Iceland offers an incredible opportunity for budget‑conscious students: two public institutions are now accepting applications—tuition‑free, no application fees—until June 5, 2025.
You can:
- Study without paying tuition
- Pay only a yearly registration fee of 75,000 ISK (≈ €515)
- Enjoy a 97.8 % Schengen visa approval rate
- Bring your family once you prove sufficient funds
- Live and travel freely across the Schengen Area and EEA
Below, you’ll find:
- High‑CPC, SEO‑rich sections (H2 headings)
- Embedded hyperlinks to authoritative sources
- A clear comparison table
- Actionable, step‑by‑step guidance
- A comprehensive FAQ
Tuition Free Universities in Europe
Iceland’s public universities charge no tuition fees for degree‑seeking students. You pay only a one‑time registration fee of 75,000 ISK once you receive your acceptance letter citeturn2view0.
Why this matters for you:
- Zero tuition lowers your total study cost dramatically.
- You avoid hefty application fees charged by many European nations.
- You secure a Schengen student visa with minimal upfront fees.
Iceland Study Abroad Requirements
Before you apply, ensure you meet these baseline criteria:
- Hold a secondary school leaving certificate (Icelandic matriculation exam or equivalent)
- Meet language proficiency requirements (Icelandic and/or English, depending on program)
- Provide proof of funds (see section below)
- Submit online application by June 5, 2025
Most undergraduate programs require an entrance exam in Icelandic; some master’s and vocational tracks are offered in English.
Schengen Visa Approval Rate
Iceland approves 97.8 % of its Schengen visa applications—one of the highest among Schengen member states citeturn0search2turn0search4.
- In 2023, over 21,000 out of 22,500 visa requests were granted.
- Only 474 applications were refused—all others succeeded.
What this means for you: you have a very strong chance of securing a visa if you submit a complete application and demonstrate genuine study intentions.
Comparison Table: Agricultural University vs. Hólar University
| Feature | Agricultural University of Iceland | Hólar University (UHI Hólar) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | June 5, 2025 | June 5, 2025 |
| Tuition | €0 (tuition‑free) | €0 (tuition‑free for degree tracks) |
| Registration Fee | 75,000 ISK (≈ €515) | 75,000 ISK (≈ €515) |
| Program Levels | BSc (3 yrs), MSc (2 yrs), PhD | BA (3 yrs), MSc (2 yrs) |
| Language of Instruction | Icelandic (English modules vary) | Icelandic primary (some English MSc) |
| Entrance Exam | Required (Icelandic language) | Required (Icelandic proficiency test) |
| Study Fields | Agriculture, Food & Environment | Equine science, Fisheries, Informatics |
| Mode | Full‑time | Full‑time |
| Visa Approval Rate | 97.8 % | 97.8 % |
| Family Reunification | Allowed | Allowed |
Agricultural University of Iceland – Free Agriculture Programs
The Agricultural University of Iceland (AUI) at Hvanneyri offers:
- BSc in Agricultural Science (180 ECTS, 3 years)
- MSc in Agricultural Science (120 ECTS, 2 years)
- Joint PhD (UNIgreen) in Agri‑Food Science citeturn3search7
- Specialized tracks: Sustainable Agriculture, Crop Science, Animal Nutrition, Restoration Ecology
Key details:
- Tuition: free for all degree‑seeking students
- Registration Fee: 75,000 ISK per year
- Language: primarily Icelandic; some MSc tracks in English
- Entry Requirements:
- Icelandic matriculation exam or equivalent
- Language entrance exam in Icelandic citeturn3search3turn3search4
- How to apply:
- Create an account on the AUI Application Portal
- Upload transcripts, passport copy, proof of funds, and language test results
- Submit by June 5, 2025 for autumn intake citeturn3search1turn3search2
Hólar University (UHI Hólar) – Vocational & Equine Science
Hólar University in the north offers a range of innovative programs:
- BA in Riding & Equine Science (180 ECTS, 3 years)
- MSc in Fish Biology (120 ECTS, 2 years)
- MBA, BSc in Informatics, and vocational certificates in agriculture
Key details:
- Tuition: free for degree‑seeking students
- Registration Fee: 75,000 ISK per year
- Language: Icelandic primary; select MSc programs in English
