Degree seeking students

We are pleased that you are interested in studying at the University of Akureyri

Foreign degree-seeking students apply on an equal basis with Icelandic students for the study programmes offered by the University of Akureyri. Students need to demonstrate knowledge of the language of instruction, which is either Icelandic or English depending on the programme.

Doctoral Studies

The University of Akureyri offers specific and carefully tailored, 3- to 4-year (180–240 ECTS) PhD programmes in selected areas.

PhD Programmes

Graduate programmes

The only programmes available and taught entirely in English are the Master's programmes in:

University of Akureyri

Natural Resource Sciences
Polar Law (Now open for applications for the 2025-2026 school year)
Masters of Science in Psychology
Masters of Arts by Research

University Centre of the Westfjords

Coastal Communities and Regional Development (in Ísafjörður)
Coastal and Marine Management (in Ísafjörður)

All graduate programmes

Explore all graduate programmes available at the university and find more details in the course catalog.

School of Health, Business and Natural Sciences

Please note that most programmes are taught in Icelandic.

General Study (Taught in Icelandic)

Emphasis on Rehabilitation (Taught in Icelandic)

Primary Health Care in the Community - Theory (Taught in Icelandic)

Studies in Mental Health (Taught in Icelandic)

Primary Health Care in the Community - Clinic (Taught in Icelandic)

Emphasis on Cancer and Palliative Care (Taught in Icelandic)

Chronic Illness and the Challenges of Life (Taught in Icelandic)

Women's Health (Taught in Icelandic)

Trauma and Violence (Taught in Icelandic)

Vocational Rehabilitation (Taught in Icelandic)

Leadership in Health Care (Taught in Icelandic)

Pain and Pain Management (Taught in Icelandic)

Emphasis on Aging and Health (Taught in Icelandic)

Primary Health Care in the Community - Clinical, Postgraduate Diploma, 60 ECTS (Taught in Icelandic)

Vocational Rehabilitation, Postgraduate Diploma, 60 ECTS (Taught in Icelandic)

Occupational Therapy Studies, Postgraduate Diploma, 60 ECTS (Taught in Icelandic)

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Please note that most programmes are taught in Icelandic.

Faculty of Education

Educational Science, M.A., 120 ECTS (Taught in Icelandic)

General Studies (Taught in Icelandic)
Literacy Studies (Taught in Icelandic)
Special Education (Taught in Icelandic)
Management and Leadership (Taught in Icelandic)
Information Technology (Taught in Icelandic)

Educational Studies, M.Ed., 120 ECTS (Taught in Icelandic)

Preschool Education (Taught in Icelandic)
Primary Education (Taught in Icelandic)

Educational Studies, MT., 120 ECTS (Taught in Icelandic)

Preschool Education (Taught in Icelandic)
Primary Education (Taught in Icelandic)

Educational Science, Postgraduate Diploma, 60 ECTS

Mentoring for practicing teachers, Postgraduate Diploma, 30 ECTS

Faculty of Law

Law, M.L., 120 ECTS (Taught in Icelandic)
Polar Law, M.A., 120 ECTS (Taught in English)
Diploma in Polar Law on Master's Level, Postgraduate Diploma, 60 ECTS (Taught in English)
Polar Law, LL.M., 90 ECTS (Taught in English)

Faculty of Psychology

Masters of Science in Psychology, M.S., 120 ECTS (Taught in English)

Faculty of Social Sciences

Masters of Arts by Research, M.A., 120 ECTS (Taught in Icelandic and English)

Undergraduate programmes

All undergraduate programmes are mainly taught in Icelandic. Further information on each programme may be found below and in the course catalogue.