The Essential Guide to Studying Abroad in Iceland

Studying abroad opens a door to lifelong memories. 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 land on Icelandic soil.

In this helpful guide, we'll share need-to-know information for anyone considering studying abroad for a year in Iceland. From logistical information like visa types to tips for settling into a new country, this page was created to help you get the most out of your journey.

🇺🇸 Please note: The specific advice in this guide is for US citizens looking to study abroad in Iceland.

How to study abroad in Iceland

In order to study abroad in Iceland, one of the 29 countries in the Schengen zone, you first need to make sure that you meet the requirements set by the Icelandic Government.

There are a few general categories when it comes to Icelandic student visa requirements. In order to be eligible, you need to first either be a(n):

• Doctorate student at a foreign university in collaboration with an Icelandic one.
• Student who needs an internship abroad to complete their University program.
• Student who wants to enroll in an undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate program in Iceland and who are currently enrolled in a university abroad.

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

Study abroad requirements for long stays in Iceland

Americans studying abroad in Iceland need to qualify for an Icelandic residence permit in order to legally live and study on the island.

Basic requirements for permits for students 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 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 a long stay study abroad visa in Iceland

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.

First, the application process should start early. According to the Icelandic Government, applications for Fall semester must be received no later than June 1st. For Spring semester, the deadline is November 1st.

Once you are sure that you are eligible, you can begin preparing all of the required documents for your residence permit application.

A letter of admission

You will be required to show a letter of admission from an Icelandic university or educational institute when you apply. This means that you will need to apply to your program well before you start the Icelandic residency application process.

In the letter, it must 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, make sure to start this process well in advance of your application. 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

You must obtain 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 the registration of legal domicile in Iceland, and have a minimum coverage of ISK 2,000,000 (around 15,000 US dollars).

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 own (such as a trust fund or savings account).
• Other means detailed here on Iceland's official study abroad immigration site.

When you're submitting 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 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 adjust to such a big change.

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

When it comes to Iceland specifically, there are a few things that are good to know.

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 little 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 should 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.