Universities
Universities in Iceland
Icelandic universities are centres of knowledge and part of an international educational and scientific community.
There are seven Universities operating in Iceland. There are four state universities and three private, non-profit organisations.
Universities:
The Agricultural University of Iceland
University centres:
The Icelandic academic year traditonally runs from September to May and is divided into two semesters; autumn and spring. Generally, the autumn semester is from the beginning of September until late December, and the spring semester from the start of January until the end of May, although some disciplines may vary.
Tuition fees differ between institution. Public universities do not have tuition fees although they do have an annual registration or administration fee which all students must pay. Further information about fees can be found on the web sites of each university.
International students either attend Icelandic higher education institutions as exchange students or as degree-seeking students. For exchange options, please consult the international office at your home university, where you can get information on partner universities.
Prerequisite
Those who intend to study at a university must have completed a matriculation examination (the Icelandic University Entrance Examination) or equivalent examination. Universities are permitted to set specific entrance requirements and to have students sit an entrance examination or status examination.
Students who have not completed the matriculation examination (Icelandic University Entrance Examination) or a comparable examination but who, in the opinion of the relevant university, possess equivalent maturity and knowledge may be matriculated.
Furthermore, universities following an approval by the Ministry of Education are allowed to offer preparatory study programmes for those who do not meet the matriculation requirements.
Distance learning is offered in several universities. Further information about that can be obtained from the websites of the various university.
The Icelandic Students Loan Fund (LÍN) is a lender of student loans. All further information concerning student loans may be found on the LÍN website. University students are offered many types of grants for studies and research, here in Iceland and abroad.
