year in Iceland commonly begins around August or September. Some institutions also admit students around January, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Iceland
Tuition in Iceland varies widely: public and private institutions, subjects and study levels can all have different fees. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Iceland
Most international students need permission to study in Iceland, such as a student visa or residence permit, before their course begins. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: Directorate of Immigration (Iceland) (official government website).
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Iceland
Planning your living budget for Iceland early helps you avoid surprises during your first months.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
On islands and in remote areas, imported goods can raise everyday prices. Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Iceland
What are the advantages of studying in Iceland?
It depends on your goals. Iceland offers a small, close-knit study environment, a location in the North Atlantic and study in Icelandic (with some English-taught options). Students interested in energy, conservation and maritime trade may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Iceland?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Energy, Oil & Gas, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Maritime & Shipping and Hospitality, Tourism & Events. The subjects page for Iceland lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Iceland?
Many programmes start around August or September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Iceland?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Iceland?
EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as Directorate of Immigration (Iceland).
Are scholarships available for international students in Iceland?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Iceland?
Most higher education is based in Reykjavík. Compare housing options and living costs there alongside your course choice.
Can I study in English in Iceland?
Many courses are taught in Icelandic. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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