There are many study abroad destinations in Europe that are not very popular. These countries, however, offer comprehensive study programs for international students at low cost. One such European country is Iceland, located under the Arctic Circle. Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice relating to its natural features. This is basically a volcanic region; in addition, the country is all surrounded by huge glaciers. The surroundings enjoy a moderate climate. The country receives an average temperature of about 0C (32F). There is hardly any daylight in winter.
Study Abroad In Iceland Updated of Covid for Students 2021
It depends on suitation but Online teaching will form the foundation of the 2021 spring semester,
Iceland Universities for International Students 2021
There are seven universities in Iceland. Most of these universities are public, run by the state law. However, there are private higher education institutes which also follow the state policies. Nearly 18,000 students are enrolled at various Iceland universities, of which 5% are international students. According to international ranking, The University of Iceland is ranked 251 while Reykjavik ranked 350.
Tuition Fees in Iceland for Students 2021
There is no tuition fee at public universities. However, private higher educational institutions in Iceland charge the tuition fee which is different in different institutes. All students both in private or public have to pay an annual registration or administration fee. Every detail is available at the institute’s official website.
Intakes
International students choose Iceland to complete their undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree programs. M any students study in Iceland on exchange programs also. The academic year runs from September to May. The academic year is, thus, divided into two semesters; spring and autumn. Generally, the autumn semester begins in September and ends in December, while the spring semester begins in January and ends in May.
Latest Scholarships by Iceland for Students 2021
Iceland also offers scholarships to eligible students. The scholarships are basically offered by the individual institution. However, The Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture awards a number of scholarships to foreign students annually. These scholarships are offered in the study of the Icelandic language, literature and history at the University of Iceland, Reykjavík.
Study Programs in Iceland for International Students
Students are evaluated via written, oral or practical examinations. The semester assessments and assignments carried out throughout the whole course of study. Study credits are calculated according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).One year of full-time study completes 60 credits whereas one semester’s full-time study comprises 30 credits.
The degree programs in Iceland include, Bachelor degrees (B.A., B.S. and B.Ed.)
Bachelor’s degree program is a three to four years of course completing 180-240 credits. Bachelor degrees do not complete a professional study certification, except for nursing (B.S.) and schoolteachers (B.Ed.). Candidatus degrees (kandidatsgráða) are a four to six-year program for students belonging to a special office or profession.
Masters degrees (M.A., M.S. – meistaragráða) program is a two-year study of postgraduate courses. A major thesis or research project is mandatory to complete the course. Doctorate degrees (PhD- doktorsgráða) are awarded to those students who have successfully completed a doctorate program and defended a doctoral thesis. Admission requirements are different according to the institutions and program. The applicants have to apply directly to the university.
Residence Permit
International students have to acquire Residence permits to live in Iceland while the study abroad period. This permit is issued to students older than 18 years who intend to study at a university level. The Residence permits are granted for six months, or for one semester at a time. However, the duration of Residence Permit for doctorate students is one year. The students must renew the Residence permit timely to spend a secured study abroad period in Iceland
Accommodation
International students attending the Iceland Universities apply at the Icelandic Student Services (Félagsstofnun students) for their housing. The Service operates student apartments or flats and allocates proper residence to the students. The student flats are planned for individuals and families. Students who for any reason couldn’t access this to campus residence facility can find accommodation through the rental market.
Health Insurance
Every student needs health insurance. Non-EU citizens should have health insurance before they arrive in Iceland. Non-EU students are allowed to avail the Health insurance from his/her home country or he/she can purchase health insurance from Iceland health insurance agencies
Work after Study
- Students are allowed to work during their study program but for restricted hours. The full-time work percentile of san international non-EU student should not exceed 40%
- However there are exceptions during school vacations or in vocational training
- To get the work permit international students should possess a valid student residence permit.
Living in Iceland
Living cost in Iceland is higher than in other countries in Europe. It is 40% more expensive than in Germany. About 350 to 400 Euros/month excluding food is required to spend an average life in Iceland. The international airport in Iceland is located at Keflavik, 45-minute distance from the capital, Reykjavík. Transport is easily available, as buses to the centre of town. Mouthwatering food like skyr and pylsur are very popular.
Student’s Life
Iceland Universities celebrate “International Days” to honour international students. Through such events, international students present the culture of their home country. The International student network organizes events and activities for fellow students. Moreover, the higher education institutes offer concerts and workshops etc. There are many recreational activities including sports. The campus includes a Gym, canteen and other entertainment zones at the campus.
Iceland Health Care Insurance for Students
Iceland is the land of Fire and Ice. It is very stable and developed country. It has a good standard of education. Many international students prefer to study in Iceland. And to apply the student visa of Iceland the most important requirement is you must have the Health insurance. Iceland offer both Public and private Health insurance for students. It is up to you which you want.
