All teaching in polar law is conducted in English

Polar law describes the legal regimes, rules, and processes applicable to the Arctic and the Antarctic. It is interdisciplinary, placing emphasis on relevant areas of public international law and social sciences. Subject areas include: international law, including the law of the sea and environmental law; the laws of and the laws protecting Indigenous Peoples and other residents of the Arctic; Arctic human development; governance (international, national, local, and Indigenous); and economies, industries, and business in polar regions. 

Programmes in Polar Law are open for applications every other year. The next application period will open in 2025. 

Three programmes are offered:

Is Polar Law for you?

  • Are you interested in the legal regimes for the polar regions?
  • Are you interested in the rights of Indigenous Peoples and other inhabitants of the Arctic?
  • Do you want to know more about environmental protection in the polar regions?
  • Do you want to learn about management of resources in the Arctic and Antarctic?
  • Do you have good written and spoken English language skills?
  • Do you want to hone your academic research skills?
  • Would you like to study in an engaged group of international students in an Arctic environment?

Emphases in the programmes

UNAK’s Polar law programmes examine the ways in which Peoples, environment and resources are governed in the Arctic and the Antarctic. They consider the State-based system in the Arctic in contrast to the treaty-based system for the Antarctic continent. The programmes examine how tensions are kept to a minimum through the application of the rule of law and strong cooperation between States, Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic, International Organisations and other participants.

Students learn about the international legal frameworks, including the law of the sea, environmental law and the rights of Indigenous Peoples. They are also introduced to Peoples of the Arctic, principles of economic development and good governance.

You can view the organisation of the studies in Ugla, the intraweb of the University. The curriculum for 2025 will be available soon.

On completion of studies

Studies in Polar Law prepare students for work in the public and private sectors, for example, government departments, international organisations, the NGO sector, with Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic, and with universities and research institutions.

The Master’s programmes (LLM and MA) also constitute good preparation for doctoral studies or further research on Polar law and related fields.

Admission requirements

Students must have successfully completed a minimum 3-year university degree corresponding to the Bologna Process first cycle (180 ECTS). 

It is important to start preparing a residence permit application for students well in advance, as obtaining the required documents may take time. Here you can find information on residence permits for students.

Applicants whose native language is not English, are also required to provide proof of English proficiency in the form of TOEFL ibt (in test centre or home), IELTS Academic (in test centre), Cambridge English (CAE or CPE) or PTE Academic (in test centre or online). See for information, including exemptions. 

Polar Law courses, taught in the first study year (2025/26), take predominantly place on campus. Therefore students are encouraged to reside in Akureyri while conducting their first-year studies. Here you find more information towards living in Iceland and housing in Akureyri.

How to apply?

Programmes in Polar Law are open for applications every other year through our online application portal. The next round of applications will be in Spring 2025 for a Fall 2025 start. The application deadline for all Polar law applications is 1st April 2025.

Please note that applicants who are not from the EEA require a study permit from the Directorate of Immigration and keep in mind the time necessary to gather the necessary documentation as well as the Directorate’s estimated processing times. The University of Akureyri is not responsible for any decisions or delays at the Directorate. Applicants who are not EEA nationals are required to pay a 50 Euro processing fee. The fee is non-refundable.  

Documents required in the application process:

Comment/Review

The comprehensive exploration of legal issues in the Arctic and Antarctic regions from legal and interdisciplinary frameworks, combined with the opportunity to engage with exceptional academic and field experts, provided a unique and practical insight into this specialized field. The MA in Polar Law programme has enhanced and firmly cemented my passion to contribute to the polar regions' affairs and governance.

Mitchell Sallis
Polar Law, MA candidate, 2nd year

The Polar Law Programme is an excellent choice for anyone passionate about the Polar regions. While it offers a strong foundation in law, it embraces an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to explore the Polar regions through the lens of their unique academic interests. Many of us have been fortunate to attend various conferences and present our research at some, providing invaluable opportunities for growth and support as aspiring scholars.

Anna Lauenburger
Polar Law, MA candidate, 2nd year

Teaching in the Polar Law programme involves a diversity of voices with both academic and practical knowledge. This way, students are introduced to many different legal, political, and sociological aspects of polar affairs. Thus, what I value most about my studies at UNAK are the opportunities created by the programme's wide scope of expertise.

Niall J Janssen
Polar Law, MA candidate, 2nd year