Rich Cultural Heritage: Iceland has a distinct cultural identity, deeply rooted in its history and Norse mythology. The country's folklore, literature, and arts are profoundly influenced by its natural environment and historical context, providing a rich subject matter for students of the arts and humanities.
Innovative and Creative Environment: Iceland is known for its creativity and innovation, especially in music, visual arts, and literature. Cities like Reykjavik are vibrant cultural hubs, hosting numerous festivals, exhibitions, and events throughout the year, providing students with ample opportunities to engage and participate in the local arts scene.
High-Quality Education: Icelandic universities offer high-quality education with a focus on critical thinking, creativity, and international perspectives. Programs are often taught by professionals who are actively involved in their fields, providing students with insights into contemporary practices and theories in art and humanities.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Many Icelandic educational institutions encourage a multidisciplinary approach to learning. Students can benefit from a broader perspective that integrates various fields of study, helping them to develop versatile skills applicable in numerous professional contexts.
Stunning Natural Environment: Iceland's dramatic landscapes—from volcanic fields, geysers, and glaciers to stunning coastlines—serve as a powerful inspiration for anyone studying the arts. The connection between nature and art is tangible in Iceland, providing a unique backdrop that enhances the learning experience.
Small and Interactive Classes: Universities in Iceland typically have small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention from instructors and fostering a close-knit community among students. This environment promotes active participation and better engagement in course materials.
Language and Cultural Exchange: While Icelandic is the national language, English is widely spoken and understood, and many programs are offered in English to cater to international students. This creates a multicultural environment that enriches the educational experience through diverse perspectives and ideas.
Focus on Sustainability: Iceland is a leader in sustainability, and this ethos is often integrated into its academic programs, including those in the arts and humanities. This focus prepares students to think about their role and the impact of their work in relation to environmental and social issues.
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Iceland |
BA in Icelandic Studies |
Icelandic Language, Literature, Cultural Studies |
|
University of Iceland |
BA in History |
Medieval Studies, Modern History, Cultural History |
|
University of Iceland |
BA in Art History |
Art Theory, Visual Culture, Museum Studies |
|
University of Iceland |
MA in Medieval Icelandic Studies |
Old Norse Language, Viking History, Medieval Literature |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
BA in Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art, Performance Art |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
BA in Design |
Graphic Design, Product Design, Fashion Design |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
MA in Fine Arts |
Contemporary Art Practices, Art Theory |
|
Reykjavik University |
BA in Media Studies |
Digital Media, Journalism, Media Production |
|
Reykjavik University |
BA in Philosophy |
Ethics, Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Science |
|
University of Akureyri |
BA in Cultural Management |
Cultural Heritage, Arts Management, Tourism |
|
Bifröst University |
BA in Social Sciences |
Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science |
|
Bifröst University |
BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics |
Interdisciplinary Studies, Public Policy, Ethics |
|
University Centre of the Westfjords |
MA in Coastal and Marine Management |
Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Coastal Culture |
|
University Centre of the Westfjords |
MA in Marine Innovation |
Marine Technology, Maritime Culture, Marine Resource Management |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Iceland |
BA in Icelandic Studies |
Icelandic Language, Literature, Cultural Studies |
|
University of Iceland |
BA in History |
Medieval Studies, Modern History, Cultural History |
|
University of Iceland |
BA in Art History |
Art Theory, Visual Culture, Museum Studies |
|
University of Iceland |
MA in Medieval Icelandic Studies |
Old Norse Language, Viking History, Medieval Literature |
|
University of Iceland |
MA in Nordic Studies |
Nordic Languages, Literature, History |
|
University of Iceland |
PhD in Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies |
Icelandic Culture, Comparative Literature, Cultural Theory |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
BA in Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art, Performance Art |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
BA in Design |
Graphic Design, Product Design, Fashion Design |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
MA in Fine Arts |
Contemporary Art Practices, Art Theory |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
MA in Design |
Innovation, Design Research |
|
Reykjavik University |
BA in Media Studies |
Digital Media, Journalism, Media Production |
|
Reykjavik University |
BA in Philosophy |
Ethics, Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Science |
