Study in Iceland: Student Visas & Permits

Iceland is part of the EEA. This means that if you’re from the EU, Norway, Lichtenstein or Switzerland, you can freely enter Iceland and stay for as long as you like. If you’re not from one of these countries, you’ll probably need a visa to study in Iceland.

Jul 30, 2024

Iceland is part of the EEA. This means that if you’re from the EU, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you can freely enter Iceland and stay for as long as you like. If you’re not from one of these countries, you’ll probably need a visa to study in Iceland.

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If you're going to Iceland for a short course, you can stay for up to ninety days without a visa if you're from a visa-exempt country. If you're staying for longer, then you'll definitely need a visa. To get an Icelandic student visa, you’ll need the following: 

  • Your passport
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Proof of fee payment. The visa costs 6000ISK (US$50).
  • A completed application form. You can find that here.
  • Proof of admission to your program
  • A copy of a clean criminal record
  • Proof of health insurance. It must cover up to 2,000,000ISK (US$16,000) as a minimum
  • Proof of financial self-sufficiency through bank statements 
black sand beach

If your documents are not in English or a Nordic language, then they must be submitted with a notarized translation. As documents can be submitted in English, this makes things much easier. 

Once you’re in Iceland, you’ll need to get a residence permit. You can do this at the Directorate of Immigration in Reykjavik. Your permit allows you to work for up to fifteen hours a week. It is possible to find a job in Reykjavik without knowing Icelandic, but it can be trickier elsewhere.

Your permit also allows you to travel as a tourist around the EEA, the EU and Switzerland, with the exception of Ireland. As Icelandic visas are Schengen visas, you'll need to enter the area through Iceland. For example; you can't enter Schengen through Paris on a visa issued by Malta. Fortunately, there are plenty of transit flights to Reykjavik via the UK and Canada.

Overview

Iceland is a place that captures our imaginations, from its glaciers to its black sand beaches. This section gives you an overview of what life and study is like in Iceland.

Education in Iceland

Want to learn about how the higher education system works in Iceland. Iceland is a great destination for those studying science, history and much more. Find out more here.

Housing & Living Costs

No matter where you study abroad, it’s important to create a budget in advance so that you’re prepared. Therefore, we’ve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in Iceland.

Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Tuition fees for degree programs in Iceland can vary a lot. It can vary from free to a low fee. We've put together information on how this works, and on scholarships, in this section.

Language & Culture

Iceland is a country rich in cultural significance, from its language to its past. You can find out more about that, as well as to stay safe and manage the harsh winters, in this section.

Application Process

Learn more about how to apply to Icelandic schools and the documentation you need to do it in this section.

Programs

Ready to look at education in Iceland? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Iceland today!

Keystone Team

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The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.