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EuroEducation.net The European Education Directory |
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| Iceland |
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Structure of Educational System Pre-higher Education System Higher Education System Administrative structure of higher education Admissions to Higher Education and Recognition |
INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS Types of higher education
institutions: Háskóli (University) Kennaraháskóli
(University of Education) Taekniskóli
(Technical College) Taekniskolar og Serskolar
(College) Listaháskóli
(Academy of Arts) School leaving and higher education
credentials: Stúdentspróf Baccalaureatus Baccalaureatus
Artium Baccalaureatus
Educationis Baccalaureatus
Philologiae Islandicae Baccalaureatus
Scientiarum Candidatus Meistarapróf Doktorspróf STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM Pre-higher
education: Duration
of compulsory education: Age of
entry: 6 Age of
exit: 16 Structure of school system: Basic Type of
school providing this education: Grunnskoli (Compulsory School) Length
of program in years: 10 Age
level from: 6 to: 16 Certificate/diploma awarded: Grunnskólapróf
Certificate Upper Secondary Type of
school providing this education: Menntaskóli/fjölbrautarskóli (Grammar School) Length
of program in years: 4 Age
level from: 16 to: 20 Certificate/diploma awarded: Stúdentspróf Technical Type of
school providing this education: Technical Secondary School Length
of program in years: 4 Age
level from: 16 to: 20 Certificate/diploma
awarded: Sveinspróf School
education: Basic education lasts for ten
years leading to the Grunnskólapróf Certificate. Upper secondary education
covers four years and is open to anyone who has completed compulsory school.
Courses lead to the Studentspróf. Secondary vocational education is offered by
the upper secondary comprehensive schools (fjölbrautaskólar), industrial
vocational schools (iđnmenntaskólar) and specialized vocational schools
(sérskólar). Students can either train for the certified trades or follow
vocational training in such fields as Agriculture, the Fishing Industry, the
Food Production Industry or Health and Commerce. Higher
education: The higher education system in
Iceland consists of two types of higher education institutions: Universities
and Colleges. The Ministry of Education is responsible for the development of
higher education. The schools of agriculture come under the responsibility of
the Ministry of Agriculture. At the University of Iceland, the University
Council is the highest governing body. It also presents matters to the
Parliament or to Government Ministries for reform consideration and funding
purposes. Two laws were passed in December 1997. The first sets the main
framework for the operation of higher education institutions. Their
independence is being reinforced and they are being made more accountable. The
second allows for the merging of the College for Pre-School teachers, the
College of Physical Education and the College of Social Pedagogy with the
existing Iceland University of Education. The Iceland University of Education
has been fully operational since the autumn of 1998. The Iceland Academy of the
Arts was established in 1998 according to a law passed in 1995. The Academy was
created when three institutions, Leiklistarskóli Íslands (The Icelandic Drama
School), Myndlista-og handíđaskóli Íslands (the Icelandic College of Arts and
Crafts) and Tónlistarskólinn i Reykjavik (The Reykjavik School of Music) merged
into one institution. Main
laws/decrees governing higher education: Decree: Law on Higher
Education Institutions Year: 1997 Concerns: Higher education institutions Decree: Law on the Iceland
University of Education Year: 1997 Concerns:
Iceland
University of Education Academic
year: Classes
from: Sep to: May Languages
of instruction: English, Icelandic Stages
of studies: Non-university level post-secondary studies
(technical/vocational type): Non-university
level: Higher
technical/vocational education is offered by Colleges (Taekniskolar og
Serskolar). There may be a number of specific requirements for entrance,
depending upon the courses chosen. They offer Diplomas and Degrees after two to
three years' study in Computer Studies, Management and Civil and Electrical
Engineering. University level studies: University
level first stage: Diploma/Certificate, Baccalaureatus/Candidatus: At the University of Iceland one-and-a-half or two
year Diploma/Certificate programmes are offered in Engineering, Management,
Marketing, Business Administration, Travel and Tourism, Computer Science,
Economics and Languages. The University of Akureyri offers two-year
Diploma/Certificate programmes in Industrial management. At the Icelandic
College of Engineering and Technology one-and-a-half or two-year
Diploma/Certificate programmes are offered in Industrial Business Administration,
Construction Techniques, Electronic Techniques and Mechanical Techniques. The
Bifröst Business School offers a
two-year Diploma/Certificate programme in Business and Management. At
the University of Reykjavik two-year Diploma/Certificate courses are offered in
Business Administration and Applied Computing. The BA Degree is awarded to
students who have completed three to four years programme of study in Humanities, Theology, Social Sciences or
Art and have completed a final thesis or a research project. The BS Degree is
awarded to students who have completed a three to four-and-a-half year Degree
course in Economics, Management or Business Administration, a Science subject,
Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy,
Medicine, Agricultural Science, Health Sciences or Technical Engineering
subjects, and who have passed the prescribed examinations and completed the
final thesis or research project. The Candidatus Degree is only offered at the
University of Iceland and qualifies holders for a special office or profession.
