Iceland ranked first in the latest available Global Peace Index, the 2025 edition, making it an appealing destination for students seeking a peaceful place to study. The country is known for its striking landscapes and distinctive natural environment. The official Study in Iceland portal lists seven universities. Public universities generally do not charge tuition fees, but students must pay annual registration or administration fees, and costs vary by institution. Let’s look at universities offering computer science in Iceland!
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Iceland
1. Reykjavík University
Established in 1998, Reykjavík University has seven academic departments. Its strategy emphasizes technology, business, and law, and more than 3,500 students study there each year. The university is located at Nauthólsvík in Reykjavík.
The Department of Computer Science offers several undergraduate and graduate programs. Its bachelor’s and master’s programs have received European quality certification from ASIIN/EQANIE. The three-year BSc in Computer Science is a 180 ECTS on-campus program primarily taught in Icelandic. Icelandic proficiency is required, and applications from abroad are not accepted. Some courses are taught in English. Students complete 120 ECTS of compulsory courses and 60 ECTS of electives. In the final semester, students work in groups on a 15-week project and may choose an industry-based or more research-oriented approach. The department also offers a separate BSc in Computer Science with Business Administration as a minor.
The MSc in Computer Science is a two-year, 120 ECTS on-campus program. Students can choose a course-based track, consisting of 90 ECTS of coursework and a 30 ECTS thesis, or a research-based track, consisting of 60 ECTS of coursework and 60 ECTS of research. The department also offers an international Ph.D. program in computer science. Under the current rules, the Ph.D. program comprises 180–240 ECTS and should be completed within four years. The department’s research centers and labs include the Centre for Analysis and Design of Intelligent Agents (CADIA), the Centre for Research on Engineering Software Systems (CRESS), the Reykjavik University Sleep Institute (RUSI), the Language and Voice Laboratory (LVL), the Icelandic Centre of Excellence in Theoretical Computer Science (ICE-TCS), the RU Centre of Financial Technology, and the Frostbyte cybersecurity lab.
2. University of Iceland
The University of Iceland is the country’s oldest and largest university. It is organized into five schools and 26 faculties. The primary language of instruction is Icelandic, although the university offers programs taught in English, mostly at the graduate level. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the university is in the 501–600 band.
The faculty lists a three-year, 180 ECTS BS in Computer Science, a separate 120 ECTS BS option, and a 60 ECTS minor. The undergraduate programs are taught in Icelandic, and fluent Icelandic is required. Students completing the 180 ECTS BS can choose a specialization in general computer science, machine learning, or computational science.
The two-year, 120 ECTS master’s program is taught in Icelandic or English, with most textbooks in English. Students complete 60–90 ECTS of courses and a 30–60 ECTS research project, selecting courses in consultation with an administrative supervisor. The doctoral program is a three-year, 180 ECTS face-to-face program primarily based on independent research culminating in a dissertation. Applicants need an MS degree or equivalent, must find a supervisor, and must have an idea for a research project before applying.
We hope that this article on universities offering computer science in Iceland was helpful. Make sure to check out the Available Computer Science Programs for International Students to learn more about studying computer science abroad.
