How to study, work and live in Iceland

Do you want to study in Iceland? Read on to find everything you need to know about how to study, work and live in Iceland. Iceland is a small island country off the coast of Europe. It’s known for its ice volcanoes and stunning scenery. The country is captivating to tourists and international students alike. Studying in Iceland is suitable for fields in natural sciences. If you intend to pursue a program in this discipline or any other, this article will guide you.
Iceland is a small country, which practically all of the activities take place in Reykjavik, the capital. International students who want to visit one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders should consider studying in Iceland. Iceland has a small number of universities, but those that are there are regarded as some of the greatest in the world, particularly in the sciences.

The country has seven universities. The majority of higher education institutions are managed by the government or by private organizations with government funding. There are over 20,000 students enrolled in Iceland’s higher education, with about 5% of them being international students.

Iceland, despite its small size, is one of the calmest countries to live in. International students who want to study in Iceland will surely find the country very interesting. Check below for some amazing reasons why you should consider Iceland.

Why study in Iceland?

• Iceland is decent for international students
Iceland has seven highly competent international academic programs in a variety of subjects, providing excellent options for higher education. Applications from eligible students from all around the world are welcome in Icelandic higher education institutions.
• Study in a science city
Iceland’s tertiary education offers a progressive education and innovative programs. They are known to be research-based.
• Standard living/quality life
Iceland consistently ranks as one of the top countries offering a quality life. It has one of the greatest literacy rates in the world, a fantastic record of equality, and can be regarded as one of the world’s most peaceful countries in the world.

How to apply for admission in Iceland

1. Find a program
Finding a program and university in Iceland is not difficult because they are not many universities there which could have made your selection difficult. So, choose a university of your choice, type in the search box to see the lists of programs offered in the university.
2. Check the lists of documents to submit
Did you find your course on the school website? If yes, the next step is to check for the admission requirements and assemble them to begin the application process. Listed below are the entry requirements for study in Iceland
Admission requirements for Iceland
Online application form
CV (for postgraduate or doctoral studies)
Letter of motivation
Grade transcripts from your previous education (electronically and a posted hard copy)
Two letters of recommendation
English language proficiency test
Passport
Passport photographs
Application fee
3. Submit your application
There is no unified application portal in Iceland. Applications are sent to specific schools which requires downloading and filling the application form. The application form is usually printed and mailed after being downloaded from the institution’s website. Also, students can request that the application form be sent to their home address through your institution’s foreign relations office.
Before you submit your application, you are expected to pay an application fee. The application fee is around 7,400ISK and should be paid directly to the school.
4. Get your acceptance letter
The school will send you an acceptance letter once a decision has been made, and you will use it when applying for your visa.
5. Apply for a study visa
Depending on your nationality, you may need a study visa to enter Iceland. Generally, to apply for the study visa, you will provide the following documents:
Visa requirements for Iceland
A completed application form
Passport Identity
Two passport-sized photos
Proof of fee payment
Copy of acceptance letter from your university
Proof of no criminal record
Proof of health insurance
Proof of financial self-sufficiency through bank statements

Intake period

Iceland’s academic year is split into two semesters, autumn and spring, and lasts from September to May. The autumn semester goes from September 1 to December 31, while the spring semester runs from January 1 to May 31. Specific fields may vary.
Every institution has its own application deadlines, but you should apply in December or January of the year before you want to start.
Application deadlines for most universities in Iceland
International students
1 February each year
15 April / 5 June each year (Nordic citizens, graduate/undergraduate studies and some graduate diploma).
Exchange students
Autumn semester or full academic year:
1 April each year
1 May each year for EEA citizens
Where to study: Universities in Iceland
Agricultural University of Iceland
Bifröst University
Hólar University College
Iceland University of the Arts
Reykjavik University
University of Akureyri
University of Iceland

Are there scholarships for international students in Iceland?

Yes, international students can apply for scholarships through individual schools and through research councils.

Teaching language in Iceland

The majority of undergraduate courses in Icelandic universities are taught in Icelandic. However, a significant number of English-led master’s and Ph.D. programs are offered, mainly at the University of Iceland, Reykjavik University, and the University of Akureyri.

Language requirements for studies at universities in Iceland

In Iceland’s higher education institutions, Icelandic is the primary language of instruction. As a result, you will be asked to demonstrate your command of Icelandic. In general, you should be able to communicate in Icelandic at a level equivalent to B2 on the European Language Passport. International students can study in English-taught programs in some schools. See above to check the available English-taught programs in the listed schools.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees at higher education institutions in Iceland vary by institution and program type. The amount charged depends on whether the university is state-owned or privately owned.
Public institutions do not charge tuition for master’s degrees, however, all students must pay a €550 annual registration or administration fee.
In Iceland, there are no tuition expenses for PhDs. Undergraduate students, on the other hand, will have to pay a tuition fee, which can range from €3000-€5000 each year. Fees are detailed on each school’s webpage.

Tuition and registration expenses at private universities vary depending on the subject and institution. Students from outside the EU typically pay higher fees. Students should budget around ISK125, 540 per month for housing and other living expenditures, according to the University of Iceland.

Cheap Universities in Iceland

University of Iceland
University of Akureyri
Agricultural University of Iceland
Iceland University of the Arts
Bifröst University

Study and work in Iceland: Can international students work while studying?

Work permits are granted to international students studying in Iceland. A student may work up to 15 hours per week but a special work permit must be obtained for them to be permitted to use their study permit to work in Iceland.

Can international students stay back in Iceland after graduation?

International students’ residence permits may be renewed for up to six (6) months after graduation to allow a graduate to look for work in his or her field of competence. After a minimum of two years of temporary residency, a student who has graduated from an Icelandic university is eligible for a permanent residence permit. For more information visit here

Conclusion

Iceland is a small country noble for its scientific prowess. The country can only boast of seven universities; which is why the population of international students studying in Iceland is below 5000. However, international students in Iceland find the country an exciting place.
Strong research-based programs are available in Iceland’s tertiary institutions. Natural sciences are one of the university’s strongest fields of study. There are various courses accessible at its universities, such as Arts, Business Management, Sciences, among others.

International students enrolling for masters or doctoral degrees do not need to pay tuition fees, regardless of their nationality, and after completing your studies here, you are free to stay in the country for six months to search for a job.