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INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types of higher education institutions:
Háskóli (University)
Kennaraháskóli (University of Education)
Landbúnadarháskóli (Agricultural University)
Listaháskóli (Academy of Arts)
School leaving and higher education credentials:
Stúdentspróf
Diploma/Certificate
Baccalaureatus
Candidatus
Postgraduate diploma
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/fjölbrautaskóli
(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. Students in vocational programmes have the possibility of
taking additional studies to complete the Stúdentspróf.
Higher education:
Higher education in Iceland is regulated by Law no
136/1997, Laws on Universities. Under the law, the Icelandic term
"háskóli" is used to refer to both traditional universities and
institutions which do not have research responsibilities. The law does not make
a distinction between universities and non-universities. According to the law,
the Minister of Education, Science and Culture determines whether and to what
extent institutions will engage in research and he is responsible for
establishing rules on quality evaluation and recognition of all degrees that
are offered. At present, there are eight "háskóli" in Iceland. Three
are private but are run with state support.
Main laws/decrees governing higher
education:
Decree: Law on Higher Education
Institutions Year: 1997
Concerns: Higher education institutions
Academic year:
Classes from: Aug to: May
Languages of instruction: English,
Icelandic
Stages of studies:
University level studies:
University level first stage: Diploma/Certificate,
Baccalaureatus:
One-
to two-year diploma courses are offered in languages, recreational studies,
technology and engineering. Bachelor degrees (B.A., B.S., B.Ed, B.F.A., B.Mus)
are awarded to students who have satisfactorily completed 3 to 4 years of study
(90-120 credits) in a degree programme in the fields of humanities, theology,
social sciences, education, special education, economics, business
administration, natural sciences, health subjects, fishery studies,
agricultural science, technology, engineering, pre-school teaching, compulsory
school teaching, social pedagogy, fine arts, law and arts and crafts. Bachelor
degrees do not usually confer professional certification, except for nursing
(B.S.); physiotherapy (B.S.); deacon studies (B.A.), radiography (B.S.),
medical laboratory technology (B.S.), social work (B.A.), and compulsory school
teachers (B.ED.). The Bachelor degree constitutes a formal qualification for
post-graduate study.
University level second stage: Postgraduate
diploma; Candidatus; Meistaraprof:
Postgraduate
diplomas qualify the holder for a special office or profession and are
conferred after one to two years' postgraduate study after the Bachelor's
degree. The Candidatus degree (kandidatsgraad) qualifies the holder for a
special office or profession. It is an academic/professional degree in the
fields of theology, medicine, agricultural science, pharmacy, midwifery, law,
psychology and dentistry. The Candidatus programmes last from four to six years
in one-tier programmes, but for one year after a Bachelor degree in
agricultural science and two years after a Bachelor degree in midwifery and
psychology. Master's degrees (M.A., M.S., M.Ed, M.L.; M.B.A., M.P.A., M.P.H.;
M.Paed-meistaragrada) are awarded after one-and-a-half or two years' successful
completion of post-graduate study in the fields of theology, health sciences,
humanities, law, economics, business administration, social sciences,
education, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, dentistry, nursing, fishery
studies and environmental studies. A major thesis or research project usually
constitutes a substantial part of the master programme.
University level third stage: Doktorspróf:
The Doctorate degree (dr.phil., dr.odeont., /Ph.D -
doktorsgrada) is awarded to those who have successfully completed a doctorate
programme and defended a doctoral thesis in Icelandic literature, Icelandic
language, and Icelandic history,
theology, law, medicine, nursing; health sciences, pharmacy, dentistry,
engineering, natural sciences, education and social sciences. There is also
another type of Doctoral degree which
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. 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, a one-year programme 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. They must have completed at least a Master's degree or have
equivalent knowledge and experience.
NATIONAL BODIES
Administration & co-ordination:
Responsible authorities:
Menntamálaráđuneytiđ (Ministry of Education, Science
and Culture)
Head: Thorgedur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister
Administrative officer: Gudmundur Arnason, Secretary-General
International relations: Solrun Jensdottir, Director of Education
Sölvhólsgötu 4
150 Reykjavik
Iceland
Tel: +354 5459500
Fax: +354 5623068
EMail: solrun.jensdottir@mrn.stjr.is
WWW: http://www.mrn.stjr.is
Standing Committee of the Rectors of Icelandic Higher
Education Institutions
Head: Kristín Ingólfsdóttir, Rector
Administrative officer: Thordur Kristinsson, Director, Academic Affairs
International relations: Karitas Kvaran, Director
University of Iceland, 0ffice of the
Rector, Sudurgata
101 Reykjavík
Iceland
Tel: +354 5254302
Fax: +354 5254038
EMail: thordrkri@hi.is
WWW: http://www.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: In addition
to the general admission requirements (stúdentspróf), individual universities
or faculties may have specific requirements. At the University of Iceland
competitive examinations are held in the Faculty of Nursing, 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 medicine and
physiotherapy there are entrance examinations and a limited number of students
with the highest grades are allowed to enter the programmes. Competitive
examinations are also held at the University of Akureyri.
Foreign students admission
Definition of foreign student: Foreign
students are persons enrolled at a higher education institution in Iceland, a
country of they are not a permanent resident.
Quotas: With the exception of the
University of Iceland and the University at Akureyri, Icelandic higher
education institutions 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 and non-EU countries must submit
documents proving that they have been admitted to an Icelandic higher education
institution and evidence that they are financially self-sufficient. They must
also register with the Immigration Office.
Health requirements: Students
from non-Nordic and non-EU 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 higher education concerned. In
2003, the five Nordic ENIC/NARIC offices (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and
Sweden) established a regional network named Nordic National Recognition Information
Centres (NORRIC) to initiate joint Nordic projects to learn from each other and
reduce barriers to the recognition of foreign qualifications in the Nordic
region (www.norric.org).
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
101 Reykjavík
Iceland
Tel: +354 5254360
Fax: +354 5254317
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
107 Reykjavik
Iceland
Tel: +354 5254311
Fax: +354 5255850
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 is 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 the 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, Science and Culture
STUDENT LIFE
Main student services at national level
Office of International Education, University of
Iceland
Neshaga 16
107 Reykjavik
Iceland
Tel: +354 5254311
Fax: +354 5255850
Category of services provided: Academic and
career counselling services
National student associations and unions
Félagsstofnun stúdenta (Icelandic Student Services)
v/ Hringbraut
IS-101 Reykjavík
Iceland
EMail: fs@fs.is
WWW: http://www.fs.is/
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: Minimum: 45000
(Iceland Krona)
Maximum: 500000 (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:
Lánasjódur íslenskra námsmanna (Icelandic Government
Student Loan Fund)
Borgartún 21
IS-105 Reykjavík
Iceland
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.
Menntamáláraduneytid (Ministry of Education, Science
and Culture)
Sölvhólsgötu 4
IS-150 Reykjavik
Iceland
Tel: +354 5609500
Fax: +354 5623068
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, Science and Culture
Title: Study Abroad 2004-2005, 32nd
Edition
Author: UNESCO
Publisher: UNESCO
Publishing
Year of publication: 2003
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION &
EXCHANGES
Principal national bodies responsible
for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:
Menntamáláraduneytid (Ministry of Education, Science
and Culture)
International relations: Solrun Jensdottir, Director of Education
Sölvólsgötu 4
IS-150 Reykjavik
Iceland
Tel: +354 5459500
Fax: +354 5623068
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: 2005-2006
Source: IAU from ENIC/NARIC Office for Iceland, 2006
