Universities in Iceland
There are seven accredited universities in Iceland, four public and three private, with tuition policies that differ significantly between them. Every institution profiled with current fees, English-taught programmes, and how to apply.
Higher education in Iceland
There are seven accredited universities in Iceland, split between four public institutions and three private ones. Public universities charge no tuition, only a modest annual registration fee. Private universities charge tuition that varies by programme and nationality.
For international students, universities in Iceland are unusually affordable compared to most of Western Europe and North America, though proposed legislation may introduce tuition for non-EEA applicants starting in 2026.
Around 18,000 students are enrolled across all seven institutions. The University of Iceland alone accounts for roughly 14,000 of them, including over 2,000 international students from more than 100 countries (as of 2024).
Contents
The seven universities
University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands)
Founded in 1911, the University of Iceland is the country's oldest and largest institution. It is a public research university located in central Reykjavík with five academic schools and 26 faculties offering over 400 study programmes.
The main language of instruction is Icelandic, but several graduate programmes (particularly at the master's level) are taught entirely in English. The university has a global network of over 400 partner institutions and is ranked in the top 20% overall in the World University Rankings.
For international students, the University of Iceland is the most common destination. It offers a BA in Icelandic as a Second Language and a Practical Diploma in Icelandic as a Second Language, both designed specifically for non-native speakers.
Reykjavik University (Háskólinn í Reykjavík)
Reykjavik University (RU) is a private institution founded in 1998. It has two academic schools: the School of Technology (computer science, engineering, applied engineering) and the School of Social Science (business, economics, law, psychology, sport science).
RU is known for strong ties to Icelandic industry. It collaborates with companies like Icelandair and Landsvirkjun and emphasises practical, career-oriented education. The university also hosts the Iceland School of Energy, which runs graduate programmes in sustainable energy, attracting international students.
Unlike public universities, RU charges full tuition fees, with different rates for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students.
University of Akureyri (Háskólinn á Akureyri)
The University of Akureyri (UNAK) is a public university located in Iceland's second-largest urban area in northern Iceland. Founded in 1987, it has around 2,850 students and 270 staff members (as of 2025).
UNAK is divided into two schools: the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the School of Health, Business and Natural Sciences. The university has a strong focus on Arctic studies and hosts the Stefansson Arctic Institute on campus.
Its master's programme in Polar Law is taught entirely in English and is the only full English-language degree programme at UNAK. Graduate programmes in Psychology and Natural Resource Science are also available in English.
About half of UNAK's students study via distance learning, making it a practical option for people already living and working in Iceland outside the capital area.
Bifröst University (Háskólinn á Bifröst)
Bifröst University is a private, non-profit institution founded in 1918, originally modelled on Ruskin College at Oxford. Its historical campus sits in the Norðurárdalur valley, about 110 km north of Reykjavík, though all degree programmes are now delivered entirely online.
Bifröst offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in business administration, law, and social sciences. The primary language of instruction is Icelandic, with selected courses available in English. Because all study is remote, the university does not provide accommodation or issue student visas for degree-seeking students.
Bifröst also runs the University Gateway programme, a preparatory track specifically designed for students whose native language is not Icelandic and who need to meet university entrance requirements.
Iceland University of the Arts (Listaháskóli Íslands)
The Iceland University of the Arts (LHÍ) is a private institution in Reykjavík, founded in 1998. It is Iceland's only university-level institution dedicated to the arts, with approximately 600 students.
LHÍ offers bachelor's and master's programmes across seven departments: fine arts, design, architecture, music, performing arts (theatre and dance), film arts, and art education. Admission is selective and typically requires a portfolio or audition.
The annual registration fee is 100,000 ISK (as of 2026). Starting from autumn 2026, LHÍ has confirmed that tuition fees will apply to applicants from outside the EEA, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Switzerland.
Agricultural University of Iceland (Landbúnaðarháskóli Íslands)
The Agricultural University of Iceland is a public institution focused on agriculture, land restoration, and environmental sciences. It operates campuses in both southern Iceland and at Keldnaholt near Reykjavík.
The university offers programmes relevant to Iceland's rural economy and environment. It is a smaller institution and primarily teaches in Icelandic, though some research activities and courses are conducted in English.
Hólar University (Háskólinn á Hólum)
Hólar University is a small public institution in northern Iceland, historically significant as one of Iceland's principal cultural and ecclesiastical sites. It specialises in aquaculture and fish biology, equine science, and rural tourism.
Hólar operates as a niche institution with close ties to the local agricultural and tourism economies. International students occasionally attend through exchange programmes, though degree programmes are primarily in Icelandic.