It is an academic/professional degree and is conferred in Theology, Medicine,
Pharmacy, Law, Business Administration, Engineering and Dentistry. The
Candidatus/Candidata is followed by the Latin title for the relevant field. University
level second stage: Meistaraprof: At the University of Iceland Master programmes
(generally lasting two years) are offered in Biomedicine, Economics, Danish,
English, Icelandic Literature, Icelandic Language, Icelandic Studies, History,
Engineering, Physics, Geophysics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science,
Biology, Geology, Geography, Library and Information Science, Sociology, Social
Anthropology, Psychology, Political Science, Pedagogy, Theology, Nursing,
Business Administration, Marine Sciences, Environmental Science, Literature,
Philosophy, Mathematics, History of Science, Computer Science and Education.
The Iceland University of Education offers a Master programme in Education with
specialization in one of the following areas: Pedagogy, Special Education,
Administration and Didactics. The University of Akureyri offers a Master's
programme in Nursing and the Iceland Academy of Arts offers a Master's
programme in Graphic Arts. At the University of Iceland one year Post-Graduate
Diploma programmes are offered in the following areas: Mathematics,
Physics/Geophysics, Biochemistry, Biology, Geology/Geography, Journalism and
Mass Communication, Educational Counselling and Food science. One-year
programmes leading to certification are offered in Social Work, Teacher
Education for upper secondary schools, Library and Information Science and
Deacon studies. At the Iceland University of Education one-year Post-Graduate
Diploma programmes are offered in Teacher Education for upper secondary schools
and Management. At the University of Akureyri one-year Post-Graduate Diploma
programmes are offered in Teacher Education for upper secondary schools and
Quality Management. University
level third stage: Doktorspróf: The Doctoral Degree
(dr.phi./Ph.D - doktorsgráđ) is awarded by the
University of Iceland in Medicine, Pharmacy, Icelandic Literature,
Icelandic Language, History, Engineering and Natural Sciences to those who have
successfully completed a Doctorate programme and defended a doctoral thesis.
The pre-requisite for admission into this programme is a Bachelor's Degree,
Master's Degree or a Candidatus professional degree. The duration of the
Doctoral programme is three to five years and is mainly a research programme.
