This overview should give you an idea of the structure of the education system. Please note that this is list is not exhaustive and explanations of studies are short and based on official data.
The size of the boxes does not reflect the length or scope of the studies. Further explanations can be found in the laws and regulations of the relevant study programmes or official information on the website of the relevant institutions.
Also keep the Icelandic Competence Framework in mind, where you can see examples of graduation and degrees according to competence levels.
Formal secondary school and university system
About the studies
Also called continuing education. Lifelong learning courses are any kind of course that is taken after completing undergraduate studies and starting employment. The courses aim to enable people to improve and renew their knowledge and skills. This applies to strengthening yourself in the professional field as well as the personal field.
Admission requirements
In general, there are no admission requirements, but there may be exceptions.
Continuation after graduation
Some lifelong learning courses offer basic and advanced courses.
University-level doctorate
About the studies
Final examination from a university where the student has completed at least 180 ECTS credits of a structured study programme at study level / university level 3. A doctorate must contain a research project that meets international standards for doctoral projects.
Admission requirements
Admission requirements are a master’s degree at level 2.1 or 2.2 or an equivalent examination. Universities or departments may require a certain minimum grade and set special rules on the admission and eligibility of students.
Continuation after graduation
In some disciplines, it is possible to continue research after graduation from a doctoral programme (postdoc).
For further details, see Criteria for higher education and degrees in the Official Journal of Iceland 2011. (Icelandic only)
University-level master’s degree
About the studies
Final examination from a university where the student has completed 90–120 ECTS credits of a structured study programme at study level / university level 2.2. Most master’s degrees contain a 30-ECTS credit research project.
Admission requirements
Admission requirements are a bachelor’s degree (final examination at level 1.2). As a rule, a first-class grade is required.
Schools or departments may set additional conditions for admission to studies at level 2.2.
Continuation after graduation
A research-related master’s degree (MA/MSc) provides access to postgraduate studies at the third level/tier of study. Schools or departments may require a certain minimum grade. The scope of the research and/or final project must be at least 30 ECTS credits.
For further details, see Criteria for higher education and degrees in the Official Journal of Iceland 2011.(Icelandic only)
Diploma studies at a master’s level – Additional diploma
About the studies
Additional examination from a university where the student has completed 30–120 ECTS credits of a structured study programme at study level / university level 2.1. Additional examinations at the master’s level include examinations that either do not have a research project or the projects contain less than 30 ECTS credits.
Admission requirements
In order to be able to add an additional diploma, applicants are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject. Admission requirements may differ according to universities and departments.
Continuation after graduation
An additional diploma can provide access to a master’s degree.
For further details, see Criteria for higher education and degrees in the Official Journal of Iceland 2011.(Icelandic only)
Bachelor’s degree at university level
About the studies
Education that includes teaching in a discipline and possible participation in scientific research meant to prepare students for jobs that require theoretical working methods, knowledge and skills. There are seven universities in Iceland, and the number of specialisations in studies that are available is considerable. To obtain the degree, at least 180 ECTS credits must be completed. On average, 60 credits correspond to full-time study on an annual basis and reflect all students’ study work. An overview of universities in Iceland can be found here.
Admission requirements
As a rule, students who wish to start studying at a university must have completed the matriculation exam or comparable examination in Iceland or abroad. Universities may admit students who have completed a certain minimum number of credits in upper secondary school and have acquired sufficient experience and knowledge in the labour market to meet the admission requirements for undergraduate studies in the opinion of the university in question. However, it must be ensured that admission requirements to universities and study requirements always correspond to what is required in recognised foreign universities in a comparable field. The University Act also authorises the setting of special admission requirements for those who begin their studies at university, e.g. by having students who meet the above criteria take an entrance examination or a placement test.
Continuation after graduation
After completing a bachelor’s degree, a student can apply to start studies at the second university level, where there are two levels; the first level is an additional examination at the master’s level and the second level is a master’s degree. A student is expected to enter a study programme based on the knowledge, skills and abilities they have acquired in their studies at the first university level.
For further details, see Criteria for higher education and degrees in the Official Journal of Iceland 2011.(Icelandic only)
Diploma studies at university level
About the studies
The study is at university level 1.1, and at the final examination, the student has completed 30–120 ECTS university credits of an organised study programme at the first study level/tier. University studies are divided into three tiers, see here for further details. These study programmes are often practical and related to jobs in the labour market. Several universities offer such courses, and the range of courses varies greatly. We recommend using the keywords practical diploma studies or undergraduate diplomas on the schools’ websites when searching for studies.
Recently, several universities have offered vocational university studies with employment-related graduations between 60 and 90 ECTS credits. Characteristic of vocational university studies is the organisation and structure of the study programme and the close connection with the employment sector, since vocational education and expertise are recognised as part of the admission requirements for the study programme.
Admission requirements
Admission requirements are matriculation examination or other comparable examination. Individual schools or faculties can make special demands on the composition of the matriculation examination and even work experience.
