Iceland is home to several higher education institutions that offer affordable yet excellent education. Given the country’s picturesque landscape, it comes as no surprise that students from around the world consider studying in Iceland. If you are one of these aspiring students, review this list of free universities in Iceland for international applicants.
Iceland has seven universities. Public universities generally do not charge tuition, but they charge annual registration or administration fees. Fee amounts vary by institution. Now, let’s take a look at these free universities in Iceland for international students.
Affordable and Free Schools in Iceland for International Students
1. University of Iceland
Founded in 1911, the University of Iceland is the country’s oldest and largest institution of higher education. It is a state university based in Reykjavik.
The university is organized into five schools: Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities, Education, and Engineering and Natural Sciences.
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University of Iceland is ranked 501–600 globally. Applicants should review the university’s official fees page before applying because fee rules may depend on the year in which they begin their studies and their residency status.
2. University of Akureyri
- Admissions | Fees
- Fees: no tuition fees; annual registration fee: ISK 100,000
Based in northeastern Iceland, the University of Akureyri offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Most undergraduate programs are mainly taught in Icelandic, while selected graduate programs are available in English.
The university offers undergraduate programs in fields such as business administration, nursing, occupational therapy, education, law, psychology, and social sciences. Its graduate-level options include programs in fields such as natural resource sciences, education, law, Polar Law, psychology, and research-based studies. Applicants should review the official program page to confirm the current language of instruction and availability of each degree.
3. Agricultural University of Iceland
The Agricultural University of Iceland is a public university and a member of the NOVA University Network. It focuses on agriculture, natural resources, planning, the environment, and climate.
The university offers specialized programs related to agriculture and environmental sciences.
At the graduate level, its programs include options such as planning and restoration ecology.
4. Hólar University College
- Admissions | Fees
- Fees: annual registration fee: ISK 75,000; application fee: ISK 8,000
Next on our list of affordable universities in Iceland is Hólar University. It is a public university at a historic seat of learning in northern Iceland.
Hólar University offers undergraduate and graduate education in three disciplines: aquaculture and fish biology, equine studies, and tourism studies.
Its teaching and research also cover areas such as aquatic ecology, equine science, riding and riding instruction, tourism, events, and hospitality management.
5. Bifröst University
Founded in 1918 out of the cooperative movement, Bifröst University is a private institution that achieved university status in 1988. It specializes in law, politics, business, and management and also offers foundation-level courses.
FAQS About Studying in Iceland
What Are the General Requirements to Study in Iceland?
Admission requirements vary by university and program. Applicants to bachelor’s programs generally need an upper-secondary qualification equivalent to the Icelandic matriculation examination. Graduate applicants generally need a relevant bachelor’s degree or comparable prior university studies. Some programs have additional requirements, so applicants should check the university’s official admissions page.
Do Universities in Iceland Offer English-taught Programs?
Yes. Some Icelandic universities offer programs or courses taught in English, but availability varies by university, degree level, and program. Applicants should review the language of instruction and entry requirements on the official program page before applying.
We hope that this article on free universities in Iceland was helpful. If you are interested in finding more information like this, check out the Programs in Europe for International Students!