There are both obligatory courses and courses to be selected by the student and
approved by the supervisor. One year is devoted to obligatory studies and
research abroad at a University recognized by the Faculty. There is also
another type of Doctoral Degree at the University of Iceland which is not
awarded after a taught or preplanned programme. It is the result of intensive
independent research and is awarded after defence of a doctoral thesis. As a
general rule, this Doctoral Degree can only be awarded to those who have
completed a Candidatus professional Degree, a Master Degree or equivalent
education. Teacher education: Training
of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers The BEd Degree is awarded to students who have
completed a three-year Degree course in Teacher Education, Physical Education,
Social Pedagogy and Pre-school Education
at the Iceland University of
Education or Teacher Education and Pre-school Education at the University of
Akureyri. It entitles holders to teach at the compulsory school level. Training
of secondary school teachers Teachers in secondary schools generally have
university degrees and follow a Post-Graduate course in Education at the
University of Iceland. The latter provides courses in Educational Theory and
Psychology but little in the way of instruction in teaching methods and
curriculum studies. At the University of Iceland, there is a one-year programme
that qualifies teachers who hold a BA or BSc Degree to teach both at the
compulsory and at the upper secondary level. Training
of higher education teachers Higher education
teachers are trained in Universities and they advance in the academic hierarchy
according to the Diplomas and Degrees obtained. NATIONAL BODIES Administration
& co-ordination: Responsible
authorities: Ministry of
Education, Science and Culture (Menntamálaráđuneytiđ) Head: Tomas Ingi Olrich, Minister Administrative officer: Gudrídur
Sigurdardóttir, Secretary-General International relations: Solrun
Jensdottir, Director for International Relations Sölvhólsgötu
4 Tel: +354 560-9500 Fax: +354 562-3068 EMail: postur@mrn.stjr.is WWW: http://www.mrn.stjr.is Standing Committee
of the Rectors of Icelandic Higher Education Institutions Head: Pall Skulason, Rector Administrative officer: Thordur
Kristinsson, Director of Academic Affairs University
of Iceland, 0ffice of the Rector, Sudurgata Tel: +354 525-4302 Fax: +354 525-4038 EMail: thordrkri@hi.is ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION Admission
to non university higher education studies Name of
secondary school credential required: Stúdentspróf For
entry to: Technical and vocational courses Other
admission requirements: For some vocational studies at
colleges additional work experience may be required. Admission
to university-level studies Name of
secondary school credential required: Stúdentspróf For
entry to: all higher education Institutions Alternatives
to credentials: A foreign equivalent of a secondary-school-leaving Certificate can be
accepted as an entrance requirement. Other
admission requirements: At the University of Iceland competetive examinations
are held in the Faculty of Medicine, and in the Faculty of Dentistry at the end
of the first semester. The number of students who are allowed to continue after
this examination is limited. In these three, students who pass examinations in
all subjects of the first semester of the first year are ranked and the thirty
students with the highest grade pass in Medicine, sixty in Nursing, eighteen in
Physiotherapy, and six in Dentistry. Competitive examinations are also held at
the University of Akureyri. Foreign
students admission Definition
of foreign student: A foreign student is a person enrolled at an Institution
of higher education in Iceland, country of which he or she is not a permanent
resident. Quotas: With the exception
of the University of Iceland and the University at Akureyri, Icelandic
Institutions of higher education limit their intake of students each year. Admission
requirements: The minimum qualification required of foreign students is a pass in the
final examination of a Scandinavian or European type of upper secondary
education. In general, students must possess the necessary qualifications to
enter a university in their respective countries. Entry
regulations: Foreign students entering Iceland from non-Nordic countries must submit
documents proving that they have been admitted to an Icelandic Institution of
higher education and evidence that they are financially self-sufficient. They
must also register with the Immigration Office. Health
requirements: Students from non-Nordic countries should make arrangements for health
insurance before they leave their home countries. Language
requirements: Students must have a good knowledge of Icelandic. Courses are arranged
for foreign students at the University of Iceland. Application
procedures: Apply to
individual institution for entry to: All higher education institutions and programmes. Application
closing dates: For
university level studies: 15 Mar Recognition
of studies & qualifications: Studies
pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): Recognition of
studies completed and credentials awarded in Iceland is the responsibility of
the institution of higher education concerned. Studies
pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign
credentials): Academic recognition
Information Centre Head: Thordur Kristinsson, Director Administrative officer: Gisli Fannberg University
of Iceland, Office for Academic Affairs, Sudurgata Tel: +354 525-4360 Fax: +354 525-4317 EMail: gf@hi.is;
thordkri@rhi.hi.is Deals
with credential recognition for entry to: University and Profession Services
provided & students dealt with: Recognition of studies completed and credentials
awarded in foreign countries. Office of
International Education, University of Iceland Head: Karitas Kvaran, Director Neshaga
16 Tel: +354 525-4311 Fax: +354 525-5850 EMail: karitaski@hi.is Services
provided & students dealt with: Serves as a documentation centre for the Academic
Recognition Information Centre Other
information sources on recognition of foreign studies: Foreign Doctoral Degrees are
recognized by the state accrediting agencies and by the Universities. Special
provisions for recognition: For
access to university level studies: Recognition of foreign Certificates and Degrees
are usually dealt with on an individual basis by the Institution in question.
