The University of Iceland is a progressive educational and scientific institution, renowned in the global scientific community for its research. It is a state university, situated in the heart of Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland.
The University of Iceland was founded on 17 June 1911, on the centenary of 19th-century Icelandic statesman Jón Sigurðsson, usually referred to as "president". The University was located in the Parliament House at Austurvöllur for the first 29 years.
Education
A modern, diversified, and rapidly developing institution, the University of Iceland offers opportunities for study and research in over 400 programmes spanning most fields of science and discipline:
Social Sciences
Health Sciences
Humanities
Education
Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research
Dynamic research is the key to progress and economic growth and the University of Iceland places great emphasis on strengthening research and educating young people. The academics at UI are a part of a strong global network within the scientific community. The University's success in recent years has earned it a place amongst the best universities according to recognised international rankings. One of the University's goals is to ensure that learning and research meet the needs of Icelandic society and industry while promoting a sustainable world.
Career
Students with a degree from the University of Iceland are sought after and employed in all sectors of society.
The staff at the University of Iceland Student Counselling Centre (UISCC) offers students counselling and support during their studies, e.g. about academic choice, study skills, and tools for job searching. UISCC supports students' equality and diversity, e.g. by providing disability services during studies and exams and offering psychological services.
Below you will find scholarships related to University of Iceland. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Mode of teaching and proper relationship with the lecturer and co students.
Advancement in teaching techniques and more illustration for more understanding
Posted byVictor Elumah
Studied fromFeb 2026 - Aug 2028
Posted onFeb 2026
4/5
Art History Programme
The University of Iceland is a good university but the Art history programme is not the best. It could be a lot more immersive and the lack of social life doesn't really help.
Posted byProvided by ESN
Studied fromJan 2023 - Dec 2025
Posted onApr 2025
3/5
A Journey to Unfold
I believe that this program will help me immerse in diverse perspectives and critical discourses pertaining to global society. I expect that I will acquire not only academic knowledge but also the ability to engage and allow me to broaden my worldview, as well as cultivate cultural backgrounds between my home country and Iceland. Also, I do hope that I would be able to transform my understanding into action that may contribute to meaningful change in both academic and social spheres. Further, I am also aiming to participate in promoting intercultural activities.
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
537
By TopUniversities
Climbed 45 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
547
582
537
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
620
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 92 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
2025
2026
2027
521
528
620
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
No 2027 Ranking
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
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
2025
2026
2027
501
501
-
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
No 2026 Ranking
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
2024
2025
2026
601
601
-
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
The University of Iceland does not provide or guarantee housing for students. The supply of on-campus housing is very limited and most students live off-campus. Reykjavik is an expensive city and monthly rent for an individual is typically from 120,000 ISK (approx 800 EUR) and up. See: https://english.hi.is/studies/housing
Library services
All services that students need in order to access books and teaching materials are available on the University campus. Students have access to the National and University Library, which is the most advanced library inthe country.
ICT services
Computing Services operates the University of Iceland computer network and is responsible for computer equipment for teaching etc.
Sports facilities
The University of Iceland is aware that exercise is important for all students and operates a gymnasium in the campus area open to all university students and staff for a modest fee.
Student clubs
Most faculties and study programmes operate a student association organising social events throughout the academic year.
Accreditation
The Minister of Education, Science and Culture granted accreditation to the University of Iceland to offer curricula leading to Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees in all of its Schools, in accordance with The Higher Education Institutions Act No. 63/2006, Rules on the Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions no. 1067/2006 and Rules on Doctorate Programmes in Higher Education Institutions no. 37/2007. The accreditation was granted following an expert evaluation by foreign specialists in quality assurance.
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