Language Policy

The University of Iceland is the foremost scientific and educational institution of the Icelandic nation and shall work towards the "dissemination of knowledge and skills to students as well as to society in general", in accordance with the Higher Education Institution Act no. 63/2006.

The University therefore has a serious responsibility to promote the development of the Icelandic language and ensure that it is usable – and used – in all academic fields. At the same time, the University is part of the international academic community and actively participates in many forms of international collaboration in the fields of teaching, research and administration. The University Language Policy is born of this dual role and is designed to support both the Icelandic language and the international work of the University.

The written and spoken language of the University is Icelandic, whether in teaching, research or administration. Icelandic is therefore the default language for all work at the University and shall be used unless specific circumstances dictate otherwise. This is in conformity with the Act on the status of the Icelandic language and Icelandic sign language, no. 61/2011. In accordance with this legislation, Icelandic sign language is the first language of those who rely on it for expression and communication; it therefore enjoys special rights within the University.

English is also an important language in the work of the University, due to students and teaching staff whose native language is not Icelandic, the need to prepare students for participation in the international academic community, and the University's involvement in international collaboration. Extensive and detailed information about the University and its operations should therefore be available in English on the public UI website and in Ugla. The University also encourages students and staff to use foreign languages other than English in their work where appropriate.

1.    The standard of written and spoken Icelandic within the University of Iceland shall be exemplary, from both students and staff. The language used within the University shall be respectful and non-discriminatory towards individuals and groups.

2.    Icelandic is the default teaching language at the University of Iceland. Teaching of foreign languages shall be conducted in that language. Teaching in English is restricted to: 1) programmes where there is a specific reason for teaching in English, primarily graduate programmes, 2) courses taught by instructors who do not speak Icelandic as a native language, and 3) courses that must be taught in English due to international collaboration. Mandatory undergraduate courses shall generally be taught in Icelandic, except for courses in foreign languages or programmes that are entirely taught in English.

3.    The teaching language for programmes and individual courses shall always be specified in the course catalogue, such that students are aware which language will be used for instruction and assessment and any deviation from the general rule that Icelandic is the language of the University is made clear.

4.    Assessment shall generally be in the language(s) specified as the course teaching language(s) in the course catalogue. Where students whose native language is not Icelandic are permitted to take courses taught in Icelandic in accordance with the course catalogue, teaching staff shall seek to accommodate them, although without changing the teaching language.

5.    The UI Centre for Writing shall have the resources to serve all students at UI. Teaching staff shall have the option of receiving language support services or other specialised guidance in presenting course material or research in Icelandic.

6.    Doctoral theses shall generally be written in English so that they can be assessed by international opponents. A doctoral thesis may be written in Icelandic where circumstances allow and qualified opponents are available.

7.    All students shall be supported to participate in studies and other activities in Icelandic within the University. Students whose native language is not Icelandic shall sit a placement examination in Icelandic before starting a programme taught in Icelandic. These students shall have the opportunity to take Icelandic courses to make it easier for them to follow teaching in Icelandic. Icelandic courses and other support shall be available for exchange students.

8.    UI employees whose native language is not Icelandic shall perform their jobs in Icelandic following a reasonable adjustment period. The ability to teach and perform administrative duties in Icelandic shall be a consideration in decisions on academic tenure. The UI Language Centre shall offer free Icelandic courses for employees whose native language is not Icelandic. The number of courses each year shall be sufficient to meet demand.

9.    Reference shall be made to the UI Language Policy in all job advertisements.

10.    Staff and students whose native language is not English shall be supported to take part in University operations in English. Courses in academic English shall be available for teaching staff and students, with a focus on education for doctoral students. The Centre for Writing shall develop English support services for students to help them learn and write in English.

11.    For programmes and courses taught in English, students will be required to meet minimum standards regarding English proficiency. Students who are not native English speakers and apply for a programme taught in English shall be required to demonstrate that they have received a minimum grade in a recognised international English qualification or English in the Icelandic matriculation examination. Faculties shall also define minimum requirements for the English proficiency of exchange students

12.    The needs of staff and students who use sign language shall be accommodated such that they are able to use Icelandic sign language to the same extent as Icelandic in their work/studies at the University. Sign language interpreters shall be available as needed, both in class and for other communication between students and staff, as well as in meetings and lectures as appropriate.

13.    Teaching staff are encouraged to communicate their knowledge to students and the general public in Icelandic through books, articles, teaching material and other channels.

14.    Teaching staff are encouraged to work on creating Icelandic terminology within their academic field and communicating this terminology to students and the general public. Individual subjects and disciplines shall see to the systematic creation of terminology and glossaries, each in their own field. Teaching staff are also encouraged to translate academic works, teaching material and literature into Icelandic.

15.    All meetings and other operations of UI departments, faculties and schools, as well as administrative committees, shall be conducted in Icelandic wherever possible. Faculty heads and committee chairs shall ensure that instructors and other staff who do not understand Icelandic are able to follow meetings and other administrative proceedings and participate as necessary.

16.    Administrative documents at UI, such as official information issued by the University or individual units, e.g. meeting notices, meeting minutes, invitations to lectures, event announcements etc., shall always be in Icelandic, although an English version shall be included where appropriate. Individual meeting documents may, however, be in a foreign language in certain circumstances.

17.    Language technology shall be used to assist and guide staff and students in their use of Icelandic. Students and staff shall have the option to use language technology for Icelandic, e.g. spelling and grammar checking software, speech synthesisers, speech analysers and translation software. Emphasis shall be placed on language technology which aids disabled people in their work and studies.

18.    The University shall consider Icelandic in the use of AI technology. The University shall provide guidance for the use of AI and monitor its development and the impact it has on Icelandic in all areas of UI operations.

19.    The digital environment at the University shall be in Icelandic as far as possible. The default user interfaces for all software commonly used by staff and students within the University shall be in Icelandic. The Division of Information Technology shall have any software distributed within the University translated into Icelandic. Teaching staff and students are encouraged to take part in the translation of open-source software.

20.    A standing language committee shall operate within the University, under the auspices of the rector and comprising representatives from all schools, central administration and students. This committee shall advise administrators and other UI staff on issues concerning the Icelandic language, submit proposals regarding implementation of the Language Policy and ensure that it is followed, and take responsibility for publicising the policy and any revisions as required.