Undergraduate (BA degree or non-degree language program)
Acceptance
Approximately 5% - 10%
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary
Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Iceland offers Icelandic Government Scholarship for Foreign Students, a fully funded opportunity designed for international students heading to Iceland. The award covers The scholarship covers the university registration fee and provides a monthly stipend from September to May to cover room and board. and is open to undergraduate (ba degree or non-degree language program) students studying icelandic as a second language. The scholarship runs for one academic year (8-9 months). Eligibility is generally based on international students under 35 who have completed 1-2 years of university study and demonstrate a commitment to learning the Icelandic language. The application deadline is December 1st annually, with an acceptance rate of approximately Approximately 5% - 10%. Applicants are encouraged to review the official eligibility criteria carefully before starting their application.
✨ Should I Apply for Icelandic Government Scholarship for Foreign Students?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
8%
Win Probability
7/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
30-45 hrs
Time Required
Low
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Approximately ISK 160,000 per month
⏳
Duration
One academic year (8-9 months)
📅
Deadline
December 1st annually
🎓
Fields
Icelandic as a Second Language
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 15
🌏
Study Country
Iceland
🏛️
Provider
Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Iceland
📊
Acceptance
Approximately 5% - 10%
The Icelandic Government Scholarships are awarded annually to foreign students for the study of Icelandic as a second language at the University of Iceland. Administered by the Árni Magnússon Institute, the program is designed to foster international interest in Icelandic language and culture.
👥 Who Should Apply
International students under 35 who have completed 1-2 years of university study and demonstrate a commitment to learning the Icelandic language.
🏛️ Host University
University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands)
🤝 Sponsor
The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies
🎓 Fields of Study
Icelandic as a Second Language
✨ Key Benefits
The scholarship covers the university registration fee and provides a monthly stipend from September to May to cover room and board.
🎯 Target Students
International undergraduate students
🏷 Tags
IcelandLanguage StudiesUndergraduateFully FundedInternational Students
📊 Statistics & Competitiveness
Estimated 200-300
Applicants Last Year
15
Winners
Approximately 5% - 10%
Acceptance Rate
Low
Competition Level
Win Probability
8%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes
Living Stipend
Yes
Total Award
Approximately ISK 160,000 per month
✈️ Travel: No🏠 Accommodation: No (Stipend is intended to cover rent and living costs)💊 Health Insurance: No (Student must provide their own insurance coverage)🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes
🏡 Accommodation
No (Stipend is intended to cover rent and living costs)
✈️ Travel Allowance
No
💊 Health Insurance
No (Student must provide their own insurance coverage)
🎁 Other Benefits
Waiver of the annual registration fee at the University of Iceland
🔄 Renewable
No
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Students from specific countries with cultural agreements; must have completed at least one year of university; must be under 35 years old; basic knowledge of Icelandic preferred.
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate (BA degree or non-degree language program)
📊 Minimum GPA
Varies (Competitive academic record required)
🗣️ English Requirement
Basic proficiency required to follow instructions, though the program is taught in Icelandic.
🍢 Age Limit
Under 35 years of age
💼 Work Experience
Not required
🏆 Leadership
Not required
💰 Financial Need
Not a primary selection factor
🎯 Target Students
International undergraduate students
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter)
Rec Letters
Yes (Two letters of recommendation)
Interview
No
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Two letters of recommendation) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Basic proficiency required to follow instructions, though the program is taught in Icelandic.
Interview: No
Min GPA: Varies (Competitive academic record required)
📋 Application Process
Focus heavily on your prior interest in Icelandic literature or history. Mention any prior self-study of the language. Ensure all documents are translated into English or a Nordic language.
💡 Insider Tip: Priority is often given to students from countries that have cultural agreements with Iceland. Check the official list of eligible countries on the Árni Magnússon Institute website.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
October 1st annually
⏰ Deadline
December 1st annually
🎤 Interview
No
🎓 Study Starts
September 1st
October 1st annually
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
December 1st annually
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
No
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
September 1st
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, motivation for studying Icelandic, and adherence to age and nationality requirements.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Icelandic Government Scholarship for Foreign StudentsCurrent
Iceland
Full Funding
Undergraduate (BA degree or non-degree language program)
—
🇮🇸 University of Iceland PhD Fellowship (Research Fund)
International students under 35 who have completed 1-2 years of university study and demonstrate a commitment to learning the Icelandic language.
This scholarship covers: The scholarship covers the university registration fee and provides a monthly stipend from September to May to cover room and board.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is December 1st annually. Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low. Acceptance rate: Approximately 5% - 10%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Basic proficiency required to follow instructions, though the program is taught in Icelandic., Yes (Two letters of recommendation) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.