|
University of Akureyri |
BA in Cultural Management |
Cultural Heritage, Arts Management, Tourism |
|
University Centre of the Westfjords |
MA in Coastal and Marine Management |
Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Coastal Culture |
|
University Centre of the Westfjords |
MA in Marine Innovation |
Marine Technology, Maritime Culture, Marine Resource Management |
|
Bifröst University |
BA in Social Sciences |
Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science |
|
Bifröst University |
BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics |
Interdisciplinary Studies, Public Policy, Ethics |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Iceland |
BA in Icelandic Studies |
Icelandic Language, Literature, Cultural Studies |
|
University of Iceland |
BA in History |
Medieval Studies, Modern History, Cultural History |
|
University of Iceland |
BA in Art History |
Art Theory, Visual Culture, Museum Studies |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
BA in Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art, Performance Art |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
BA in Design |
Graphic Design, Product Design, Fashion Design |
|
Reykjavik University |
BA in Media Studies |
Digital Media, Journalism, Media Production |
|
Reykjavik University |
BA in Philosophy |
Ethics, Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Science |
|
University of Akureyri |
BA in Cultural Management |
Cultural Heritage, Arts Management, Tourism |
|
Bifröst University |
BA in Social Sciences |
Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science |
|
Bifröst University |
BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics |
Interdisciplinary Studies, Public Policy, Ethics |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Iceland |
MA in Medieval Icelandic Studies |
Old Norse Language, Viking History, Medieval Literature |
|
University of Iceland |
MA in Nordic Studies |
Nordic Languages, Literature, History |
|
University of Iceland |
MA in Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies |
Icelandic Culture, Comparative Literature, Cultural Theory |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
MA in Fine Arts |
Contemporary Art Practices, Art Theory |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
MA in Design |
Innovation, Design Research |
|
University Centre of the Westfjords |
MA in Coastal and Marine Management |
Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Coastal Culture |
|
University Centre of the Westfjords |
MA in Marine Innovation |
Marine Technology, Maritime Culture, Marine Resource Management |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Iceland |
PhD in Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies |
Icelandic Culture, Comparative Literature, Cultural Theory |
|
University of Iceland |
PhD in History |
Medieval Studies, Modern History, Cultural History |
|
University of Iceland |
PhD in Linguistics |
Language Theory, Sociolinguistics, Phonetics |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
PhD in Fine Arts |
Artistic Practice, Art Theory, Visual Arts Research |
|
Reykjavik University |
PhD in Media Studies |
Digital Media, Journalism, Media Production |
|
Reykjavik University |
PhD in Philosophy |
Ethics, Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Science |
University/Institution |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
Diploma in Visual Arts |
Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
Diploma in Design |
Graphic Design, Product Design, Fashion Design |
|
Reykjavik University (Continuing Education) |
Diploma in Media and Communication Studies |
Digital Media, Journalism, Media Production |
|
University of Iceland (Continuing Education) |
Diploma in Cultural Studies |
Icelandic Culture, Literature, History |
|
University Centre of the Westfjords |
Certificate in Coastal and Marine Management |
Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Coastal Culture |
University/Institution |
Program |
Specializations |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
Summer Workshop in Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Performance Art |
2-4 weeks |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
Summer Workshop in Design |
Graphic Design, Product Design, Fashion Design |
2-4 weeks |
|
University of Iceland |
Summer Course in Icelandic Language and Culture |
Icelandic Language, Literature, Cultural Studies |
4 weeks |
|
Reykjavik University (Continuing Education) |
Short Course in Media Studies |
Digital Media, Journalism, Media Production |
2-3 weeks |
|
University Centre of the Westfjords |
Summer Course in Coastal and Marine Management |
Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Coastal Culture |
3 weeks |
|
Bifröst University |
Short Course in Cultural Management |
Cultural Heritage, Arts Management, Tourism |
2-3 weeks |
University |
Course Programs |
|---|---|
|
University of Iceland |
BA in Icelandic Studies |
|
|
BA in History |
|
|
BA in Art History |
|
|
MA in Medieval Icelandic Studies |
|
|
MA in Nordic Studies |
|
|
MA in Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies |
|
|
PhD in Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies |
|
|
PhD in History |
|
|
PhD in Linguistics |
University |
Program |
Intake Periods |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Iceland |
All BA, MA, and PhD programs |
Fall (September), Spring (January) |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
All BA, MA, and PhD programs |