Why International Students Study in Iceland
The Scenic Landscape
The 103,000 square kilometres of the country is composed of unique sandy beaches with sparkling ashy sand, high rising cliffs, lush white glaciers, wild gorges, streaming waterfalls, smouldering volcanoes, geothermal experiences, and fjords. It is a hot favourite tourist destination listed in the authorized resources including National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine, Discovery portal and Lonely Planet. It is, in fact, known as “the land of fire and ice” because of the erupting volcanoes and chilling icicles. Unlike the name of the country, the climate in Iceland is pretty moderate; however, one can enjoy the variations in daylight hours. During the middle of summer, students will experience continuous daylight,however, there is no daylight at all in the mid-winter.Iceland Higher Education Growth
The other most crucial feature to visit Iceland is to study degree courses in this European nation. Studying in Iceland is nothing novel for international students. As a matter of fact, around five per cent of students, studying in Iceland belong to international zones. However, the number of higher education institutes is not very high. A few universities reside in this small country, but, all of them welcome international students to get admission in an array of disciplines taught there. This in turns helps the Iceland education system to expand its academic horizon both in curriculum and premises. In total there are about seven universities in Iceland, three of them are private and four are public. The University of Iceland and Reykjavík University, are the largest one. These universities, however, render the most up to date syllabus with all contemporary and techno integrations. Most of these universities are located in the capital city and provide every facility to their international student at an affordable cost.English Taught Courses
Fortunately, to cater a swarm of international students who are visiting Iceland to study abroad, many courses are now being taught in English in Iceland higher education institutes. These English taught courses are particularly beneficial for students arriving from developing countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh where English is the only foreign language taught and understood as a medium of instruction.Iceland’s educational system enjoys high ranking among the other known European destinations. According to a valid yet recent survey affiliated with the Program for International Student Assessment ranking, Iceland is regarded as the 16th best country housing the international students responsibly.Liberal Lifestyle
One reason to choose Iceland as a destination to study abroad is its freedom. The population residing in Iceland is very much liberal and believes in gender equality, sexual and religious tolerance, and individual integrity. In fact, Iceland took the 4th place status in the Social Progress Index 2015. The other toppers include Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. The administration in Iceland supports and secures personal rights, preferences and freedom for both locals and foreigners. Moreover, access to higher education is parallel for both national and international studentsTuition Free Studies and Scholarship Offers 2021
The major reason to choose Iceland as an international study destination is the tuition-free study programs at public universities. This affordable study program can let a foreign student survive in the European destination at low cost. There are many Scholarship and funds available for international students. Moreover, students are allowed to do some part-time job while studying.Wide Range of Available Courses
Iceland is a destination where both Science and Arts courses are available at every level. The schools of Science and Engineering possess a high-ranked academic foundation and deliver hands-on learning and training. These schools also offer research opportunities to their students. In fact, renewable energy, biomedical engineering, construction materials studies and, project management are widely chosen subjects by international students. The Iceland Academy of the Arts is highly acclaimed which offers miscellaneous functional degree programs in fine arts, music, design and architecture, theatre and dance, and similar disciplines. Iceland is also popular for Film-making courses. As a matter of fact, the country is home to the popular Icelandic Film School. Watch the blockbuster Star Wars- The Force Awakens: creativity that budded from the Iceland Film School. Iceland medical schools also offer comprehensive courses not only in medicine but also in relevant courses like physiotherapy or sports medicine.Continental lifestyle Experience
The country is a bit expensive, yet one can still survive in low budget. The basic facilities like food, transport and health are available at nominal prices and there are many after study prospects for graduates who want to reside permanently in Iceland. One can enjoy the European lifestyle in this picturesque destination while completing his/her study course- Undergraduate Study program
- Graduate Study Program
- Doctoral Program
Intakes in Undergraduate programs of Iceland Universities 2021
The academic year for Bachelor’s program normally begins in July and is divided into two semesters (terms):- Autumn semester from August to December
- Spring semester from January to May.
