Applications increase by 20% in two years

The deadline for applications for studies at the University of Akureyri expired on Wednesday, June 5th. A total of 2,024 applications were received, an increase of 7% from last year and an increase of almost 20% from 2022.

In addition, the number of applications for the faculty of Nursing increased by 11% from last year and no more students have sought a place at the faculty since 2018. There is also an increase in applications for the undergraduate program in psychology. Both these programs are subject to limits on number of students and only a small proportion of students can enter a continuing course after the competitive examinations.

High jumper

The number of applications for the Faculty of Education has increased by 22%, the largest increase in the number of applications between years. The total number of applications for the Faculty of Education is 387. Last year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Faculty of Education, with the aim of increasing the number of teachers educated in rural areas. In nearly 20 years, progress has been made in this regard, with the proportion of teachers educated in elementary schools in Northeast Iceland rising from 70% to almost 90%, and in preschools, the proportion has increased by 10%.

There have never been more applications for a post-graduate degree in biotechnology and the University of Akureyri is the only university in Iceland offering a BS degree in biotechnology. “Biotechnology is a fast growing field, both in Iceland and globally. The increase in applications reflects this rapid growth. I think the increase is in line with the diverse job oppurtunities that await students after graduation, as biotechnology is a broad field. In recent years, a number of biotechnology companies have launched in Iceland and demand for graduates in biotechnology is strong,” says Auður Sigurbjörnsdóttir, dosent and future president of the Faculty at the Natural Resource Department.

University of Iceland

The number of students enrolled in most of the courses is increasing at all levels. The increase in the number of students enrolled in business courses seems to be slow but steady, but the number of students has increased steadily over the last five years.

Eyjólfur Guðmundsson, the rector, says of the increase in applications, “We are very pleased with this increase, as it is the third largest annual increase since the beginning. This means that the University of Akureyri is moving quickly towards the goal of 3000 students and has therefore grown constantly over the past ten years. The University of Akureyri is indeed the university of the whole country, and this can be seen in the student population’s residency. HA has long demonstrated its value in Icelandic society and I’m sure not everyone realizes the impact the University of Akureyri has had on rural areas in Iceland. Our student learning arrangements open doors and give students in the whole country the opportunity to study in their home communities and research has shown positive effects on regional development alongside this.”

Participation in Nýnemadagar (New student days) Important

We look forward to welcoming new students in August and we encourage new students to take an active part in Nýnemadagar, but experience shows that taking part in Nýnemadagar makes it easier for students to start studying; they are quicker to get to know other students, the work environment, staff and HA’s premises. The first classes begin this week, so new students need to check their timetable in Ugla. Nýnemadagar will be 26th-30th of August. Here you can find information about the schedule of Nýnemadagar.

• Applications are being processed and applicants are asked to monitor the status of applications in the Uglu portal. Applicants must confirm attendance by paying registration fee before 4 July.