Student Visas and Study in Iceland in Iceland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Iceland welcomes international students at its universities and higher education institutions. Non-EEA students need a student residence permit issued by the Directorate of Immigration.
To qualify, you must have been accepted into a full-time study programme at an Icelandic university (University of Iceland, University of Akureyri, Reykjavik University, etc.). Public universities charge a registration fee of approximately ISK 75,000 (about 500 euros) per year — there are no tuition fees at public institutions. Private universities charge tuition ranging from ISK 500,000 to ISK 1,500,000 per year.
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses — the Directorate of Immigration requires proof of at least ISK 178,701 per month (approximately 1,200 euros, 2024 rates). This can be shown through a bank guarantee, scholarship letter, or sponsor declaration.
Student permit holders may work up to 15 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during summer breaks (June–August). The residence permit is issued for one year at a time, renewable for the duration of your studies. The application fee is ISK 15,000.
After completing your degree, you can apply for a 6-month residence permit to search for employment in Iceland. If you find a job matching your qualifications, you can switch to a work-based residence permit without leaving the country.
When does it apply?
- You have been accepted into a full-time programme at an Icelandic university or higher education institution.
- You are a non-EEA national planning to study in Iceland for more than 90 days.
- You are an exchange student coming to Iceland for one or two semesters.
- You have completed your studies in Iceland and want to find employment.
What to Do If You Are Accepted to an Icelandic University and Need a Student Visa
- Apply directly to the university — application deadlines are typically February 1 for the autumn semester.
- Apply for a student residence permit through the Directorate of Immigration's online portal after receiving your acceptance letter.
- Show proof of funds — ISK 178,701/month (approximately ISK 2,144,412 for one year) in a bank account or through a scholarship.
- Arrange health insurance — you become eligible for Icelandic national health insurance after 6 months of residence. Until then, you need private insurance.
- After graduation, apply for the 6-month job-search permit before your student permit expires.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not exceed 15 hours of work per week during term — violating this condition can lead to permit revocation.
- Do not drop out without informing the Directorate of Immigration — your residence permit is conditional on active enrollment.
- Do not arrive without health insurance — the first 6 months are not covered by the national system.
- Do not wait until after your permit expires to apply for the post-graduation job-search permit.
Common Questions
When does it apply — student visas and study in iceland?
You have been accepted into a full-time programme at an Icelandic university or higher education institution.You are a non-EEA national planning to study in Iceland for more than 90 days.You are an exchange student coming to Iceland for one or two semesters.You have completed your studies in Iceland and want to find employment.
What should I do to get a student residence permit and start studying in Iceland as a non-EEA national?
Apply directly to the university — application deadlines are typically February 1 for the autumn semester.Apply for a student residence permit through the Directorate of Immigration's online portal after receiving your acceptance letter.Show proof of funds — ISK 178,701/month (approximately ISK 2,144,412 for one year) in a bank account or through a scholarship.Arrange health insurance — you become eligible for Icelandic national health insurance after 6 months of residence. Until then, you need private insurance.After graduation, apply for the 6-month job-search permit before your student perm...
What should you NOT do — student visas and study in iceland?
Do not exceed 15 hours of work per week during term — violating this condition can lead to permit revocation.Do not drop out without informing the Directorate of Immigration — your residence permit is conditional on active enrollment.Do not arrive without health insurance — the first 6 months are not covered by the national system.Do not wait until after your permit expires to apply for the post-graduation job-search permit.
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