The University of Akureyri offers a comprehensive range of quality programmes in multiple fields of study
The University of Akureyri places an emphasis on personal services and offers lively and varied social activities
The University of Akureyri was founded in 1987 and has quickly and steadily grown since that time
The Stefansson Arctic Institute is a research institute within the University of Akureyri, operating under the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The institute is housed in Borgir, the university’s research and innovation centre, located on the Akureyri campus – a key hub for Arctic-related institutions and collaboration in Iceland.
The institute’s mission is to strengthen research, knowledge dissemination, and policy development on Arctic issues. It participates in international research cooperation and emphasizes the provision of high-quality information and expertise on Arctic affairs.
The institute plays a key role in supporting the government’s policy of Akureyri as the Icelandic Centre of Arctic knowledge and expertise, and as an international centre for Arctic issues: see here for more information.
The integration of the Stefansson Arctic Institute into the University of Akureyri took effect on January 1, 2025. Prior to that, the institute had operated under the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Climate. This merger reinforces the university’s identity as an Arctic university and enhances coordination and visibility in Arctic-related research and projects.
The University of Akureyri and the Stefansson Arctic Institute have long collaborated on teaching and research. The merger builds on this foundation and creates new opportunities for increased cooperation both nationally and internationally – including through projects funded by the European Union, the Nordic Council and Nordforsk.