Education at the upper-secondary level is free but students pay a registration fee and the cost of textbooks. Students in vocational education also pay a materials fee. Education at this level is not compulsory but all students that have completed this level of education have the right to enter university. General academic education is organized as a 4-year course leading to a matriculation examination (stúdentspróf). Schools in the Reykjavík area do not have dormitories while schools in the countryside offer room and board for enrolled students. There are about 40 of these schools in Iceland. They are broken down into 4 types of schools.

Grammar schools (menntaskóli) – 4-year academic programs in which students choose a major course of study. On completion students are eligible to take a matriculation exam (students próf), which gives them the right to enter university.
Industrial-vocational schools (iðnskóli) – offer theoretical and practical programs of study in skilled and some non-skilled trades and other areas, for example in the fishing industry, travel, health or commerce. Training for a skilled trade takes 3 – 4 years. It is comprised of a vocational program of study and a study contract with a master craftsman or an industrial firm.
Comprehensive schools (fjölbrautaskóli) – These schools offer more areas of study, and combine both academic programs and vocational programs. It is possible to take the matriculation exam and a journeyman’s examination.
Specialized vocational schools – offer specialized programs of study in preparation for specialized employment such as in agriculture (bændaskóli) or seaman’s school (Sjómannaskóli).

    There are no loans available for students in framhaldsskóli. There is however tax discounts available to parents. This discount is not automatic like barnabætur. Parents must fill out the appropriate information on their tax forms. The amount of the discount is affected by any income that the student claims. For more information about this call the tax office (Ríkisskattstjóra, Laugavegi 166) at                             563 1100               or check their homepage at www.rsk.is.

    Parents are obligated by law to financially see to their children until they are 18 years of age. Students between the ages of 18-20 years old who are studying or learning a trade may apply for an extension of support. The student makes this request at Tryggingastofnun Ríkisins.