Quick Summary
Since 1911, University of Iceland has been one of Iceland's prominent publics, based in Reykjavik. Ranked #492 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 15200 students including 11% from outside Iceland. Known for strengths in Earth & Marine Sciences, Nursing, Life Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 45%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Unique natural environment for research, zero tuition fees (only registration fee), and high ranking in research impact per faculty member.
Subject Strengths
Earth & Marine SciencesNursingLife SciencesLinguisticsEnvironmental Science
Founded1911
TypePublic
Total Students15200
Intl Students11%
Faculty Ratio15.5
CampusUrban
Campus SizeUrban
Affiliated HospitalsLandspítali - The National University Hospital of Iceland
AccreditationIcelandic Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#492
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#501-600
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#501-600
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Post-graduate Diplomas
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Science Institute, Institute of Earth Sciences, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute for Foreign Languages
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Icelandic Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate45%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL79
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · February 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on high performance in prerequisite courses; international students should verify degree equivalence early as Icelandic assessment is rigorous.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Icelandic Króna
UG Tuition
kr75,000/yr
per year · ISK
Living Cost
kr2,500,000/yr
per year · ISK
PG Tuition
kr75,000/yr
per year · ISK
Application Fee
$60
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
kr2,583,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · ISK
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$4,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Post-graduate Diplomas programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Geology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Renewable Energy | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Icelandic Studies | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Nursing | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Software Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$65,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh
Industry Connections
Strong links with LandsvirkjundeCODE geneticsand marine research sectors
Notable Alumni
Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, Kristín Ingólfsdóttir, Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
University Gymnasium, proximity to public swimming pools and outdoor tracks
Student Clubs
Student Council (SHÍ), various subject-specific student unions
Library Resources
National and University Library of Iceland
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Nordplus, ISEP, Fulbright
Summer Programs
Icelandic Language and Culture Summer School