History
The University was founded in September 1987, by establishing two Faculties, in Health Sciences and in Industrial Management. The University is at present operating in three Schools; School of Business and Science, School of Humanities and Social Sciences and School of Health Sciences. The number of students is around 1800 and members of staff are around 180 .
Education
Currently, the University offers programmes in the following subjects: social sciences, media studies, nursing, occupational therapy, teacher training (preschool and primary school), biotechnology, law, police science, modern studies, psychology, fishery studies, computer science and business administration.
Research
Research is one of the fundamental aspects of the University of Akureyri. Most of the research work is done by the academic members of the staff and research administration is in the hands of RHA - UNAK's Research and Development Centre, whose purpose is to promote research activities and strengthen the University's connection to industry.
University of Akureyri Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to University of Akureyri. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
05 Jan 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
12 Jan 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
The MyUS Community Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2026
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
Florida Rentals Annual Dream Vacation Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
05 Jan 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
12 Jan 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
The MyUS Community Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2026
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
Florida Rentals Annual Dream Vacation Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
15 Dec 2025
Lawyers of Tomorrow Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Education for Sustainable Energy Development (ESED) scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
10 Dec 2025
Hutchison & Foreman Committing to Justice Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
03 Oct 2025
The Devadoss Law Firm Civil Rights Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
NextLevel Student Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
05 Jan 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
12 Jan 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
05 Jan 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
12 Jan 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
The MyUS Community Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2026
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
Florida Rentals Annual Dream Vacation Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
05 Jan 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
12 Jan 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
The MyUS Community Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2026
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
Florida Rentals Annual Dream Vacation Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Student services
The Student Counselling Services assist current and prospective students at the University in choosingcourses of study. The counsellor provides individuals and groups with counselling and guidance during their studies especially concerning improvements in study skills and techniques.
Housing services
The International Office tries to guarantee housing for all exchange students who are accepted into the University of Akureyri.
Student accommodation is located in three areas in Akureyri and students also rent private flats in various parts of the town.Library services
The University of Akureyri Library places an emphasis on providing good service to students and ready access to various electronic databases and publications relating to the academic disciplines of the University. Library personnel offer advice and assistance in the search for information as well as teaching and training in information literacy.
ICT services
The IT Centre at the University provides students and staff with access to specialised technical equipment, software and guidance that enables them to utilise information technology in learning, teaching and research. The focus of the IT Centre’s personnel is on providing professional and personalised service to students and staff.
Campus life
The University is located on an attractive campus in the heart of Akureyri. Buses are free of charge, interest and participation in sports is high and sports facilities are good. Winter sports facilities are first class with a skating rink and a skiing area just a few minutes’ drive away. Cultural life isthriving, in particular theatre, concerts, and other creative arts. Icelandic nature with all its variety from black deserts toglaciers and mountains can be enjoyed and experienced withina short travel distance from Akureyri. Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss,glaciers and various other nature reserves are only a fewhours’ travel by car from Akureyri.
Sports facilities
For those interested in improving their health and wellbeing there is a fitness and exercise centre at Sólborg.
Student clubs
The Student Association of the University of Akureyri (FSHA) is an association of all students enrolled at UNAK. FSHA focuses mostly on protecting students’ interests and unifying student activities in each faculty association as well as having active representatives within official academic boards and committees at UNAK. FSHA supervises events in the areas of entertainment, sports and family activities, and supports the faculty associations in handling these issues within their departments and faculties. FSHA intends to safeguard the interests of all UNAK students, promote the health and well-being of students and work closely with UNAK staff to promote the University.
Accreditation
The University of Akureyri is accredited by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture in the fields of social sciences, health sciences and agriculture.