Inspiring Natural Environment: Iceland's stunning landscapes—featuring volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls—provide a powerful and ever-changing source of inspiration for any creative professional. This natural beauty can fuel innovative artistic expressions and designs.
Vibrant Art Scene: Despite its small size, Iceland boasts a vibrant art scene with numerous galleries, art festivals, and cultural events, particularly in Reykjavik. This environment fosters a strong community of artists and designers who are often very accessible and integrated into the local cultural fabric.
Innovative Education Approach: Icelandic art and design schools often emphasize cross-disciplinary approaches, blending traditional techniques with modern technology. This encourages a holistic development of skills and innovative thinking in their students.
Focus on Sustainability: Iceland is a leader in sustainable practices. Many educational institutions incorporate sustainability into their curriculum, which is increasingly important in the global discussion about the future of design and art.
High Quality of Life: Iceland is known for its high quality of life, safety, and social equality. Studying in such a setting can provide a peaceful and conducive environment for learning and personal growth.
International Perspective: Icelandic educational institutions often have a strong international outlook, hosting students from various countries. This provides a multicultural environment that enriches the learning experience and prepares students for a global career.
Unique Cultural Identity: Iceland’s rich history and unique cultural heritage provide a different perspective on the arts, which can inspire unique artistic expressions and methodologies not commonly explored in more traditional educational settings.
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
Visual Arts, Ceramics, Textiles, Sculpture, Painting |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
Fine Arts, Curatorial Practice |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Design (BDes) |
Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Product Design |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Design (MDes) |
Interdisciplinary Design, Innovation and Design Thinking |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture |
Sustainable Architecture, Urban Design |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Master of Arts in Architecture |
Environmental Design, Urban Planning |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts |
Acting, Directing, Playwriting |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Arts in Performing Arts |
Theatre Making, Contemporary Performance Practices |
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Diploma in Art & Design |
Drawing, Printmaking, Digital Media |
University |
Course Program |
Degree |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Fine Arts |
Bachelor (BFA) |
3 years |
English |
ISK 2,000,000 (approx. USD 14,600) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Fine Arts |
Master (MFA) |
2 years |
English |
ISK 2,200,000 (approx. USD 16,000) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Design |
Bachelor (BDes) |
3 years |
English |
ISK 2,000,000 (approx. USD 14,600) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Design |
Master (MDes) |
2 years |
English |
ISK 2,200,000 (approx. USD 16,000) |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Architecture |
Bachelor |
3 years |
English |
ISK 2,500,000 (approx. USD 18,300) |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Architecture |
Master |
2 years |
English |
ISK 2,700,000 (approx. USD 19,800) |
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Art & Design |
Diploma |
1-2 years |
English |
ISK 1,500,000 (approx. USD 11,000) |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
Visual Arts, Ceramics, Textiles, Sculpture, Painting |
3 years |
English |
ISK 2,000,000 (approx. USD 14,600) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Design (BDes) |
Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Product Design |
3 years |
English |
ISK 2,000,000 (approx. USD 14,600) |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture |
Sustainable Architecture, Urban Design |
3 years |
English |
ISK 2,500,000 (approx. USD 18,300) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts |
Acting, Directing, Playwriting |
3 years |
English |
ISK 2,000,000 (approx. USD 14,600) |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
Fine Arts, Curatorial Practice |
2 years |
English |
ISK 2,200,000 (approx. USD 16,000) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Design (MDes) |
Interdisciplinary Design, Innovation and Design Thinking |
2 years |
English |
ISK 2,200,000 (approx. USD 16,000) |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Master of Arts in Architecture |
Environmental Design, Urban Planning |
2 years |
English |
ISK 2,700,000 (approx. USD 19,800) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Arts in Performing Arts |
Theatre Making, Contemporary Performance Practices |
2 years |
English |
ISK 2,200,000 (approx. USD 16,000) |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
PhD in Arts and Design |
Various specializations in arts and design based on research interests |
3-4 years |
English |
ISK 2,500,000 (approx. USD 18,300) |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Diploma in Art & Design |
Drawing, Printmaking, Digital Media |
1-2 years |
English |
ISK 1,500,000 (approx. USD 11,000) |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Tuition Fees (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Summer Course in Visual Arts |
Drawing, Painting, Sculpture |
2-4 weeks |
English |
ISK 150,000 - 300,000 (USD 1,100 - 2,200) |
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Short Course in Digital Media |
