Icelandic Government Scholarships for BA 2026
The Icelandic Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education has recently opened the application process for its annual scholarships designated for international students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) program in Icelandic as a Second Language at the University of Iceland, located in Reykjavík. This renowned program is administered by the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies, which is well-known for its commitment to the preservation and study of Icelandic language and culture.
Each year, the program offers approximately 12 scholarships to deserving candidates. These scholarships cover the academic period ranging from September 1 to May 31, providing students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the language and culture of Iceland. This initiative not only supports international students but also fosters cultural exchange and understanding.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their submissions well in advance of the deadline to ensure their best chance at receiving one of these valuable scholarships, which can significantly ease the financial burden of studying abroad.
Scholarship Coverage
The scholarship includes registration fees at the University of Iceland and offers a monthly allowance to assist with accommodation and meals for one individual. Payments are distributed from September through April. Moreover, recipients of grants have the opportunity to lease rooms at the Gamli Garður student dormitory, providing budget-friendly housing in Reykjavík.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates should possess:
- Finished a minimum of one year of university education in humanities.
- A fundamental understanding of Icelandic, equal to finishing Icelandic Online 1 and 2 (complementary online self-paced courses).
- Mastery of English is essential, as it will serve as an additional language for instruction.
- Candidates under the age of 35 are typically preferred.
Eligible Nationalities
Citizens of Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States are eligible to apply.
U.S. applicants need to go through the U.S. Fulbright Program, whereas all other eligible nationalities must submit their applications directly to the Árni Magnússon Institute in Reykjavík.
How to Apply
Timeline for Application
- Submission Deadline: All applications need to be postmarked by December 1, 2025, at the latest. No applications sent via email.
- Decision Disclosure: Outcomes will be in January 2026.
- University Admission: Applicants who are successful need to submit a separate application for admission to the University of Iceland by February 15, 2026.
- Internet Language Test: Entrance exams to evaluate Icelandic language proficiency are scheduled for June 2026.
There can be an extension of Scholarships for a maximum of three (3) academic years, as long as recipients submit a new application before the deadline and satisfy program criteria.
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