Iceland

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Iceland offers an extraordinary exchange experience, combining high-quality higher education with one of the most stunning natural environments in Europe: dramatic landscapes, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and stunning waterfalls. Reykjavik, the capital, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, lively nightlife, and a strong sense of community among its residents and students. While the cost of living can be high, the quality of education and the opportunity to experience Iceland's extraordinary natural wonders make it a worthwhile choice. The country’s compact size allows for easy travel. Studying in Iceland offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and academic excellence in a truly remarkable setting.

Return to Exchange destinations in Europe instruction.  

You can find comprehensive instructions for going on exchange under the Study Abroad theme. 

NOTE: To see destinations you can apply to, sign in or choose your own degree programme from above. This way you will see your own Faculty's / degree programme's exchange destinations as well as the uni-wide destinations you can apply to. If you don't see any destinations below, it means there are no suitable destinations in this country for your degree programme.  If you wish to study subjects in another study field, choose the relevant degree programme from above. 

Háskóli Íslands (university-level)
Háskólinn í Reykjavík (university-level)
Háskólinn Á Akureyri (university-level)

Háskóli Íslands (university-level)

Erasmus code: IS REYKJAV01

General description

Háskóli Íslands (University of Iceland) is the largest and most multidisciplinary university in Iceland. It's situated in the capital city Reykjavik.

Who can apply?

  • Students of all faculties
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s students
  • Students with English skills at least on level B2 

Restrictions

  • Course selection must total 30 ECTS credits per semester, where at least 60% of courses are within the students’ major at the home university
  • Admission to the Earth Science programme is restricted to students that meet prerequisites of at least one year of geology or geophysics study.
  • The faculties of Medicine, Psychology, Nursing and Pharmaceutical Sciences are not open with this agreement. MBA is closed.
  • The faculties of Law and Economics do not accept undergraduate students.
  • Courses in the English Language Programme are only available to exchange students majoring in English at their home university or students who are very proficient in English (except the course “English for Practical Purposes”).
  • Courses taught in Icelandic are generally not open to exchange students, except for Nordic students and students who are fluent in Icelandic and can speak, write and understand Icelandic.

What can you study here? 

  • School of Social Sciences
  • School of Health Sciences: Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition and Faculty of Odontology (restricted amount of courses in English available)
  • School of Humanities
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering and Natural Sciences
  • Interdisciplinary postgraduate studies (ask in advance)
  • Aurora Courses at UI and Other Universities: courses are related to social entrepreneurship and sustainable development

Terms 

  • Autumn semester: August – December
  • Spring semester: January – May

Other important matters

  • If you are interested in an exchange during the Spring term, apply already in the February application round.
  • Icelandic society runs with cars because of the distances, and many local students have their own car.

Exchange opportunities available  

4 students for a term or 2 students for an academic year. 

Háskólinn í Reykjavík (university-level)

Erasmus code: IS REYKJAV05

General description  

Reykjavik University is a modern, dynamic university focused on high-quality education, cutting-edge research, and strong connections with industry. Guided by principles of ethics, sustainability, and responsibility, RU offers a range of innovative programs in technology and social sciences at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. With a vibrant, sustainable campus and a student-centered learning environment, the university fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, real-world problem solving, and international engagement. RU is widely recognized for its research impact and its close partnership with the business community, ensuring that students gain relevant skills for a rapidly changing world. 

Who can apply? 

  • Students of all faculties
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s students
  • Students with English skills at least on level B2 

Restrictions 

  • Exchange students cannot take courses offered by Iceland School of Energy, MBA, MPM and Clinical psychology.
  • Students are only accepted for thesis work if pre-arranged with a Professor.

What can you study here? 

  • Department of Business – (BSc & MSc): BA: Business administration and economics. MA: Required 180 ECTS in Business, Economics or related fields to take MSc Business courses. Study lines: Tourism & Hospitality Management, Innovation Management, Information Management, Business Management, Corporate Finance, Human Resource Management & Organizational Management, Marketing.
  • Department of Computer Science – (BSc & MSc): BSc students who have completed 120 ECTS can take MSc courses.
  • Department of Engineering – (BSc & MSc) : BSc: mixed lines
  • Department of Law – (ML only) Students in their 3rd year of a BSc in Law can take ML courses in the School of Law.
  • Department of Sports Science (BSc only)
  • Department of Psychology – BSc (Fall only)
  • Students must take 70% of their courses in the department they are nominated to (1-2 electives from another department). Exceptions can be made for students studying in programmes that combine two departments. However, this can cause timetabling issues.
  • MSc Business: Due to capacity issues, only MSc Business nominated students, who have completed 180 ECTS in Business Administration, Economics or related subjects, can take masters business courses.
  • To increase the options of courses available, the School of Computer Science now allows 3rd year BSc students (completed 120 ECTS) to take MSc-level courses.

Terms 

  • Autumn semester: August – December
  • Spring semester: January – May

Other important matters 

Full work-load is 30 ECTS, minimum 18 ECT and maximum 36 ECTS.

Exchange opportunities available  

4 students for a term or 2 students for an academic year. 

 

Háskólinn Á Akureyri (university-level)

Erasmus code: IS AKUREYR01

General description

The University of Akureyri, founded in 1987, began modestly with just two faculties, Health Sciences and Industrial Management, and only 31 students learning in a local sports arena. Over the decades, it has grown steadily, expanding its academic offerings to include social sciences, media studies, law, computer science, business administration, and more. In 2018, UNAK achieved a major milestone by gaining the right to offer doctoral programs, becoming a full-fledged university. With its two core campus buildings and strong engagement in regional and Arctic research, UNAK bridges local education needs with global relevance.  

Who can apply? 

  • Students of all faculties
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s students
  • Students with English skills at least on level B2 

Restrictions 

  • Restricted areas of study: Nursing and occupational therapy.
  • Courses taught in Icelandic are generally not open to exchange students, (except Nordic students and students who are fluent in Icelandic and can speak, write and understand Icelandic).

What can you study here? 

  • In the School of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as the School of Business and Science, a certain number of courses are offered in English. The courses offered each semester may vary but they are in the fields of media, law, education, psychology, social sciences, business and fisheries science.
  • Special offer for exchange students: New Master's Programme in Polar Law. Subject areas include: international law, including the law of the sea and environmental law; the laws of and the laws protecting Indigenous Peoples and other residents of the Arctic; Arctic human development; governance (international, national, local, and Indigenous); and economies, industries, and business in polar regions.
  • The International Office offers three preparation courses in Icelandic language specially designed for international exchange students.

Terms

  • Autumn semester: July – mid-December
  • Spring semester: January – May

Exchange opportunities available

8 students for a term or 4 students for an academic year. Possibility to send more.