Overview
The University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands), founded in 1911, is the country’s oldest and one of its most research-intensive universities. Based in Reykjavík, it offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs and plays a central role in Iceland’s science, technology, and cultural research communities.
Students often choose the University of Iceland for its strong research strengths in areas such as Arctic studies, geothermal energy, volcanology, and medieval Icelandic literature. Many programs are available in English, and the university also supports students who want to study within Icelandic-language learning environments.
2. General Information
| Name | University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands) |
|---|---|
| Established | 1911 |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Location | Reykjavík, Iceland |
| Website | hi.is (University of Iceland) |
3. Fee Structure
Tuition fees and admission requirements can vary by program, citizenship, and study level. For the most current cost information, confirm details directly with the university’s admissions pages before applying.
| Program | Tuition Fee (per year, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (BA/BSc) | ISK 600,000 (€4,000) |
| Graduate (MA/MSc) | ISK 800,000 (€5,300) |
| PhD Programs | No tuition (registration fee applies) |
| Icelandic as Second Language | ISK 450,000 (€3,000) |
| Arctic Studies | ISK 750,000 (€5,000) |
4. Academic Programs
Along with humanities and social sciences, the University of Iceland is known for science and technology-focused degrees. If you are comparing options within Iceland, you may also want to review other institutions such as University of Akureyri for northern, student-centered study opportunities and different program mixes.
- Bachelor of Arts in Icelandic Studies
- Master of Science in Geophysics
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Arts in Viking and Medieval Norse Studies
- Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Sciences
- Bachelor of Education
- Master of Science in Renewable Energy
- Bachelor of Medicine
- Master of Arts in Arctic Studies
5. Facilities
- Modern research laboratories across all disciplines
- Extensive university library with special collections
- Language technology center
- Geothermal research facility
- Student union building with dining options
- Sports center with swimming pool and gym
- On-campus health services
- Innovation and entrepreneurship hub
For students who want a campus-based residential experience, it can also be useful to compare with Bifröst University, which is known for its distinct residential campus model.
6. Accommodation
The University of Iceland offers limited on-campus housing options, with priority typically given to international students. Most student accommodation consists of shared apartments in Reykjavík, managed in coordination with the Student Housing Agency. The university assists students in finding suitable housing and planning their arrival.
- Fjölnir Student Housing (on-campus)
- Gamli Garður Student Housing
- Private student apartments in Reykjavík
- Shared housing options
- Assistance for finding off-campus housing
7. Contact Information
- Email: international@hi.is
- Phone: +354 525 4000
- Address: Sæmundargata 6, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
More Universities in Iceland
- Reykjavík University
- University of Akureyri
- Bifröst University
- Iceland University of the Arts
- Agricultural University of Iceland
- University of the Westfjords
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