Iceland is home to several higher educational institutions that promise cheap yet excellent education. Given the country’s picturesque landscape, it comes as no surprise that more and more students are setting their sights on Iceland. If you are one of these aspiring enrollees, then make sure to pick from this list of the cheap universities in Iceland for foreign applicants.

What Are the General Requirements to Study in Iceland?

If you wish to take a bachelor’s degree in Iceland, you need to have a high school diploma/matriculation exam or equivalent. Depending on the university or the course, you may be asked to submit additional documents, take an entrance exam, or participate in an interview.

As for a master’s degree, the primary requirement is to have a bachelor’s degree related to the field. As with undergraduate entrants, graduate students may be asked to submit other documentary requirements as well.

Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students

Do Universities in Iceland Offer English-taught Programs?

Yes. Although programs are taught in Icelandic, there are some universities that come with English instruction, which is the case at Reykjavik University. At the University of Iceland, graduate degrees – as well as some bachelor’s programs – are also taught in English.

Affordable Universities in Iceland for International Students

1. University of Iceland

Founded in 1911, the University of Iceland is the country’s oldest and largest institute of higher education. Previously a servants’ school, the Reykjavik-based university is now home to more than 8,500 students – 12% of which come from various nations across the globe.

The university is categorized into 5 schools, with each overseeing a total of 25 faculties. These are the Schools of Social Science, Health Science, Humanities, Education, and Engineering & Natural Science.

The University of Iceland is ranked as the 2nd best institution in the country after Reykjavik University. With a tuition fee of around $600 a year, the University of Iceland is the cheapest university in Iceland for international students.

2. University of Akureyri

Based in northeastern Iceland, the University of Akureyri is known as the largest provider of distance education in the region. Founded in 1987, it works in conjunction with various universities to deliver certain programs.

At the University of Akureyri, foreign students may choose from a variety of bachelor’s programs in the Social Sciences, Education, Law, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Business Administration, and Natural Resource Science. It also offers graduate degrees in law, education, and natural resource studies.

3. Agricultural University of Iceland

The Agricultural University of Iceland, another cheap university in Iceland, is a NOVA-network-affiliated public university. It is one of Iceland’s youngest institutions, having been only opened in the year 2005.

Despite being new to the scene, AUI specializes in fields that most universities do not have. These include undergraduate studies in agriculture, equine science, natural & environmental science, forest science, and landscape architecture.

AUI offers master’s degrees in planning and environmental changes as well.

4. Hólar University College

Next on our list of affordable universities in Iceland is Hólar University College. It is one of the oldest schools in Europe, having been founded as a cathedral school in the year 1106. It was eventually renamed Hólar Agricultural College before it took its current moniker in the year 2007.

Located in a small district in Northern Iceland, the Hólar University College offers 3 paths of learning: aquaculture & fish biology, equine studies, and tourism studies.

The university also conducts research in these unique fields. As of current, it is home to sophisticated centers such as Biodiversity Lab and Aquaculture Lab. It also dabbles in the fields of horse breeding, training, and riding.

5. Iceland University of the Arts

The Iceland University of the Arts is a Reykjavik-based institution that specializes in art-related programs. The private university, which resulted from a merger between the Reykjavik Arts School and Iceland Drama School, first opened its doors in the year 1998.

Here, foreign and local students – with a total enrollment of less than 500 – can specialize in the fields of design, art education, music, fine arts, dance, and theater.

6. Bifröst University

Founded in 1918, Bifröst University in Norðurárdalur started as the Cooperative College business school. Formerly based in Reykjavik, the private institution has evolved into a haven for local and foreign students who wish to study business, economics, politics, or Icelandic language and culture.

This cheap university in Iceland has a small student population, with only about 700 students enrolled in its graduate and undergraduate studies.

7. Reykjavik University

Reykjavik University, one of the cheapest universities in Iceland for international students, holds the distinction of being the largest private university in the country. Founded in 1998, it is home to 2,501 students – 9% of which come from international backgrounds.

Despite being a relatively young institution, Reykjavik University is considered the best school in Iceland. It is also ranked 59th in the list of the best young universities in the world.

The institution is currently organized into the schools of Business, Computer Science, Law, and Science & Engineering.

 

We hope that this article on the cheapest universities in Iceland was helpful. If you are interested in knowing more information like this, check out the Programs in Europe for International Students!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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