Graphic Design, Digital Illustration |
1-3 months |
English |
ISK 100,000 - 250,000 (USD 730 - 1,830) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Intensive Workshop in Photography |
Photography Techniques, Editing |
2-6 weeks |
English |
ISK 200,000 (approx. USD 1,460) |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Short Course in Fashion Design |
Fashion Illustration, Textile Design |
4-8 weeks |
English |
ISK 180,000 (approx. USD 1,310) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Workshop in Ceramics |
Ceramic Techniques, Kiln Operation |
2-6 weeks |
English |
ISK 200,000 (approx. USD 1,460) |
University |
Course Program |
Degree |
Specializations |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
Bachelor's |
Visual Arts, Ceramics, Textiles, Sculpture, Painting |
3 years |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
Master's |
Fine Arts, Curatorial Practice |
2 years |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Design (BDes) |
Bachelor's |
Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Product Design |
3 years |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Design (MDes) |
Master's |
Interdisciplinary Design, Innovation and Design Thinking |
2 years |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts |
Bachelor's |
Acting, Directing, Playwriting |
3 years |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Arts in Performing Arts |
Master's |
Theatre Making, Contemporary Performance Practices |
2 years |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture |
Bachelor's |
Sustainable Architecture, Urban Design |
3 years |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Master of Arts in Architecture |
Master's |
Environmental Design, Urban Planning |
2 years |
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Diploma in Art & Design |
Diploma |
Drawing, Printmaking, Digital Media |
1-2 years |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Summer Course in Visual Arts |
Short-term |
Drawing, Painting, Sculpture |
2-4 weeks |
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Short Course in Digital Media |
Short-term |
Graphic Design, Digital Illustration |
1-3 months |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Intensive Workshop in Photography |
Short-term |
Photography Techniques, Editing |
2-6 weeks |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Short Course in Fashion Design |
Short-term |
Fashion Illustration, Textile Design |
4-8 weeks |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Workshop in Ceramics |
Short-term |
Ceramic Techniques, Kiln Operation |
2-6 weeks |
University |
Course Program |
Degree |
Intake Periods |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
Bachelor's |
Fall (September) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
Master's |
Fall (September) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Design (BDes) |
Bachelor's |
Fall (September) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Design (MDes) |
Master's |
Fall (September) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts |
Bachelor's |
Fall (September) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Arts in Performing Arts |
Master's |
Fall (September) |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture |
Bachelor's |
Fall (September) |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Master of Arts in Architecture |
Master's |
Fall (September) |
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Diploma in Art & Design |
Diploma |
Fall (September), Spring (January) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Summer Course in Visual Arts |
Short-term |
Varies (typically June-August) |
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Short Course in Digital Media |
Short-term |
Varies (multiple intakes per year) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Intensive Workshop in Photography |
Short-term |
Varies (typically summer) |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Short Course in Fashion Design |
Short-term |
Varies (typically summer) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Workshop in Ceramics |
Short-term |
Varies (typically summer) |
University |
Course Program |
Degree |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
Bachelor's |
3 years |
ISK 2,000,000 (approx. USD 14,600) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
Master's |
2 years |
ISK 2,200,000 (approx. USD 16,000) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Design (BDes) |
Bachelor's |
3 years |
ISK 2,000,000 (approx. USD 14,600) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Design (MDes) |
Master's |
2 years |
ISK 2,200,000 (approx. USD 16,000) |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture |
Bachelor's |
3 years |
ISK 2,500,000 (approx. USD 18,300) |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Master of Arts in Architecture |
Master's |
2 years |
ISK 2,700,000 (approx. USD 19,800) |
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Diploma in Art & Design |
Diploma |
1-2 years |
ISK 1,500,000 (approx. USD 11,000) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Summer Course in Visual Arts |
Short-term |
2-4 weeks |
ISK 150,000 - 300,000 (USD 1,100 - 2,200) |
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Short Course in Digital Media |
Short-term |
1-3 months |
ISK 100,000 - 250,000 (USD 730 - 1,830) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Intensive Workshop in Photography |
Short-term |
2-6 weeks |
ISK 200,000 (approx. USD 1,460) |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Short Course in Fashion Design |
Short-term |
4-8 weeks |
ISK 180,000 (approx. USD 1,310) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Workshop in Ceramics |
Short-term |
2-6 weeks |
ISK 200,000 (approx. USD 1,460) |
University |
Course Program |