Admission Requirements for Bachelor’s Program in Iceland Universiteis 2021 for Students
To get admission in an undergraduate program, the requirements are a bit different from other countries.For admission in an undergraduate program, students require at least 14 years of education. Students have to provide their higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC), Intermediate Certificate / Diploma of Faculty of Arts or Science (FA/FSc) / Certificate of Intermediate in Commerce after the completion of 12 years of studies.Since 2005, the Iceland ministry of education added one year of studies for non-European students after the intermediate level to get admission in undergraduate program at Iceland universities.Moreover, students have to provide an equivalency certificate of their education. To get equivalency of FA/FSC/ICS degree, students should contact the university in which he/she is applying.Note that those students who have completed one year of study equal to 60 credits from a recognized university or college have already met the general admission requirements for undergraduate study, regardless of whether they have obtained an Icelandic matriculation examination or an equivalent qualification from a foreign school.Documents required for Undergraduate Admission in Iceland for Students 2021
• Scanned Passport and/or birth certificate scanned copy• Scanned copy of high school or Bachelor’s certificate or diploma• Three Letters of recommendation• All transcripts of previous courses• CV• Language proficiency test scores• Evidence of enough funding or scholarship document• writing samples or in required courses the PortfolioIt is mandatory that all academic transcripts and other required academic documents must be attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). HEC will send the attested document directly to the applied University in a sealed envelope. The envelope is signed and stamped on the back flap by the concerned official.Admission in specific professional subjects like medical sciences, engineering and law requires an additional entry exam. The course catalogues at university’s website provide information regarding such admissions.The deadline for international students to apply for undergraduate and graduate studies in Iceland universities ends generally in February. This deadline is applied for the following academic year.Language Proficiency Requirements:
International students, whose native language is not English, are required to provide proof of English language proficiency. These students should submit their scores of TOEFL, IELTS (Academic) or Cambridge English (CAE or CPE) tests.Moreover, the scores from the English tests must be less than two years old before September in the year the student intends to start his/her study program.Remember, only a few undergraduate programs in Iceland universities are taught in English. The minimum score to get admission is TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6,5.Student Permit
Non-EEA/EFTA citizens like Pakistanis must apply for a student permit at the Directorate of Immigration before arrival. Details about the application procedure are available at the website of the Directorate of ImmigrationStudents have to apply for a residence permit immediately after receiving their acceptance letter from the Iceland higher education institution.After all the admission process is completed by the university, the prospective student has to apply for an Iceland Student visaThe higher academic institutions in Iceland require an average score of 5 across all subjects, or a minimum 5 mark for each subject to pass the course.Master’s Intake in Iceland Universities 2021 for International Students
To get admission in a Master’s program in Iceland, applications are submitted directly to the university. Like a bachelor’s program, application deadlines end around February each year for international students. Masters degrees (M.A, M.S – meistaragráða) are granted after successfully completing two years of postgraduate study. A thesis or research project is a basic requirement to accomplish the Master’s degree program.In research-oriented Masters Programs, students must get an agreement with a supervisor. To pursue the Master’s thesis, the student files a joint application with the supervisor for a specific research project. The project then reaches a review committee for which then allow the international student to enter the research-based Master’s programRequired Documents
For a master’s program admission, the minimum requirement is a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, it could be a Bachelor’s degree of 126 credit hours or a Bachelor’s degree followed by a Master’s degree.- Scanned Passport and/or birth certificate scan
- Scanned copy of high school or Bachelor’s certificate or diploma
- Three Letters of recommendation
- All transcripts of previous courses
- CV
- Language proficiency test scores
- Evidence of enough funding or scholarship document
PhD Intakes in Iceland Universities 2021 for Students
Iceland welcomes international students to enroll in the doctoral program presently 30% of University of Iceland PhD students are foreign nationals, from 39 countries For PhD, you will need to contact the intended university through their international student’s department.A doctoral program requires 180-240 credits (ECTS) at the conclusion of a Master’s program. The full-time studies period for a doctoral program is usually 3-4 years. On average the maximum time for concluding a doctoral degree could take 5-6 years.Along with the Master’s degree, the other documents requirement is almost the same as for a Bachelor’s or Master’s admission. You can visit a reliable study abroad consultant to get full details regarding PhD programs in IcelandTo seek admission in a PhD program, the student should submit, a written program plan on behalf of the applied University. The plan should state the financing and progress of the doctoral program with provisions of publication rights, academic facilities and other requirements (ECTS), published writings, teaching jobs, finance issues and the completion of the planned programA doctoral student shall submit an annual program progress report confirmed by the supervisor to the university.Why International Students Choose Iceland
The major reason why a flock of international students choose this study abroad destination to complete their degree is the tuition-free study programs offered by the Icelandic Universities. This offer helps international students to complete their education in a known European country right in their budget.There are however many myths associated with this tuition-free study program in Iceland as, generally, students thought that all the study stay and other expenses are available in no cost. This consideration is absolutely wrong as besides the tuition fee there are many expenses which a student has to bear while completing his degree in Iceland.These expenses, in fact, are divided into two major categories.- The living expenses
