Study Abroad in Iceland: Get Started

Whether you're still in the decision period or are well on your way to beginning a year abroad, there are a few things you should know before you can study abroad in Iceland.

While it's entirely feasible, there are several things you need to do, like understand visa types, entry requirements, and how to find a program that is suitable for you and your goals.

Please note: The specific advice in this guide is for US citizens looking to study abroad in Iceland. Entry requirements can (and do) vary depending on nationality. If you are not a US citizen, we recommend checking directly with the Icelandic Embassy.

Requirements to study abroad in Iceland

To study abroad in Iceland, you first need to make sure that you meet the requirements set by the Icelandic Government.

Specific "types" of students are eligible, according to the Icelandic Government:

• Doctorate students at a foreign university in collaboration with an Icelandic one.
• Students who need an internship abroad to complete their University program.
• Students who want to enroll in an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program in Iceland, who are currently enrolled in a university abroad.
• Full-time students at a university in Iceland

If you fall into one of the above categories, depending on the additional requirements, you may meet the requirements to study abroad in Iceland

The requirements

Americans studying abroad in Iceland need to be able to qualify for an Icelandic residence permit. Typically, this is required to legally live and study on the island.

For students, basic requirements include:

• A valid passport.
• Financial security (you must be able to prove that you can sustain yourself during your entire stay in Iceland).
• Travel insurance that meets the requirements set out by the Icelandic Government.
• A satisfactory criminal record based on the specifically set criteria.
• Additionally, all students must be over the age of 18 unless they are part of an authorized secondary school exchange program.

How to apply for an Icelandic study abroad visa

For American citizens, the process is fairly straightforward. However, it is not a visa that you are applying for.

US citizens who want to study abroad in Iceland (and meet the eligibility criteria) need to apply for an Icelandic residence permit, not a visa.

Applicants are encouraged to start the process early. According to the Icelandic Government, applications for the fall semester have to be received no later than June 1st. For the spring semester, the deadline is November 1st.

Once you know that you're eligible and can meet the requirements, you can begin preparing all of the required documents for your residence permit application.

The requirements

A letter of admission

When you apply for residence, you'll need to show a letter of admission from an Icelandic university or educational institute. This means that you need to apply to your program well before you start the Icelandic residency application process.

The letter needs to state that you are enrolled/offered enrollment full-time, unconditionally. In Iceland, full-time is 30 ECTS per semester.

If you're a doctoral student or intern, there are additional documents regarding your admission that will need to be provided.

A copy of your valid passport

If you don't have a passport or need to get yours renewed, make sure you do that as soon as possible because passport processing times can vary greatly.

If you already have a passport, it can't expire within 90 days of the end of your permit.

This means that if you're planning to stay in Iceland until June 1st, your passport needs to remain valid until at least September 1st of that same year.

You must include the signature page and the personal information page in your application, and all details must be clearly legible.

You'll also need to submit a new, recent passport photo sized 35x45 mm.

A copy of a criminal record certificate

Too apply, you need to get a criminal record certificate within 12 months of your Icelandic residence permit application. This certificate needs to:

• Be issued in your country of residence.
• Be an FBI criminal record check, including being fingerprinted.
• Be in English or a Nordic language.
• Show that you have not served a prison sentence abroad in the past 5 years.
• Show that you have not been sentenced for conduct that, under Icelandic law, would be subject to a 3+ month prison sentence (within the past 5 years).
• Show that you have not been sentenced to imprisonment more than once in the past 3 years.

Please note: When it comes to specific requirements, especially regarding legal regulations and requirements, always refer to an official Icelandic Government website for accurate and up-to-date information.

Compliant travel insurance

You must show proof of compliant long stay travel insurance. The travel insurance policy that you take out must cover you in Iceland, be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the first date of registration of legal domicile in Iceland, and have a minimum coverage of ISK 2,000,000 (around 15,000 US dollars. Make sure you check the currency exchange rate).

Proof of finances

In your Icelandic residence permit application, showing proof of financial sustenance is mandatory. This can be done through a variety of means, including:

• Study grants or loans.
• Money you already possess (such as a trust fund or savings account).
• Other means are detailed here on Iceland's official study abroad immigration site.

When you're providing your proof of funds, you need to submit original documents that are confirmed by the issuer.

Once you have collected all of the required documents in their required formats (copies, originals, etc.), you'll be ready to fill out the application form on a computer, print it out, and sign it.

Before sending your residence permit application, you'll also need to pay the application fee.

Once all of your documents are collected, you've filled out the application form, and have paid the fee, you will be ready to mail the entire file to the Directorate of Immigration in Iceland.

Unfortunately, there isn't currently a way to apply for a study abroad residence permit online. It must be done manually, on paper.

Preparing for your life in Iceland

Moving to Iceland will likely be a big adjustment, especially if you're coming from the States! With its cold weather, Nordic language, and different culture, it might take a minute to get your sea legs.

An adjustment period is totally normal. Still, there are some general things that you can do to help you get settled in more quickly and easily.

Invest in rainproof gear. Iceland is rainy, and there's nothing worse than being cold, then wet, then cold and wet. A great rain jacket with a hood and waterproof shoes with traction will quickly become your go-tos on drizzly days.

Understand that daylight will be limited... until it's not. In the winter, Iceland can have as few as 4 hours of daylight. You can expect the sun to rise around 11 am and set around 3 pm, adjusting as the seasons do. In the summer, on the other hand, peak daylight hours hit 24 hours a day.

Public transportation is limited. Depending on where you live and how you want to travel, understand that there may be limited options when it comes to public transportation. A bicycle or even a car can be useful, depending on your goals, plans, and how long you're staying on the island.

Have a little cash on you. The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). Sometimes, public bathrooms cost a few cents to use.

Shower before you get into hot springs and pools. In Iceland, they're very strict about hygiene before entering hot springs and pools. While in the States it isn't usually monitored, in Iceland, it is. In the States, it's perfectly acceptable to rinse off in your bathing suit before entering a public body of water. However, in Iceland, you must shower thoroughly (without your swimsuit) beforehand.

Be hyper-aware of bike lanes. Don't stand in or walk in bike lanes. In Iceland, there are dedicated cycling lanes for cyclists only. It's very dangerous for both the pedestrian and the cyclist if their paths cross.

Don't cross over ropes. Iceland is famous for its dramatic, lush scenery. You will see ropes from time to time, acting as a fence or guard between walking areas and nature. If you see ropes, do not cross them. It means the area is either dangerous or needs to be protected.

Get ready to go to the pharmacy or stock up on cold medicine, ibuprofen, etc. In Iceland, over-the-counter medications are behind the counter in dedicated pharmacies.