Fall (September) |
|
Reykjavik University |
All BA, MA, and PhD programs |
Fall (September), Spring (January) |
|
University of Akureyri |
BA in Cultural Management |
Fall (September) |
|
University Centre of the Westfjords |
MA in Coastal and Marine Management |
Fall (September) |
|
|
MA in Marine Innovation |
Fall (September) |
|
Bifröst University |
All BA programs |
Fall (September) |
University |
Program |
Approximate Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Iceland |
BA in Icelandic Studies |
$600 - $1,200 |
|
|
BA in History |
$600 - $1,200 |
|
|
BA in Art History |
$600 - $1,200 |
|
|
MA in Medieval Icelandic Studies |
$600 - $1,200 |
|
|
MA in Nordic Studies |
$600 - $1,200 |
|
|
MA in Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies |
$600 - $1,200 |
|
|
PhD in Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies |
$600 - $1,200 |
|
|
PhD in History |
$600 - $1,200 |
|
|
PhD in Linguistics |
$600 - $1,200 |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
BA in Fine Arts |
$4,500 - $6,000 |
|
|
BA in Design |
$4,500 - $6,000 |
|
|
MA in Fine Arts |
$4,500 - $6,000 |
|
|
MA in Design |
$4,500 - $6,000 |
|
|
PhD in Fine Arts |
$4,500 - $6,000 |
|
Reykjavik University |
BA in Media Studies |
$7,000 - $9,000 |
|
|
BA in Philosophy |
$7,000 - $9,000 |
|
|
PhD in Media Studies |
$7,000 - $9,000 |
|
|
PhD in Philosophy |
$7,000 - $9,000 |
|
University of Akureyri |
BA in Cultural Management |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
University Centre of the Westfjords |
MA in Coastal and Marine Management |
$7,000 - $9,000 |
|
|
MA in Marine Innovation |
$7,000 - $9,000 |
|
Bifröst University |
BA in Social Sciences |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
|
|
BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
University |
Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Iceland |
BA Programs |
High school diploma or equivalent, English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS) |
|
|
MA Programs |
Relevant bachelor's degree, English proficiency, possibly a research proposal |
|
|
PhD Programs |
Relevant master's degree, research proposal, English proficiency |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
BA Programs |
High school diploma or equivalent, portfolio (for design and fine arts), English proficiency |
|
|
MA Programs |
Relevant bachelor's degree, portfolio (for design and fine arts), interview, English proficiency |
|
|
PhD Programs |
Relevant master's degree, research proposal, portfolio, interview, English proficiency |
|
Reykjavik University |
BA Programs |
High school diploma or equivalent, English proficiency |
|
|
PhD Programs |
Relevant master's degree, research proposal, English proficiency |
|
University of Akureyri |
BA in Cultural Management |
High school diploma or equivalent, English proficiency |
|
University Centre of the Westfjords |
MA Programs |
Relevant bachelor's degree, English proficiency, possibly a statement of purpose |
|
Bifröst University |
BA Programs |
High school diploma or equivalent, English proficiency |
University/Institution |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Amount/Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Iceland |
University of Iceland Scholarship Fund |
Academic excellence, financial need, enrolled in a degree program |
Tuition fee waiver, living expenses |
|
|
Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies Scholarships |
Students studying Icelandic language and literature |
Tuition fee waiver, stipend |
|
|
Erasmus+ Program |
EU/EEA students, enrolled in a degree program, exchange program |
Tuition fee waiver, travel grants, living expenses |
|
Iceland Academy of the Arts |
Iceland Academy of the Arts Scholarships |
Academic excellence, financial need, enrolled in a degree program |
Tuition fee waiver, partial living expenses |
|
|
Nordplus Program |
Nordic/Baltic students, exchange program |
Tuition fee waiver, travel grants, living expenses |
|
|
Fulbright Program |
US students, enrolled in a degree program |
Tuition fee waiver, stipend, travel grants |
|
Reykjavik University |
Reykjavik University Scholarships |
Academic excellence, financial need, enrolled in a degree program |
Tuition fee waiver, partial living expenses |
|
|
Reykjavik University Graduate Grants |
Graduate students, academic excellence, research potential |
Research grants, living expenses |
|
|
Erasmus+ Program |
EU/EEA students, enrolled in a degree program, exchange program |
Tuition fee waiver, travel grants, living expenses |
|
University of Akureyri |
University of Akureyri Scholarships |
Academic excellence, financial need, enrolled in a degree program |
Tuition fee waiver, partial living expenses |
|
|
Erasmus+ Program |
EU/EEA students, enrolled in a degree program, exchange program |
Tuition fee waiver, travel grants, living expenses |
|
University Centre of the Westfjords |
University Centre of the Westfjords Scholarships |
Academic excellence, financial need, enrolled in a degree program |
Tuition fee waiver, partial living expenses |
|
|
Erasmus+ Program |
EU/EEA students, enrolled in a degree program, exchange program |
Tuition fee waiver, travel grants, living expenses |
|
Bifröst University |
Bifröst University Scholarships |
Academic excellence, financial need, enrolled in a degree program |
Tuition fee waiver, partial living expenses |
|
|
Erasmus+ Program |
EU/EEA students, enrolled in a degree program, exchange program |
Tuition fee waiver, travel grants, living expenses |