- The study expenses
Study Cost in Iceland
Application Fees for Students
To apply in a study program at an Icelandic University, a Non-EU student like from Pakistan has to submit an online application form in the desired subject and at the desired university. Universities in Iceland normally, demands an application fee for processing your application. For example, students who are applying for studies at the University of Iceland have to pay a fee of 8,000 ISK for the handling and processing of their applications. The fee is taken as part of the online application process. Students can pay this fee via credit card only (mostly VISA or MasterCard). Remember that this handling and processing fee is Non- refundable.Visa Fees
To study in Iceland an international student requires the Iceland student visa. There is a set visa fee for every foreign country which a visitor has to pay. In the case of Iceland student visa, the prospective student has to pay a sum of 60 Euros at the embassy of Denmark in Pakistan. There is no separate embassy for Iceland in Pakistan; therefore, the entire visa processing for Iceland is done at Denmark embassy.Language Learning Costs
To get admission in a study course at Iceland University, some language proficiency is mandatory. Most graduate programs in Iceland higher education institutes are offered in the Icelandic language, therefore the student has to show his/her language proficiency certificate with the application. To learn the language the student has to take some course of the language. This course itself cost a good amount plus there will be a language proficiency test for a foreign student that renders certificate as a language proficiency proof. This Iceland language test has its own fees around 30,000 Rupees which is submitted prior to the test date. Moreover, students generally take admission in English taught programs. Similarly, these English taught programs require English proficiency test scores for admission. This include IELTS, TOEFL etc .The language preparation course for IELTS or TOEFL costs around 25 thousand rupees while the test itself cost around 30 thousand rupeesThe Tuition Fees
Study costs in Iceland will also depend on factors like the type of university you are choosing to study, the course you are taking and your EU or non-EU status. Although the public universities in Iceland are tuition-free, private universities charge a good amount as tuition fees. The figures are however much lower as compared to other European institutions.The popular private institutions include Bifröst University, Iceland Academy of the Arts, and Reykjavik University where the tuition fees range from ISK 550,000 – ISK 2,000,000 per yearRegistration Fees
Though the public universities do not charge anything for tuition, still, they demand an annual registration fee of ISK 75,000 from both national and international studentsLatest Scholarships and Financial Grants 2021
Besides the no tuition fee options, students can also take advantage from various scholarships and grants available for foreign students. Although Reykjavik University and the University of Iceland are the only institutes offering scholarships and financial grants to international students. In addition, The Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture offer scholarships to those international students who are interested in the study of Icelandic as a second language. Research students can also benefit from such offers as PhD or masters students can apply to the Icelandic Research Fund (IRF) and the Icelandic Student Innovation Fund (ISIF) after their research projects are approved after a presented proposal. Erasmus Masters funding, however, is only available for international students from the EU.Thus a lot of more hidden expenses are there for foreign students which they have to bear during their studies but fortunately, these students can work part-time few hours during their studies and can afford these costs comfortably.Study In Iceland Questions
What is the General undergrad/postgrad admission requirements for study abroad in Iceland?
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
| FA/Fsc or A levels certificate | FA/Fsc or A levels certificate |
| English language proficiency. | Undergraduate degree for admission in graduation and Graduate degree in an appropriate subject for post graduate admission |
| Photocopy of your passport or id card | English language proficiency |
| Proof that you can pay all of your expenses while studying | Statement of purpose |
| — | references |
| — | Photocopy of your passport or id card Proof that you can pay all of your expenses while studying |
What are the general visa requirements for Iceland study visa?
Iceland student visa application form.
1 photograph.
Valid passport.
Photocopy of CNIC.
Travel health insurance.
Admission confirmation letter.
Detailed statement of purpose.
Accommodation confirmation in Iceland.
Birth certificate.
Family certificate.
English language proficiency certificate.
NOC
Complete educational record.
Visa application fee receipt.
Resident permit application fee receipt.
What are the scholarships available in Iceland for international students?
Icelandic ministry of education science and culture award annually a number of scholarships. In between 2019 to 2020 there are almost 15 scholarships available for the students.
What is major medium of instruction for courses in Iceland?
In Iceland as an international student IELTS or TOFFEL is mandatory if your first language is not English.
How costly is study in Iceland?
Fees of higher education lies between 4500 to 8000 pounds.
Is IELTS mandatory?
Yes, for international student IELTS or TOFFEL is mandatory if your first language is not English.
What are typical accommodation options while studying in Iceland?
Following are the types of accommodation options available in Iceland:
Campus Dormitories
Student flats.
Homestays
Private Housing
One-Room Apartment
Can a student work during study abroad in Iceland?
Yes, a student is allowed to work during his studies. But there are some limitations, an international students can work 20hours/week.
What are career prospects after study completion in Iceland?
After completion of your degree a wide range of career prospects arise in the professional fields such as:
International companies all over the world accept an Iceland University graduate
Engineering
IT related jobs
Investment Banking
Research and Professorships
Can an International student get a permanent PR in Iceland after completion of higher studies?
Yes, after higher education an international student can apply for the permanent PR. For that You have to give application to the embassy of Iceland.
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