Tuition and fees at universities in Iceland
The distinction between public and private institutions matters significantly for cost.
Public universities
Iceland's four public universities (University of Iceland, University of Akureyri, Agricultural University, and Hólar University) do not charge tuition fees. All students, regardless of nationality, pay only an annual registration fee.
University | Annual registration fee |
|---|---|
University of Iceland | 100,000 ISK (~$710 USD) |
University of Akureyri | 75,000 ISK |
Agricultural University | 75,000 ISK |
Hólar University | 75,000 ISK |
Fees shown as of 2026. Non-EEA/EFTA applicants to the University of Iceland also pay a one-time handling and processing fee of 20,000 ISK (~135 EUR).
This may change soon. A draft bill from the Icelandic government would allow public universities to introduce tuition fees for students from outside the EEA. As of March 2026, no final decision has been made on fee amounts.
The University of Iceland's website states that non-EEA/EFTA applicants beginning studies in 2026 or later "may be required to pay tuition fees" pending government decisions. Check each university's website for the latest information before applying.
Private universities
Private institutions charge tuition that varies by programme and by whether the student is an EU/EEA citizen.
University | EU/EEA (per semester) | Non-EU/EEA (per semester) |
|---|---|---|
Reykjavik University (undergraduate) | ~305,000 ISK | ~835,000 ISK |
Reykjavik University (graduate) | 449,000–1,250,000 ISK | 980,000–1,250,000 ISK |
Bifröst University | 75,000 ISK (registration fee only) | 75,000 ISK (registration fee only) |
Iceland University of the Arts | 100,000 ISK (registration fee) | Tuition applies from autumn 2026 |
Tuition figures for Reykjavik University are approximate and vary by programme. Fees are as of the 2025–2026 academic year. Check RU's tuition page for current figures.
Non-EU/EEA applicants to Reykjavik University pay a non-refundable processing fee of 16,000 ISK when submitting their application. This fee is deducted from tuition if admitted.
Programmes taught in English
Most undergraduate programmes at universities in Iceland are taught in Icelandic. International students looking for English-taught options should focus on the graduate level, where choices are broader.
At the University of Iceland, several master's programmes are taught entirely in English. These span fields including environment and natural resources, medieval Icelandic studies, and various programmes within the schools of engineering, natural sciences, and health sciences.
The university also offers a BA and a Practical Diploma in Icelandic as a Second Language for international students who want to learn the language at university level. A full list of English-taught programmes is available on the University of Iceland international programmes page.
Reykjavik University offers multiple English-taught programmes, particularly at the graduate level. These include computer science, engineering, business administration, and the Iceland School of Energy's programmes in sustainable energy engineering and management.
The University of Akureyri teaches its master's programme in Polar Law entirely in English. Additional English-taught courses are available to exchange students, especially within the humanities and social sciences faculties.
The University Centre of the Westfjords in Ísafjörður, while not a standalone university, runs graduate-level programmes taught entirely in English and is worth knowing about. It offers master's degrees in Coastal and Marine Management and related fields.
At the undergraduate level, the practical path for many international students is to learn Icelandic first (through preparatory programmes at the University of Iceland or Bifröst) and then study in Icelandic alongside local students.
How to apply to a university in Iceland
Application procedures and deadlines vary by institution.
The University of Iceland accepts applications twice per year. For international applicants (both undergraduate and graduate), the deadline for the autumn semester is 1 February. The application period for Icelandic and Nordic citizens opens later, around Háskóladagurinn (the university's annual open day) in late February or early March.
Non-EEA/EFTA citizens are generally unable to start in the spring semester. Full details are on the UI application deadline page.
Reykjavik University has its own application portal. Deadlines and requirements vary by programme and are listed on the RU admissions page.
General admission requirements include completing the equivalent of an Icelandic stúdentspróf (matriculation exam) for undergraduate programmes, or holding a relevant bachelor's degree for graduate programmes. International applicants whose first language is not English typically need to provide IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores. Some programmes have additional requirements such as entrance exams, portfolios, or interviews.
The Icelandic ENIC-NARIC office evaluates foreign educational documents to determine whether they meet Icelandic admission standards.
Non-EEA/EFTA students accepted to a programme will also need to apply for a student residence permit through the Directorate of Immigration. For details on visa requirements, see our Iceland student visa guide.
Student loans and financial aid
Iceland's government-run student loan system, Menntasjóður námsmanna (the Icelandic Student Education Fund), provides loans to eligible students at accredited institutions. The fund replaced the older Lánasjóður íslenskra námsmanna (the Icelandic Student Loan Fund, commonly abbreviated LÍN) in 2020.