Continuation after graduation
Undergraduate diplomas can provide access to bachelor studies, level 1.2. Individual universities or faculties may make special demands on the composition of the examination and a certain minimum grade for access to studies at tier/level 1.2.
For further details, see Criteria for higher education and degrees in the Official Journal of Iceland 2011.(Icelandic only)
Additional upper secondary studies – Vocational university
About the studies
The content of the additional studies varies according to the final objectives. It focuses on increased professional specialisation, management and development in the field of work. If the course includes an authorised professional qualification, such as a master craftsman’s exam, upper secondary schools must comply with the qualification requirements set by the Ministry in collaboration with the occupational advisory board. For further information, see the National Upper-Secondary School Curriculum on the website of the Ministry of Education.
Admission requirements
Additional studies at upper secondary schools include graduation from study programmes offered by upper secondary schools as a continuation of defined studies at the third skill tier.
Continuation after graduation
In some cases, additional studies at the upper secondary level, such as master craftsman’s studies, may provide access to vocational diplomas at the university level or vocational studies in the same subject. This will depend on the admission requirements in each university.
Academic studies for the matriculation examination
About the studies
The matriculation examination aims to prepare students for university studies, but the study time for the matriculation examination can vary between study programmes and school. The contribution of students shall never be less than 200 upper secondary school credits. There is a considerable supply of diverse academic studies for the matriculation examination, see an overview of upper secondary schools here.
Admission requirements
Those who have completed primary schooling, have received equivalent basic education or have reached the age of 16 are entitled to start upper secondary education. Upper secondary schools may make special requirements for preparation and academic achievement for enrolment in individual upper secondary school study programmes, as they aim to offer students studies that are suitable for their preparation. For further details, see here.
Continuation after graduation
After completing the matriculation examination, an individual has the opportunity for further studies at the university level. The matriculation examination does not automatically guarantee access to all studies at the university level. Individual universities or university departments may set various special requirements that students must also meet, and in some cases, students may have to take entrance exams.
For further information on the matriculation examination, see the National Upper-Secondary School Curriculum on the website of the Ministry of Education.(Icelandic only)
Trade and vocational studies for professional qualifications
Upper secondary school Trade and vocational studies for professional qualifications
About the studies
Trade and vocational studies take place in the school and in the workplace. There are several types of vocational studies at the upper secondary level, such as trade training and professional studies. The aim of such courses is to prepare students for a specific job. Some of these courses provide certain authorised professional qualifications, others do not. There are also study programmes that don’t end with a matriculation examination or provide professional qualifications and are classified as other final examinations. The skills criteria of the study programmes indicate specialisation that can fall under vocational studies, art studies, academic studies or general studies. For further information on graduation at upper secondary level, see here. (Icelandic only) It is possible to take a real skills assessment against some vocational training. Real skills assessment aims to check whether the individual has real skills comparable or equivalent to those acquired through the studies. If this is the case, the studies will be shortened, which will save the individual both time and money. For further information on real skills assessment, see here.
Admission requirements
To get into vocational, trade and professional training, a student must have completed a primary school examination with a minimum grade, but requirements may vary from school to school. Upper secondary schools may make special requirements for preparation and academic achievement for enrolment in individual upper secondary school study programmes, as they aim to offer students studies that are suitable for their preparation. For further details, see here. (Icelandic only)
Continuation after graduation
The study programme can provide access to postgraduate studies in the same subject. Most universities require a matriculation examination and some upper secondary schools offer additional studies for the matriculation examination. Changes in admission to postgraduate studies after trade, professional and art studies are likely to occur, but as things stand today, each university can have a different approach to admission depending on the study programme applied for, and most require a matriculation examination.
For further information on vocational studies, see the National Upper-Secondary School Curriculum on the website of the Ministry of Education. (Icelandic only)
Studies outside the formal school system
Preparatory departments for university studies – General
About the studies
Studies for individuals who do not meet the admission requirements for university or certain departments within a university. Sometimes called foundation or access courses. The aim of the study is to prepare students for undergraduate studies at university. The study programme shall also provide basic education at the upper secondary level to strengthen individuals in the labour market. The programme is either available as on-site study, distance learning or with work.
See more on preparatory departments: Preliminary University Studies at Keilir, University Gateway at Bifröst University and Preliminary Studies at Reykjavík University.
Admission requirements
Admission requirements vary between individuals, with regards to e.g. age, experience and more. They all have in common that the participant must have completed certain academic preparations in upper secondary school, completed the study programme Educational Support in upper secondary education or defined vocational training.
Continuation after graduation
University studies or general and specialised lifelong learning courses.
Certified study programme
General
Continuing education Certified study programme General
Continuing education aims to provide adults with a short formal education with appropriate learning opportunities and to make it easier for them to resume their studies. Continuing education is funded by the government and is organised and implemented by the Education and Training Service Centre, the Education Fund and lifelong learning centres around the country. Continuing education offers certified study programmes, both job-related and general. Individuals who have not completed formal education can take a real skills assessment, free of charge based on the admission requirements for subjects and also apply for education and employment counselling at lifelong learning centres free of charge. For further information on real skills assessment and education and employment counselling, see here.
