STUDY IN ICELAND

Overview

Like the idea of studying in ‘the land of fire and ice’? This dramatic nickname refers to Iceland’s impressive variety of natural features – it’s one of the world’s most active volcanic regions, while also having large areas covered in glaciers.
A sparsely populated island nation in the north west of Europe, Iceland is also known for its hot springs, fishing industry and high quality of life.
The country was hit hard by the 2008 global financial crisis, but has seen steady economic recovery since 2010.
Recent years have also seen Iceland become increasingly popular as a tourist destination, with travelers enticed both by the stunning natural scenery and the cultural attractions of capital Reykjavík – celebrated for its colorful buildings, vibrant music scene and nightlife.
Iceland has seven universities, of which three are private and four public. The largest are the University of Iceland and Reykjavík University, both in the capital, followed by the University of Akureyri in the northern city of Akureyri.
International students make up around 5% of all students in Iceland, and the country’s universities are generally keen to attract more international and exchange students. Many, especially the larger institutions, offer a growing number of courses taught fully or partially in English, and there are good support systems in place for foreign students.

Fast Fact

• Europe’s second largest island, after Great Britain
• Most sparsely populated country in Europe, with about three inhabitants per square kilometer
• Reykjavík is the world’s most northerly capital city
• Once ruled by Denmark, became fully independent in 1944
• Applied for EU membership in 2009, but not yet completed
• Reykjavík means ‘smoky bay’ in Icelandic – referring to the city’s coastal location, and the steam that comes from the natural hot springs
• Currency is the krona (1 krona = 100 aurar)
• Home to more than 170 geothermal pools
• More than 11% of the country is covered by glaciers
• One volcanic eruption every five years, on average
• Popular Icelandic musicians include Björk, Sigur Rós and Of Monsters and Men
• Prime minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, elected in 2009, is the world’s first openly gay head of government
• You have to be at least 20 years old to purchase alcohol
• Iceland has no armed forces
• At 12,000 sq km, Vatnajökull National Park is the largest national park in Europe
• 100% of Iceland’s electric power comes from renewable sources, and about 90% of homes are heated by geothermal water
• Icelanders are among the world’s biggest consumers of cheese

 Lifestyle

Climate

Though admittedly not an ideal destination for those who like it hot, Iceland is not actually as cold as its name implies! In summer, temperatures in Reykjavík can reach highs of 35C (95F), and in winter the average temperature there is about 0C (32F).

But while temperatures are not too extreme, the variation in daylight hours certainly is. During the middle of summer, there’s almost continuous daylight – and conversely, during mid-winter, hardly any daylight at all.

As you might expect from a country characterized by volcanoes and glaciers, much of Iceland is considered uninhabitable. Most of the population lives around the coast, with Reykjavík (in the south west) by far the largest urban area.

Activities

The capital offers a good selection of cultural attractions, including theaters, galleries, restaurants, cafes, bars and music venues, and more than holds its own among other European cities.

Outside of the Reykjavík region, life is likely to be considerably quieter. Even Akureyri, the second largest urban area, had a population of less than 20,000 at the last count.

However, that’s not to say there isn’t plenty to do wherever you’re based, especially if you enjoy being outdoors! Popular pursuits include whale watching, glacier trekking, snowmobiling, diving, horse-riding and fishing – and Iceland is also one of the best countries from which to view the spectacular Northern Lights.

If that all sounds rather too action-packed, remember that relaxing in naturally heated pools is one of the staple elements of Icelandic life!

Cuisine

In terms of food, don’t be put off by tales of rotten shark meat, ram’s testicles, pickled whale blubber and raw puffin hearts… These are all traditional delicacies, but not on the day-to-day menu of most Icelanders!

Unsurprisingly, you can expect to encounter lots of fresh seafood, as well as skyr (similar to strained yogurt), pylsur (hotdogs made with lamb), and cheese - Iceland produces around 100 different types.

Finally, a word on safety: despite being among the world’s most active volcanic regions, Iceland is not generally considered a dangerous place to live. That goes for both natural and other types of threat – crime rates are relatively low.

Practical Information

Application and fees

Applications are submitted directly to each university, with requirements and deadlines varying between institutions.

Public universities do not charge tuition fees, but there is a ‘registration fee’. This varies between universities, but for an example the University of Iceland currently charges ISK60,000 (about US$470) per year.

Private universities charge both tuition and registration fees, which vary depending on the course and institution. Fees are usually higher for students from outside the EU.

The University of Iceland advises students to allow about ISK125,540 (US$980) per month to cover accommodation and other living expenses.

Healthcare

After being resident in Iceland for six months, everyone automatically becomes a member of the national social insurance system, regardless of nationality. This means access to health services at the same fixed rates paid by locals.

Before this six month point, students from EEA countries can access services at these same rates, by presenting a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), as proof that they are entitled to healthcare in their own country.

Higher fees will be charged to those from outside the EEA, and students are advised to take out private insurance to cover this.

Languages

The country’s official and main language is Icelandic, but Danish and English are also widely spoken – both are compulsory subjects at Icelandic schools.

At universities, most undergraduate courses are taught in Icelandic. At the master’s and PhD levels, however, a considerable number of English-led programs are available, particularly at the University of Iceland, Reykjavík University and the University of Akureyri.

Universities in Iceland

Rank  Universities    Locations

1  Háskóli Íslands

Reykjavik

2  Hólaskóli, Háskólinn á Hólum

Sauðárkrókur ...

