Iceland, a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, is famous for its extraordinary natural features, including volcanoes and glaciers. The country has seven universities, and international students can find a selection of English-taught study options, particularly at the graduate level.
Now, if you want to study in Iceland, you should know that Icelandic is the country’s official language. English is also widely spoken, and Icelandic universities offer selected courses and programs in English. Depending on your chosen program and educational background, you may need to provide proof of proficiency in English or Icelandic. To help you prepare, this article explains the language tests that international students may need when applying to universities in Iceland.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Iceland
Icelandic remains the principal language of instruction at many universities in Iceland, although English-taught options are available, especially for graduate and exchange students. Language requirements therefore depend on the institution, program, and language of instruction.
Icelandic Language Tests for International Students
Rather than using one Icelandic-language test for admission to every university, Icelandic institutions set program-specific proficiency requirements. Some Icelandic-taught undergraduate programs require applicants educated abroad to pass an entrance examination at a specified Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level. Other programs may have their own language prerequisites or entrance tests.
For example, at the University of Iceland, faculties may require applicants with qualifications from schools abroad to pass a special B2-level Icelandic entrance examination before entering an undergraduate program taught in Icelandic. Applicants to the BA in Icelandic as a Second Language or the Academic Icelandic diploma must instead pass a separate entrance examination demonstrating approximately A2+ proficiency. Depending on the applicant category, this examination may be administered online or at an approved testing location. The university lists Icelandic Online 1 and 2 among the resources students can use to prepare. The University of Akureyri also requires an Icelandic entrance examination for certain programs designed for students learning Icelandic as a second language. Applicants should always consult the official page for their chosen program.
English Language Tests for International Students
Applicants to English-taught programs may need to prove their English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption. Universities in Iceland commonly accept tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic, but the accepted tests and minimum scores vary by institution and program.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
IELTS is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests. It is recognized by more than 12,500 organizations and is available in 140 countries. Icelandic universities commonly list IELTS Academic as an accepted way to demonstrate English proficiency. The test assesses Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Test takers receive a band score from 0 to 9 for each section and an overall score calculated from the four section scores.
IELTS requirements in Iceland are program-specific rather than uniform. The University of Iceland, the country’s largest university, lists an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 for its international undergraduate programs, except for the English BA, which requires 7.0. Many of its graduate programs also require 6.5, while certain graduate programs in the School of Humanities require higher scores, including 7.5 for specified English-related master’s programs. The University of Akureyri accepts IELTS Academic, with several current program pages listing a minimum of 6.5 and its doctoral application guidelines listing 7.0. Applicants should verify the exact requirement on the official page for their chosen program.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
Used by universities for more than 60 years, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is accepted by more than 13,000 institutions across more than 160 countries. The TOEFL iBT assesses Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing in academic and everyday contexts. It can be taken at an authorized test center or as the TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
Since January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT score reports have used a scale of 1 to 6, in half-point increments, for the four sections and the overall score. During a two-year transition period, score reports also include a comparable overall score on the former 0-to-120 TOEFL scale. Icelandic universities may therefore continue to display their requirements using the older scale while updating their admissions information. For example, Reykjavík University currently lists a TOEFL iBT score of 91 for postgraduate admission and a score of 91 iBT or 577 PBT for undergraduate admission. The PBT figure relates to the older paper-based scoring system, so new test takers should focus on TOEFL iBT and confirm how the university applies the new 1-to-6 score report.
3. Pearson Test of English: (PTE) Academic
PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic is accepted by several Icelandic universities, including the University of Iceland and the University of Akureyri. Applicants should check the requirements for their specific program because acceptance policies, test formats, and minimum scores may differ.
PTE Academic is a computer-based test that assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Overall and individual communicative-skills scores range from 10 to 90, with 90 being the highest possible score. The University of Iceland currently lists a minimum PTE Academic score of 58 for most international undergraduate programs and several graduate programs. It lists 65 for the English BA and scores of 60 or 76 for certain graduate programs. Several current University of Akureyri program pages list a minimum PTE Academic score of 58.
English-taught study options are available at universities in Iceland, particularly at the graduate level. However, not every program is taught in English, and accepted tests and minimum scores vary. Prospective students should use the official admissions and program pages to confirm the language of instruction, accepted evidence of proficiency, score requirements, exemptions, and test-validity rules before applying.
We hope this article has helped you prepare for the language tests you may need as an international student in Iceland. If you are interested, check out the available courses for international students!