The minimum entrance requirement for foreign students applying for admission to
an Icelandic University is a pass in their School Leaving Certificate from a
Scandinavian secondary school or European equivalent. Students from USA must
have completed the sophomore year of a Liberal Arts College programme. Multilateral
agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies Name of
agreement: Convention On the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees Concerning
Higher Education in the States Belonging To the Europe Region Year of
signature: 1979 References
to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies Title: Higher Education
Institutions in Iceland - Directory Publisher: Office of International
Education Title: The education system
in Iceland Publisher:
Ministry
of Education and Culture STUDENT LIFE Main
student services at national level Office of
International Education, University of Iceland Neshaga 16 Tel: +354 525-4311 Fax: +354 525-5850 Category
of services provided: Academic and career counselling services National
student associations and unions Icelandic Student
Services (Félagsstofnun stúdenta) v/ Hringbraut Health/social
provisions Social
security for home students: Yes Social
security for foreign students: Yes Student
expenses and financial aid Student
costs: Home
students tuition fees: Maximum: 25000 (Iceland Krona) Type of
financial aid available: Scholarships/grants/fellowships:
Higher
vocational/technical studies: Home: No Foreign:
No First
Degree studies: Home: No Foreign:
No Advanced/doctoral
studies: Home: Yes Foreign:
Yes Loans: Higher
vocational/technical studies: Home: Yes Foreign:
Yes First
degree studies: Home: Yes Foreign:
Yes Advanced/doctoral
studies: Home: Yes Foreign:
Yes Bodies
providing information on student financial aid: Icelandic Government
Student Loan Fund (Lánasjódur íslenskra námsmanna) Borgartún 21 Deals
with: Loans Category
of students: Foreign students who are not supported financially by their own countries
may be eligible for a loan from the loan fund if Icelandic students have
comparable rights in their home country. Ministry of
Education, Science and Culture ( Menntamáláraduneytid) Sölvhólsgötu 4 Tel: +354 560-9500 Fax: +354 562-3068 EMail: postur@mrn.stjr.is solrun.jensdottir@mrn.stjr.is WWW: http://www.mrn.stjr.is Deals
with: Grants Category
of students: Foreign Students of Icelandic Language and Literature at University of
Iceland Publications
on student services and financial aid: Title: Scholarships in
Icelandic Studies Publisher: Ministry of Education and
Culture Title: Study Abroad
2000-2001 Publisher:
UNESCO/IBE Year of
publication: 1999 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES Principal
national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and
exchanges in higher education: Ministry of
Education, Science and Culture (Menntamáláraduneytid) Head: Gudrídur Sigurdardóttir, Secretary-General International relations: Solrun
Jensdottir, Director for International Relations Sölvólsgötu
4 Tel: +354 560-9500 Fax: +354 562-3068 EMail: solrun.jensdottir@mrn.stjr.is WWW: http://www.mrn.stjr.is GRADING SYSTEM Usual
grading system in secondary school Full
Description: 0-10 Highest
on scale: 10 Pass/fail
level: 5 Lowest
on scale: 0 Main
grading system used by higher education institutions Full
Description: Numerical grading system from 0 to 10. Highest
on scale: 10 Pass/fail
level: 5 Lowest
on scale: 0 NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM Data for
academic year: 2001-2002 Source: Icelandic Academic Recognition Information Centre, Reykjavik, 2001 Copyright © International Associations of Universities |
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