3  Háskólinn í Reykjavík

Reykjavík

4  Háskólinn á Akureyri

Akureyri

5  Landbúnaðarháskóli Íslands

Borgarnes

6  Háskólinn á Bifröst

Borgarnes

7  Listaháskóli Íslands

Reykjavík

University Applications and Admissions: Expert Advice

TopUniversities.com asks admissions staff to share their advice on how to make the university application process as painless a procedure as possible.

So, you’ve done the research, you’ve talked it over with your nearest and dearest, you’re pretty confident that you’re going to get the grades you need, and you’ve finally concluded that studying abroad\ is right for you.

Congratulations: you’ve made one of the biggest – and hopefully most rewarding – decisions you’ll ever have to make in your life. Now there’s just one small obstacle standing in your way: actually getting into the university of your choice...

Of course, ‘small’ is the wrong word – this can be a very daunting experience. But fear not: if you keep your wits about you, then there’s no need for this to be any more than an administrative hassle – though admittedly a rather long-winded one, as you’ll learn very quickly once you begin the application procedure.

Choosing where to apply

It may seem obvious, but given the amount of time each application can take up, it’s important to think carefully about where you really want to apply.

Caroline Berry, International Officer at the University of Leicester, UK, advises students to begin preparations as early as possible: “As well as searching on the internet and checking the web pages of individual institutions, speaking to family, friends and teachers who have studied [overseas] is always a good place to start, and a way of narrowing down choices,” she advises.

“As well as choosing a course, students need to consider many other elements, including the type of environment they would like to live in, location, transport links, availability of accommodation, cost of living, options for financing studies through institutional scholarships and, of course, the type of institution they prefer.”

Stuart Schmill, Dean of Admissions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of looking at the different degree structures on offer: “The key thing for an applicant to understand is the kind of educational environment that will best suit how they like to learn.

"Universities in different countries – or even in the same country – are very different in their styles and methods; some are very focused on a specific course of study, while others are more broad-based in their offerings."

He adds, “Culture is important. Students want to find the environment that best matches the way they like to learn.”

In the opinion of Pieke Hoekstra of Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, it’s best to focus on institutions rather than countries. However, Miranda Cheng, Director of the Centre for International Experience at the University of Toronto, Canada, says looking at the host country’s immigration policy should also play a part in your decision, particularly if you’re planning to work there during or after your degree.

Schmill points out the importance of having “a realistic understanding of what it will cost, and how [you] will pay for it” – there’s no sense, after all, in going through the entire application procedure if you find at the end that you just can’t afford it.

Making your university applications

Once you’ve weighed up all the various factors, and carefully made your decision – and remember that this where you’re going to be spending a not-inconsiderable portion of your life – it’s time for the really fun part: applying.

Though this might also seem obvious, it makes sense to ensure you take care over this. You don’t want to miss out simply because you forgot to submit the required evidence, or applied too late.

“Students should check entry requirements and deadlines before applying to make sure that they have the best possible chance of gaining a place on their chosen course,” Berry confirms.

“If they are unsure whether their qualifications are acceptable, they might like to contact the admissions office or international office in their chosen institution to check before submitting a full application.”

She emphasizes the importance of applying in good time: “It sounds obvious, but students should try to make an application as early as possible as this will give them plenty of time to make all the necessary arrangements for a move abroad, including organizing their finances, applying for scholarships and obtaining a student visa.”

And as Cheng adds, if you’re ever unsure about anything, ask!

Writing your personal statement

Of course, it is extremely unlikely that you will be the only person applying to your course, and Peter Dunn of Warwick University, UK, warns that – especially at top universities – the competition is likely to be stiff.

“Almost all applicants who apply to top universities will have high predicted grades that will meet the university’s academic requirements, so any other personal information on the form is a very important way in which you can impress the selectors.”

Your personal statement, he continues, is your main chance to convey this: “The person reading your application form will want to know in what ways you ‘connect’ with your chosen subject. They will look for motivated students who can articulate their aims and have the potential to succeed on the course.”

Though work experience and extracurricular activities certainly play a part in this – especially when you can show how they are relevant – you should not allow them to dominate your statement, Dunn says.

“Remember that you are applying for an academic course of study, and the limited space available to you for your personal statement should predominantly focus on this.”

Berry agrees: “Admissions tutors are most impressed when students can demonstrate a real understanding and commitment to their chosen subject area, and show that they have considered its relevance to their future career choice.”

Schmill adds that presenting yourself as someone who will contribute to the campus community will work in your favor.

University application mistakes to avoid...

So what are common mistakes people make during their applications?

“It makes an admissions tutor’s job more difficult if applicants do not provide enough information with regards to their qualifications,” Berry says.

“In the case of those applying with overseas qualifications, students shouldn’t attempt to translate theirs into [another system] – it’s always better to state the original name of the qualification gained.”

Schmill emphasizes the importance of paying attention: “It is important to fulfil all of the requirements that a university lays out. Make sure you take all the tests that you need to, have your interviews, and if an application asks you to answer a particular question, answer that and not some other question that you would prefer to answer.”

Bear all this in mind, and you’ll stand as good a chance as anyone. But, remember, if you don’t get in, it’s never the end of the world.

“It’s important to bear in mind that admissions tutors have a student’s best interests at heart when considering applications and will only make offers to those who they believe can be successful on their chosen course,” Berry says.

For this reason alone, it is worth applying to more than one university, because even if you don’t get into your first choice, Schmill concludes, “a university education is what you make of it – so you can have a terrific experience wherever you end up.”

See also: Admission interview dos and don'ts >