Iceland is a North Atlantic island country located between Europe and North America. Its glaciers, geothermal features, and volcanic landscapes have earned it the nickname “Land of Fire and Ice.”
Iceland is also known for its midnight sun and bright summer nights. Most of the country lies just south of the Arctic Circle. From mid-May to mid-July, the sky remains bright through the night. In Reykjavík, the sun briefly dips below the horizon in late June, but the sky does not become fully dark.
Indeed, this stunning country of beautiful contrasts and otherworldly sights attracts tourists from around the world. Besides tourists, international students may find this Nordic nation an appealing place to pursue higher education. Here are several scholarships and funding opportunities to consider when planning your studies in Iceland.
Top Scholarships in Iceland for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Provider | Eligible Applicants | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| New Student Scholarship and RU Presidential List at Reykjavik University | Reykjavik University | Incoming undergraduate students; enrolled RU students who meet the Presidential List requirements | First-semester tuition waiver for the New Student Scholarship; next-semester tuition waiver for Presidential List recipients |
| University of Iceland: The Watanabe Trust Fund | University of Iceland | Undergraduate and graduate students applying for eligible study-abroad periods between Iceland and Japan | 200,000 ISK per month for stays in Iceland or 150,000 JPY per month for stays in Japan, for up to nine months; an additional travel grant may be available |
1. New Student Grant and HR Presidential List at Reykjavik University
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: First-semester tuition fees for the New Student Scholarship; next-semester tuition fees for RU Presidential List recipients
- Eligible Applicants: Incoming undergraduate students for the New Student Scholarship; enrolled RU students who meet the Presidential List requirements
Reykjavik University attracts academically strong applicants through its New Student Scholarship, one of the funding opportunities available to incoming undergraduate students. The university selects recipients based on exceptional academic performance in secondary school. The award covers tuition fees for the first semester, and no separate scholarship application is required.
Additionally, the university offers the RU Presidential List tuition waiver for students who achieve outstanding academic results during their studies. To qualify, students must complete at least 30 ECTS credits during the semester. Only results from first-time examinations count toward the award; retake results are excluded. Eligible recipients receive a tuition waiver for the following semester.
Meanwhile, Bachelor of Science in Sports Science students may be eligible for athletic scholarships. Reykjavik University may grant up to three scholarships to elite athletes, covering tuition fees for up to six semesters.
2. University of Iceland: The Watanabe Trust Fund
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: 200,000 ISK per month for stays in Iceland or 150,000 JPY per month for stays in Japan, for up to nine months; students staying for more than one month may also apply for a travel grant of up to 200,000 ISK
- Eligible Degree/s: Undergraduate and graduate study-abroad periods
- Deadline: February 1 each year
In 2008, the University of Iceland received a US$3 million endowment gift from Mr. Toshizo Watanabe. The Watanabe Trust Fund promotes academic ties between Iceland and Japan. An additional US$2 million endowment was provided in 2018.
The fund supports eligible study-abroad periods between Iceland and Japan. Students from Japan may apply for support while studying at the University of Iceland, while University of Iceland students may apply for support while studying at a Japanese university. The fund also provides separate support opportunities for postdoctoral researchers and university staff.
Student grants may cover subsistence costs for up to nine months. The monthly amount is 200,000 ISK for a stay in Iceland or 150,000 JPY for a stay in Japan. Students staying for more than one month may also apply for a travel grant of up to 200,000 ISK. The fund does not cover tuition fees or other costs.
We hope that this article on scholarships and funding opportunities for international students interested in Iceland was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
