Iceland is an island country in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is often called the Land of Fire and Ice because the island has both volcanoes and glaciers. In between, it is dotted with more natural wonders, such as natural ice caves, the Dettifoss Waterfall, the Blue Lagoon, and many others.
People also enjoy a high quality of life in Iceland, and the country is consistently recognized for peacefulness. Iceland’s higher education sector has about 18,000 students in total, around 5% of whom are international students. In this article, we will be looking at the best universities in Iceland for international students.
Top Universities in Iceland for International Students
1. Reykjavík University (RU)
Reykjavík University is a leading private university in Iceland and is located in the capital. The institution’s core activities are teaching and research, and it emphasizes interdisciplinary work, innovation, collaboration with industry, and a hands-on approach. RU is organized into two academic schools: the School of Social Sciences and the School of Technology. The School of Social Sciences includes sports science, law, business and economics, and psychology, while the School of Technology includes applied engineering, computer science, and engineering. Its English-taught options are strongest at the graduate level and in selected programs and courses.
RU is also active in research and innovation. Its academic environment includes research centers, the Iceland School of Energy, and industry-linked projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, business, and law.
2. University of Iceland
The University of Iceland is the largest and oldest institution of higher education in Iceland. It has long been considered an important part of Iceland’s national development. Founded in 1911, it brought together the Seminary, the School of Medicine, and the School of Law, along with a newly established Faculty of Philosophy. After restructuring in 2008, the university is organized into five schools: Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities, Education, and Engineering and Natural Sciences. The main language of instruction is Icelandic, but several programs, particularly master’s programs, and many exchange-student courses are taught in English.
In addition to its faculties, the university operates research and service institutions across academic fields. Notable research environments include the Institute of Earth Sciences and the Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute of Foreign Languages, among others.
3. University of Akureyri
The University of Akureyri, one of the best universities in Iceland for international students, has been providing higher education in Iceland since 1987. As one of the younger universities in the country, the institution is dynamic and modern. UNAK focuses on flexible learning, allowing students to study without daily campus attendance because assignments and course delivery are handled electronically. Flexible learning is available for all undergraduate studies, although the format varies by program. The university also receives international students through exchange studies and degree programs.
International students can choose from a variety of subjects to study at the University of Akureyri. Its academic areas include social sciences, education, law, psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, natural resource sciences, computer science, and business administration. It has also established Arctic-focused programs, including Polar Law and qualifications in West Nordic Studies, which explore issues such as governance, peoples, environment, and resources in Arctic and Antarctic contexts.
4. Bifröst University
Bifröst University, or Háskólinn á Bifröst, specializes in business administration, law, and social sciences. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in these areas, as well as online preparatory options, such as the University Gateway program, for students who need to meet university entrance requirements. Current study information describes Bifröst’s education as online, giving learners flexibility and access to Icelandic higher education from a distance.
Bifröst has historically been associated with its rural campus near Borgarnes, but its current English-language study information emphasizes online education with flexibility and accessibility. Students may also find lifelong learning options and Icelandic as a Second Language courses through the university.
5. Iceland University of the Arts (IUA)
The Iceland University of the Arts is a private, non-profit university and the only university dedicated to the arts in Iceland. It promotes progressive thinking in the arts and provides higher education in fine arts, theater, theater making, dance, music, design, architecture, and art education. Four departments offer bachelor’s degree programs, four departments offer master’s programs, and the Music Department also offers a diploma.
This top university in Iceland operates in an international environment and maintains international cooperation, exchange, internship, cooperative-school, and project opportunities. This helps international students connect with the arts community in Iceland and abroad.
FAQs about Studying in Iceland
Is Iceland Good for International Students to Study In?
Iceland has seven nationally accredited higher education institutions providing programs at different levels. Together, these institutions cover broad academic fields, including technology, health sciences, social sciences, humanities, business, law, arts, agriculture, marine studies, and polar studies.
Four universities are public and three are private, non-profit institutions. Public universities do not charge tuition fees, but they do charge annual registration or administrative fees. Private universities set their own fees, and students should always check the current fee page of each institution. The main language of instruction is Icelandic, but English-taught programs and courses are available, especially at the graduate level.
Can International Students Work in Iceland While Studying?
International students in Iceland may be allowed to work while completing their degrees, but rules depend on nationality and permit status. Students with EEA/EFTA citizenship do not need a special work permit. Non-EEA/EFTA nationals must apply for a work permit for a specific job and may work up to 22.5 hours a week during the school year; they cannot begin working until the permit is approved.
Can International Students Stay in Iceland After Graduation?
EEA/EFTA citizens can move to Iceland under EEA rules, but they must register if staying longer than allowed without registration and show that they can support themselves. Non-EEA/EFTA students who complete university studies in Iceland may, in some cases, renew their residence permit for up to three years after graduation to seek employment. If they secure employment, they must transition to the appropriate work-based residence permit.
We hope that this article on the best universities in Iceland for international students was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
