While universities are free to set their own admissions criteria, in most circumstances a matriculation exam(stúdentspróf) or its equivalent is necessary. Registration of 1st year students takes place from late May until early June. The application deadline for foreign students, other than Nordic citizens is the 15th of March. Some of the universities also admit new students in the spring. There are no tuition fees at state-run universities, only registration fees. Students must purchase their own books and materials.

The following individuals are eligible for a student loan:

*    Citizens of the EEA countries, who are residents in Iceland in connection with their work, their families and others who are or have been supported by them.
*    Students from Nordic countries who are permanent residents of Iceland, are registered students, and are not already receiving help from their own country.
*    Foreign nationals who are applying for Icelandic citizenship become eligible for loans in the academic term in which it is agreed to grant them the citizenship.

For more information about the student loans, the amount, reduction etc. contact the Lánasjóður íslenskra námsmanna (LÍN). Their web site currently has information in Icelandic and English.

Lánasjóður íslenskra námsmanna

Höfðaborg, Borgartún 21, 105 Reykjavík
s:                             560 4000              , www.lin.is 

For additional information regarding education policy in Iceland or for a listing of all schools in Iceland visit the website of the Ministry of Education at:

                    http://eng.menntamalaraduneyti.is/institutions/