Icelandic Government Scholarships to study in the BA programme for Icelandic as a Second Language

The scholarships are intended for students of modern Icelandic who have completed at least one year of university study in humanities. In addition, students must demonstrate a basic knowledge of Icelandic to satisfy the entry requirements for BA studies in Icelandic as a Second Language (i.e., a knowledge of Icelandic equivalent to the skills acquired by completing Icelandic Online 1 and Icelandic Online 2, both of which are self-study courses offered free online). Preference will, as a rule, be given to candidates under 35 years of age.

The BA programme in Icelandic as a Second Language is comprised of both theoretical and practical studies. On one hand, it is a language course, where students are trained in speaking, reading and writing modern Icelandic. On the other hand, it delves into more academic aspects of the Icelandic language, its literature and the history of Iceland. The subjects covered include morphology, syntax and phonetics of modern Icelandic. The curriculum includes both medieval and modern literature and the history of Iceland from settlement to modern times. Students are introduced to Icelandic translations.

How to apply

Students from these countries, with exception of students from USA, can apply directly to the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies, Sigurður Nordal Office, Þingholtsstræti 29, Box 1220, 121 Reykjavík, Iceland. Application must be made on a special application form:

• Application form (word)

Application should include the following documents (in English, Icelandic or other Scandinavian languages):

• CV
• university transcripts / copies of diplomas with grades.
• two letters of recommendation from academic supervisors at your University
• language certificate (English and/or Icelandic)

The applications must reach the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies by 1 December. Email applications are not accepted. Please notice that applicants need to apply separately to the University of Iceland.

A special committee in Iceland evaluates the applications and its decision will be announced to the candidates by January 2025.

If a scholarship recipient wishes to extend the scholarship for an additional year he/she has to apply to the Institute before 1 December. No one will be granted a scholarship for more than three times.

Icelandic as a second language, at the University of Iceland, School of Humanities

It is important that grant recipients arrive timely in Iceland. The autumn term begins in the latter part of August. An introductory session with new students will be held before the beginning of the academic year where the organisation and requirements for the study programme will be presented. 

Information on the current programmes of study, entry requirements and examination procedures is available at the University’s website (the programme may be subject to change).

The first-year in Icelandic as a second language, BA-programme, is designed for students with some prior knowledge in the language. The candidates must have a working knowledge of English, since English will serve as a second language in teaching.

The online admission exam for the BA-programme will be held the second week of June

Students with considerable prior knowledge of Icelandic may move directly into the second year by passing examinations held in August.

As a rule, foreign students holding the Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture scholarship are expected to follow the programme in line with their previous knowledge of Icelandic, whether they intend to complete the BA-degree or not.

Students that begin their studies in autumn are required to pass exams (30 ECTS) at the end of the term to be able to continue their studies for the spring term of the programme. The scholarship holders have to pass examinations in the end of the fall term to be eligible for the scholarship in the spring.