University admission in Iceland

Official entry requirements

As classified by the country with UNESCO (ISCED 2011), reference year 2020. Universities may set higher requirements.

School-leaving qualification (upper secondary)

• General programmes leading to matriculation examination at upper secondary level, 4 years4 years, from age 16

  Minimum entry: Completed lower secondary (ISCED 244)

  Awards: Matriculation examination (granting access to university)

• Matriculation examination at upper secondary level after completion of vocational programmes1 years, from age 19

  Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary (ISCED 353, 354)

  Awards: Matriculation examination (granting access to university)

• General programmes leading to matriculation examination at upper secondary level, 3-3.5 years3 years, from age 16

  Minimum entry: Completed lower secondary (ISCED 244)

  Awards: Matriculation examination (granting access to university)

Bachelor's or equivalent (first degree)

• Tertiary programmes 3 years, first university degree3 years, from age 20

  Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary (ISCED 344)

  Awards: Bachelor degree

• Tertiary programmes 4 years, first university degree3.5 years, from age 20

  Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary (ISCED 344)

  Awards: Bachelor degree, Cand. (name of field) or professional qualifications

• Tertiary programmes, exchange students0.5 years, from age 20

  Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary (ISCED 344)

  Awards: Credentials without degree-awarding

• Tertiary programmes, continuing education after first tertiary degree0.5 years, from age 23

  Minimum entry: Completed bachelor's or equivalent (ISCED 665)

  Awards: Credentials without degree-awarding

Short-cycle tertiary (diplomas)

• Tertiary programmes 2 years not leading to a university degree2 years, from age 20

  Minimum entry: 3

  Awards: Vocational programmes at the tertiary level resulting in a vocational certificate or in a diploma of competence

• Tertiary programmes 3 years not leading to a university degree3 years, from age 20

  Minimum entry: 3

  Awards: Vocational programmes at the tertiary level resulting in a vocational certificate or in a diploma of competence

• Teacher's qualification programme, no degree0.5 years, from age 23

  Minimum entry: 4

  Awards: Vocational programmes at the tertiary level resulting in a vocational certificate

• Short practical programmes at the tertiary level1.5 years, from age 20

  Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary (ISCED 344)

  Awards: Short practical programmes at the tertiary level, basic diploma

• Basic diploma at the tertiary level, 0.5-1 year0.5 years, from age 20

  Minimum entry: Completed upper secondary (ISCED 344)

  Awards: Basic diploma at the tertiary level

• Tertiary programmes 1-1.5 years not leading to a university degree1 years, from age 20

  Minimum entry: 3

  Awards: Vocational programmes at the tertiary level resulting in a diploma of competence