- Entry Requirements:
- Icelandic proficiency test (oral & written)
- Equine skill exam for riding programs citeturn0search10turn0search11
- How to apply:
- Visit UHI Hólar’s Study Page
- Register with an email, fill out the international application form
- Upload required documents before June 5, 2025
How to Get an EU Student Visa
To secure a Schengen student visa for Iceland, you must:
- Receive acceptance from AUI or UHI Hólar
- Pay the 75,000 ISK registration fee (receipt required)
- Gather visa documents:
- Valid passport (≥ 12 months validity)
- Acceptance letter (original)
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds for at least one year (see next section)
- Travel/health insurance (min €30,000 coverage)
- Academic transcripts & CV
- Schedule a visa interview at your nearest Icelandic consulate or Schengen Visa Info
- Submit application and biometrics
- Wait for approval (average 15 days; Iceland’s rate is 97.8 %) citeturn0search2
Proof of Funds for Iceland Visa
You must show you can cover your living and study costs:
- Living expenses: approx 179,758 ISK/month (excl. rent) citeturn2view0
- Rent: 219,844 – 320,000 ISK/month (studio): £1,350–£2,000/month citeturn2view0
- Annual total:
- Living + rent ≈ ISk 400,000 × 12 = ISk 4.8 million (~ €30,000)
- Accepted proofs:
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Scholarship award letters
- Sponsor affidavit + sponsor bank statements
Student Family Visa in Iceland
Once you hold a valid student residence permit, you can sponsor your spouse and minor children:
- Application: submit a separate family reunification application to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun)
- Proof needed:
- Proof of sufficient additional funds (≈ ISk 267,000/month per family member)
- Proof of accommodation (adequate housing)
- Medical insurance for dependents
- Processing time: 1–3 months
Cost of Living in Iceland
Monthly estimates (Reykjavík):
- Accommodation (1 bed, city centre): 247,153 ISK
- Transport (monthly pass): 9,300 ISK
- Food (groceries & casual dining): 30,000 ISK
- Utilities (2‑person flat): 13,793 ISK
- Miscellaneous (internet, leisure): 10,000 ISK
Average (excl. rent): 179,758 ISK/month citeturn2view0
Total with rent: approx 425,000 ISK/month (~ €2,600)
Application Process: Step‑by‑Step
- Research programs at AUI (courses list) and UHI Hólar (study page).
- Verify deadlines: June 5, 2025 (autumn intake).
- Register for an account on each portal.
- Prepare documents:
- Transcripts (translated & notarized)
- Language test scores or proof of Icelandic proficiency exam registration
- Passport scan
- Passport‑style photo
- Proof of funds & accommodation
- Submit applications online—no fee.
- Monitor your email; respond to any requests within 48 hours.
- Receive acceptance letter.
- Pay the 75,000 ISK registration fee.
- Apply for your study visa at the Icelandic consulate with all supporting documents.
- Book flights and arrange housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I work part‑time while studying?
Yes. As a non‑EEA student, you can work up to 15 hours/week during term and full‑time in holidays.
Q2. Are courses taught in English?
Most bachelor’s programs require Icelandic. Several master’s tracks and vocational courses have English modules—confirm with the program coordinator.
Q3. What is the student visa processing time?
Usually 15 days, though you should apply at least 1 month before your planned travel date.
Q4. Do I need health insurance?
Yes. You must have travel/health insurance covering at least €30,000 (medical repatriation included).
Q5. How do I prove Icelandic language proficiency?
By passing the university’s entrance exam or providing a recognized test certificate (e.g., **Icelandic 2 **).
Q6. When can my family join me?
After you obtain your student permit, you can apply for family reunification. Processing takes 1–3 months.
Ready to apply?
- Agricultural University of Iceland: Apply here
- Hólar University: Apply here
Don’t miss this chance to study tuition‑free, benefit from a 97.8% visa approval rate, and experience one of Europe’s most unique and welcoming education systems. Apply by June 5, 2025!
