History
The history of Reykjavík University (RU) reaches back to ‘64 with the establishment of the Technical School of Iceland. Its purpose was to bridge the gap between vocational education and university studies. The Technical School and RU merged in ‘05. RU has been operating since ‘98 and originally named Reykjavík School of Business. In ‘00, the name was changed as the previous name was considered not fully representative of its operations.
Education
Reykjavik University is organized into two prominent academic domains, the School of Social Sciences and the School of Technology, encompassing seven departments. These departments offer education at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, emphasizing collaboration with the business community, promoting innovation, and conducting research recognized internationally. In addition to degree programs, RU offers a one-year preparatory programme designed to provide individuals with a solid academic foundation. The Open University at RU further expands continuous learning opportunities by offering a variety of flexible courses tailored to working professionals aiming to advance their education and careers.
Research
Reykjavik University (RU) is a leader in Icelandic research, excelling in technology, business, economics, sports science, psychology, engineering, and law. The University has developed a dynamic research environment that emphasizes strong connections with industry and society, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing to tackle the challenges of the future. Research at RU is evaluated against international standards and guided by principles aligned with the European Union’s HR Excellence in Research framework. This commitment ensures a supportive working environment for researchers and reinforces the University’s global standing.
Career
According to results from Reykjavik University’s latest the annual graduation survey (July 2025) only 12,6% of students were job hunting at the time of graduation. That means our graduates are sought-after in the job market. Almost 55% have a job directly related to their field of studies and almost 32% have a job partly related. The average monthly salary of graduates is 743.000 ISK, which amounts to 5.700 USD, or 4.900 EUR. RU is committed to equip students with the skills and experience needed for the workforce. Our internship programme connects students with companies, organisations, and institutions, providing real-world insights, industry-specific skills, and opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in practical settings.
Top reasons to study here
- Hands-on learning with industry collaboration through real-world projects. Entrepreneurial support via RU’s entrepreneurship center for student companies.
- Research excellence & quality of education. High citation impact indicates a strong research influence where students can participate in faculty led projects
- Interactive environment and personalized support. Students benefit from the small community in Iceland, one of the world safest places to live and study.
Reykjavík University Key Statistics & Highlights
- #801 Ranking
- 23 Masters
- 47 Scholarships
- 150 Academic Staff
- 3,825 Students
- 307 Students (int'l)
- 1,578 Students (female)
- Private Institution Type
Reykjavík University Overview
Reykjavík University Scholarships
Reykjavík University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Reykjavík University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Reykjavík University Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 4 reviews
- 5 Star 1 Review
- 4 Star 3 Reviews
- 3 Star 0 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
The amazing school of reykjavik
It is a great school and I had loads of fun there with my friends. The school is in a nice quiet location but it is still near the heart of the capital city of Reykjavík. Most of the teachers are awesome but some of them are not that great. I would recomend this school to anyone living in Iceland but it isnt a great school for international student because it doesnt have very good equipment and others things that make others school stand out.
Excellent
Awesome environment, Awesome Culture and friendly People.
review
The university is better than most university in Italy also because is a private university. The erasmus referent make you fell like to be at home helping you everytime.
Reykjavík University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
World University Rankings
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 601 | 801 | 801 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
The main student office at Reykjavik University is the Student Services, which includes the Service Desk and other departments like the International Office, Student Counselling Centre and Student Registry. The Service Desk is open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. The Reykjavik University Student Association (SFHR) is the official body representing all RU students. Membership is automatic for all students, with no membership fees required. SFHR was established to unify the student body and advocate for their interests within and beyond the university.
Housing services
The RU student housing offers a total of 252 apartments for rent in two residential complexes. In the basement, there is a laundry room, storage room, and wagon and bike storage. In the residential park, there are bike sheds, sports facilities (stretching benches), charcoal grills, benches, and open areas. A certain number of foreign students shall have priority in the allocation of 20 rental units; single room with shared facilities and individual apartment. Foreign students must apply for an Icelandic social security number (SSN) as soon as they arrive in Iceland. Housing allocations are for one year at a time. Exchange students can have contracts for one semester if their courses are only one semester.
Library services
The University Library and Information Services are open Monday – Friday from 8:00 to 16:00. The facilities are open to all students with an access card 24/7.
ICT services
IT Services provide a range of computer facilities to help you study. IT suites are located across campus – many with 24-hour access. IT facilities also include:
- Wireless network
- Extensive printing facilities
- Adapted PCs for students with disabilities or additional learning needs
Medical services
No healthcare facilities are on campus, but they are close to the University. For EEU/EFTA citizens, please bring passport and European Health Insurance Card when visiting a doctor. The card guarantees you the minimum fee offered to everyone insured by the local public healthcare system. It takes about 6 months for health insurance rights to be transferred between countries. Non-EEA/EFTA citizens must have health insurance from an insurance company, licensed to operate in Iceland.
Campus life
Reykjavik University is operated in a modern and vibrant, state of the art campus that offers a high-quality learning atmosphere and is designed with sustainability in mind. In short, everything that a student need can be found under the same roof. Facilities include a café, supermarket, canteen, gym (membership based), locked bike storage, yoga room and a new sensory-friendly space. The University is situated in a scenic area between Nautholsvik geothermal beach and the Oskjuhlid recreational area. Reykjavik University is 2,5 km from the city centre and is easily accessible on foot, bike, bus and car. Free parking spaces are available. Electric car charging stations are on site and electric scooters are generally available outside the university building
Sports facilities
World Class Fitness Center is in the basement of the university. Students can purchase membership cards at discounted rates. Access is available 24/7 for students and staff. The Department of Sport Science also operates the RU Sport Lab, which is a facility for sports science students to conduct research and measurements using equipment like VO2 max treadmills and gas analyzers, and motion capture systems. The lab supports students in undergraduate and graduate sports science and biomedical engineering programmes.
Student clubs
Reykjavik University fosters a vibrant and welcoming social environment where students quickly form strong connections and a close-knit community. From the first days of their studies, students can engage with peers through events organized by student associations and within their academic programmes.
Accreditation
Reykjavik University (ru.is) is accredited by the Ministry of Education in Iceland, which grants accreditation to institutions that meet the requirements of the Higher Education Institutions Act. Additionally, specific programs have received international accreditations, such as the BSc in Business Administration having EPAS accreditation from the EFMD, and the MBA program holding AMBA accreditation. MSc in Psychology course sequence is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. RU is recognized by the European Commission for its commitment to an excellent working environment for researchers. RU also has a quality assurance system that meets the standards of the European Higher Education Area.