International students can access Menntasjóður if they meet certain residency or status criteria. Eligible categories include EEA/EFTA citizens who are employed or self-employed in Iceland during their studies, their close relatives, and foreign citizens married to or in registered cohabitation with an Icelandic citizen for at least two years (with two of the last five years spent domiciled in Iceland).
Others with a strong connection to the Icelandic community may also qualify, as assessed by the fund. Full eligibility criteria are on the Menntasjóður website.
A key feature of Menntasjóður is the 30% grant reduction: students who complete their degree within the expected timeframe qualify for a 30% reduction of their loan principal. Loan payments are made monthly, and repayment begins one year after completing studies.
Scholarships from the universities themselves are limited. The University of Iceland states on its website that it does not offer funding or scholarships to prospective students. Reykjavik University offers some partial scholarships, including the New Student Grant for the first semester.
Students from Nordic countries may also be eligible for financial aid through their home country's student support systems. Erasmus+ and Nordplus exchange programmes provide additional funding for students coming through partner universities.
Student housing
Finding accommodation is one of the biggest practical challenges for students in Iceland, particularly in Reykjavík.
The University of Iceland does not operate its own student housing. Students are expected to find private accommodation. The rental apartment guide covers where to search and what to expect.
In Reykjavík, expect to pay 200,000–350,000 ISK per month for a room or small apartment (as of early 2026). For a realistic budget breakdown, see the cost of living calculator.
Reykjavik University operates a student housing service that helps enrolled students find accommodation, though availability is limited.
In Akureyri, housing is more affordable and the University of Akureyri tries to help international exchange students find accommodation. The smaller town and lower demand make the process easier than in the capital.
Bifröst University now delivers all degree programmes online and does not provide student accommodation or issue student visas. For degree-seeking students, this means lower costs since there is no requirement to live in Iceland.
Apply for student housing as early as possible after receiving your acceptance letter. Waitlists fill quickly, especially for the autumn semester.
Working while studying
EU/EEA citizens can work in Iceland without a separate work permit. Non-EEA students on a student residence permit may work part-time (up to 22.5 hours per week during term, full-time during summer and study breaks) once they obtain a work permit through the Directorate of Immigration.
Jobs in tourism, hospitality, and retail are the most accessible for students, though Icelandic language skills expand options significantly. For more on the job market, see the finding a job in Iceland guide.
For a broader picture of how universities in Iceland fit into the education system from preschool through secondary school, see our guides to schools in Iceland and daycare in Iceland. If you are considering moving to Iceland specifically to study, the complete relocation guide covers everything from visas to banking to your first 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
Is university free in Iceland for international students? At public universities, all students (including international students) currently pay only an annual registration fee, not tuition. The fee is 100,000 ISK at the University of Iceland and 75,000 ISK at the other three public universities.
The Icelandic government has proposed legislation that would allow public universities to charge tuition to non-EEA/EFTA students. As of March 2026, no final fee amounts have been set. Private universities like Reykjavik University charge full tuition fees.
Can I study in English at an Icelandic university? At the graduate level, yes. The University of Iceland, Reykjavik University, and the University of Akureyri all offer master's programmes taught in English.
At the undergraduate level, most programmes are in Icelandic. The University of Iceland offers a BA in Icelandic as a Second Language for those wanting to build language skills before pursuing other studies.
What are the application deadlines? At the University of Iceland, the deadline for international applicants (undergraduate and graduate) is 1 February for the autumn semester. Reykjavik University and other institutions have their own deadlines. Always check the specific university's website, as deadlines can shift year to year.
Do I need to speak Icelandic to study in Iceland? For English-taught programmes, no. You will need to prove English proficiency (typically IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79+).
For Icelandic-taught programmes, you will need sufficient Icelandic. Preparatory programmes at the University of Iceland and Bifröst can help you reach the required level.
Can I get a student loan in Iceland as a foreigner? Possibly. The Menntasjóður námsmanna student loan fund is available to EEA/EFTA citizens working in Iceland, their dependents, and foreign nationals who meet specific residency criteria.
Non-EEA students without qualifying ties to Iceland are generally not eligible. Check the Menntasjóður website for current eligibility requirements.
How much does it cost to live in Iceland as a student? Budget approximately 250,000–350,000 ISK per month for a student living in Reykjavík, covering rent, food, transport, and basic expenses. Akureyri is cheaper. Bifröst students study remotely and do not need to live in Iceland at all. See the cost of living guide for detailed breakdowns.
Last updated: March 2026
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