About the studies
Certified study programmes are designed to be suitable for adults and are concise and economic. Certified general study programmes are varied but have in common that they are available to everyone with a short formal education, regardless of previous education and job. Basic Courses and Educational Support are study programmes where academic skills are increased at different levels. In other general study programmes, emphasis is placed on increasing competence in Icelandic, dealing with dyslexia or increasing other general skills. For further details, see here. (Icelandic only)
With the certification of the study program, it has been confirmed that the study programme meets the requirements for organisation, presentation of criteria and assessment set by the Directorate of Education on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Culture. The studies are intended to be conducted concurrently with employment and that the study program, which is defined as continuing education, can be assessed to some extent for credits within the general school system, but this depends on the assessment in each school. In all study programmes, great emphasis is placed on strengthening communication, self-empowerment and study techniques. Students’ different needs are taken into account and care taken that the structure of studies and subjects are suitable for each individual.
It is possible to take a real skills assessment against some general study courses. Real skills assessment aims to check whether the individual has real skills comparable or equivalent to those acquired through the studies. If this is the case, the studies will be shortened, which will save the individual both time and money. For further details, see here.
Admission requirements
The participant must have reached the age of 18 and have a willingness to take on new challenges. The supervision and implementation of the study programmes is the responsibility of accredited educators.
Continuation after graduation
Certified general study programmes do not provide direct access to upper secondary studies, as they are all very different. However, it should be noted that Education Support is intended for those who aim to study at university preparatory departments. See more on preparatory departments: Preliminary University Studies at Keilir, University Gateway at Bifröst University and Preliminary Studies at Reykjavík University.
Certified study programme
Job-related study programme
Continuing education Certified study programme Job-related study programme
About the studies
A certified job-related study programme is for those who are employed in the labour market, have reached the age of 18 and have a short formal education. The course elements of each study programme are related to specific jobs, and most are based on the job profiles of the jobs in question. The competence, knowledge and skills criteria of the study programmes aim to have participants acquire further knowledge, understanding and increased professional competence to perform work. After participating in some job-related study programmes, a participant can request a wage increase from employers, but no rules or agreements apply. You can find certified job-related curriculums here.
It is possible to take a real skills assessment against some job-related study programmes. Real skills assessment aims to check whether the individual has real skills comparable or equivalent to those acquired through the studies. If this is the case, the studies will be shortened, which will save the individual both time and money. For further details, see here.
Admission requirements
A participant must be 18 years of age or older, in the labour market and with a short formal education.
Continuation after graduation
The study programmes contain criteria for assessment for upper secondary school credits. Getting those credits evaluated after completing the study programme is not guaranteed, as upper secondary schools may have a different approach to admission depending on the study programme applied for.
Some study programmes are designed as preparation for vocational studies in the same field. See more about vocational studies in upper secondary school in the box on the side.
Folk high school
About the studies
The aim of folk high schools is to provide general education and guidance in accordance with the provisions of the law and to prepare students for participation in a democratic society. Folk high schools shall focus on providing comprehensive general education where the student is a priority in the school community and receives support from teachers and fellow students. The studies shall promote students’ tolerance and aim to give them the opportunity to develop on their own terms, cultivate their talents and strengths and increase their understanding of history, culture, respect for the values of others and the infrastructure of a democratic society.
Admission requirements
Those who have reached the age of 18 at the beginning of their studies can enroll in a folk high school. Each school can set more detailed conditions.
Continuation after graduation
Studying at a folk high school does not provide direct rights to upper secondary studies. Studying at a folk high school can, however, provide a certain amount of preparation and increase personal competence.
Icelandic as a second language
About the studies
In most cases, the curriculum in undergraduate studies in Icelandic for foreigners is used. In drawing up the curriculum, the Council of Europe’s reference framework for foreign languages was taken into account, with six proficiency levels, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. There are four courses in the curriculum that are intended to train skills that correspond to reference frameworks A1–A2. The main objectives of the studies are to prepare students so that they acquire the necessary skills in Icelandic to be able to become active members of society in Iceland. The studies are most commonly divided into four comprehensive modules, with 60 lessons in each module. The studies may be divided into more than four modules.
Many education entities offer studies and courses in Icelandic as a second language. Here is an overview compiled by the Multicultural Centre.
Admission requirements
Those who have reached the age of 18. All adults who reside in this country and are registered as domiciled in the National Registry can attend studies and/or courses in Icelandic as a second language.
About the studies
Also called continuing education. Lifelong learning courses are any kind of course that is taken after completing undergraduate studies and starting employment. The courses aim to enable people to improve and renew their knowledge and skills. This applies to strengthening yourself in the professional field as well as the personal field.
Admission requirements
In general, there are no admission requirements, but there may be exceptions.
Continuation after graduation
Some lifelong learning courses offer basic and advanced courses.
This overview should give you an idea of the structure of the education system. Please note that this is list is not exhaustive and explanations of studies are short and based on official data.