Do you have questions? Rúnar and Hildur at the International Office will give you a warm welcome and answer any enquiries you may have.
Registration and student permit
Residence permits for students are issued to foreigners over the age of 18 who intend to study in Iceland at a university level or pursue other studies meeting university admission requirements. The applicant must be registered for full-time studies. Students with citizenship outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) must apply for a student permit before arrival and be granted approval from the Directorate of Immigration before travelling to Iceland. EEA/EFTA citizens must register in Iceland according to the duration of stay
Fall semester
- Citizens outside of EU/EEA must submit their residence permit application and all supporting documents to the Directorate of Immigration no later than June 1st, in order to grant the permit before the semester starts.
Spring semester
- Citizens outside of EU/EEA must submit their residence permit application and all supporting documents to the Directorate of Immigration no later than November 1st, in order to grant the permit before the semester starts.
Residence permits for most students are granted for six months, or one semester at a time. It is the applicant’s responsibility to apply for a renewal of the permit before it expires.
Applications are made through the Directorate of Immigration.