Degree |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
Bachelor's |
Completion of secondary education, portfolio of work, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
Master's |
Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or related field, portfolio of work, English proficiency |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Bachelor of Design (BDes) |
Bachelor's |
Completion of secondary education, portfolio of work, English proficiency |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Master of Design (MDes) |
Master's |
Bachelor’s degree in Design or related field, portfolio of work, English proficiency |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture |
Bachelor's |
Completion of secondary education, portfolio of work, English proficiency |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Master of Arts in Architecture |
Master's |
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or related field, portfolio of work, English proficiency |
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Diploma in Art & Design |
Diploma |
Completion of secondary education, portfolio of work, English proficiency |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Summer Course in Visual Arts |
Short-term |
Open to all, portfolio of work (may be required), English proficiency |
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Short Course in Digital Media |
Short-term |
Open to all, portfolio of work (may be required), English proficiency |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Intensive Workshop in Photography |
Short-term |
Open to all, portfolio of work (may be required), English proficiency |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Short Course in Fashion Design |
Short-term |
Open to all, portfolio of work (may be required), English proficiency |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Workshop in Ceramics |
Short-term |
Open to all, portfolio of work (may be required), English proficiency |
University |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Amount/Benefits |
Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
IUA Scholarships |
Enrolled in any IUA program, academic excellence, financial need |
Partial tuition fee waiver |
Apply through the university's scholarship office |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
RA Fine Arts Scholarship |
Enrolled in Fine Arts, academic excellence, portfolio review |
Partial tuition fee waiver |
Submit application form, portfolio, and recommendation letters |
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Visual Art Excellence Scholarship |
Enrolled in diploma programs, outstanding portfolio |
Partial tuition fee waiver |
Portfolio submission, academic records |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
International Student Scholarship |
Enrolled in any program, international students, academic excellence |
Partial tuition fee waiver, living stipend |
Apply through the university's international office |
|
Reykjavik Academy of the Arts |
Architecture Merit Scholarship |
Enrolled in Architecture, academic excellence, portfolio review |
Partial tuition fee waiver |
Submit academic records, portfolio, recommendation letters |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Need-Based Financial Aid |
Demonstrated financial need, academic performance |
Variable, based on financial need |
Apply through the university's financial aid office |
|
Reykjavik School of Visual Art |
Digital Media Innovation Grant |
Enrolled in digital media courses, innovative project proposal |
Project funding, partial fee waiver |
Project proposal submission, academic records |
|
Iceland University of the Arts |
Curatorial Practice Fellowship |
Enrolled in MFA, focus on curatorial studies, academic and portfolio excellence |
Partial tuition fee waiver, research grant |
Apply through the department of Fine Arts |
Career Path |
Job Roles |
Average Salary (per year) |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Visual Arts |
Painter, Sculptor, Illustrator, Multimedia Artist |
ISK 4,000,000 - 6,000,000 (USD 29,000 - 43,500) |
Creating visual artwork for exhibitions, galleries, and commissions |
|
Graphic Design |
Graphic Designer, UI/UX Designer, Art Director |
ISK 5,000,000 - 7,500,000 (USD 36,000 - 54,000) |
Designing visual content for branding, advertising, and digital media |
|
Fashion Design |
Fashion Designer, Textile Designer, Costume Designer |
ISK 4,500,000 - 7,000,000 (USD 32,500 - 50,500) |
Creating clothing and accessories for fashion houses, retail brands, and theatre productions |
|
Product Design |
Product Designer, Industrial Designer, Design Consultant |
ISK 5,500,000 - 8,000,000 (USD 40,000 - 58,000) |
Designing consumer products, from concept to production |
|
Architecture |
Architect, Urban Planner, Landscape Architect |
ISK 6,000,000 - 9,000,000 (USD 43,500 - 65,000) |
Designing buildings and urban spaces, planning sustainable environments |
|
Digital Media |
Digital Artist, Animator, Game Designer |
ISK 5,000,000 - 7,500,000 (USD 36,000 - 54,000) |
Creating digital content for games, films, and online platforms |
|
Photography |
Photographer, Photojournalist, Commercial Photographer |
ISK 4,000,000 - 6,000,000 (USD 29,000 - 43,500) |
Capturing images for various media, including advertising and editorial work |
|
Performing Arts |
Actor, Director, Playwright, Theatre Technician |
ISK 4,000,000 - 7,000,000 (USD 29,000 - 50,500) |
Working in theatre, film, and television productions |
|
Curatorial Practice |
Curator, Gallery Manager, Museum Educator |
ISK 4,500,000 - 7,000,000 (USD 32,500 - 50,500) |
Managing exhibitions and collections in galleries and museums |
|
Art Education |
Art Teacher, University Lecturer, Workshop Facilitator |
ISK 4,500,000 - 6,500,000 (USD 32,500 - 47,000) |
Teaching art at various educational levels, conducting workshops |
