Entrance exam for Icelandic as a second language, BA

The admission test is divided into four parts:

• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Reading
• Listening

The exam consist of 100 points, and you must score at least 60 points to pass.

You must bring your own laptop with Icelandic keyboard layout, headphones, and a valid ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license).

If you are taking the exam at the University of Iceland you may request a laptop.

Sample tests can be found here:

• Spurningablað án réttra svara. 
• Spurningablað með réttum svörum. 
• Hljóðskrá fyrir hlustunarhlutann.

If you find the sample test too difficult, it is best to change your application and instead apply for the Practical Programme in Icelandic as a Second Language.

The test is administered in a digital system called Inspera. You will receive a one-time username and password to access the exam, even if you are already a student at the University of Iceland.

No aids or resources are allowed during the admission test.

The Academic Icelandic Diploma Programme and the BA in Icelandic as a Second Language are study programs intended for students who already have a solid foundation in Icelandic, at level A2 or above according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Others can apply to the Practical Programme in Icelandic as a Second Language.

The admission test tests skills that are covered in Icelandic 1 through 5 offered in language schools (adult education centres) such as Mímir. To prepare for the test, students can study Icelandic Online (the survival course + courses 1 and 2) or the books Íslenska fyrir alla 1–4. 

If you do not pass the admission test, you can:

• Contact the Admissions Office (admission@hi.is) or send a message through the communication portal to request to switch to the Practical Programme in Icelandic as a Second Language.
• Note: Registration for the practical programme requires proof of English proficiency, which can be demonstrated with a TOEFL score (minimum 79), IELTS (minimum 6.5), or PTE Academic (minimum 58). Other ways to meet the English requirement.
• Request to retake the exam on August 13 by emailing Gísli Hvanndal Ólafsson (gislihva@hi.is). 

If you graduated from the Practical Programme in Icelandic as a Second Language at the University of Iceland from 2022 onward and are applying to the BA programme in Icelandic as a Second Language, you do not need to take the admission test if your average grade in compulsory courses is 7.25 or higher.

The exam will be on 10 June at 12:00 at the University of Iceland.

If you meet the entrance requirements for the programme, you will receive further information about the exam at the beginning of June. No registration is needed if you intend to take the test at the University of Iceland. 

If you can not attend the exam at the University of Iceland you can use one of designated test centres. See a list of test centres in the accordion below. You must register yourself at a test centre, provide information about the test and its timing, and confirm your registration with Gísli Hvanndal Ólafsson (gislihva@hi.is). Note, that this does NOT apply to students who take the test at the University of Iceland. If you plan to take the test in Akureyri you can do so at the University of Akureyri and can register via email directly to gislihva@hi.is.

If you cannot attend the test in person in June you must follow instructions for applicants residing abroad but within the Schengen Area (see below). Note: Applicants with an Icelandic ID number (kennitala) must explain why they cannot take the test in Iceland in June.

Applicants take the exam online between 12:00 (GMT) on 10 June and 12:00 (GMT) on June 11. (Noon).

If you pass the online test you must retake it in person at the University of Iceland or at a test centre in Iceland on August 13 at 12:00.

Alternatively, if you are in Iceland at that time, you may take the exam in person on June 10 at 12:00 at the University or a test centre. If you pass the in-person test in June , you do not have to retake it in August.

Note: Applicants without an Icelandic ID number (kennitala) must email Gísli Hvanndal Ólafsson (gislihva@hi.is) to state whether they intend to take the exam online or in Iceland in June.

The exam is online and can taken between 12:00 (GMT) on April 16 and April 17.

If you pass the online test you will be interviewed by an examiner a few days later. This is to confirm that you have a solid foundation in Icelandic and took the online test yourself.

Applicants will only be accepted into the BA programme if they pass both the online test and demonstrate the same minimum competence during the interview.

If you choose to take the exam at a test centre, you must register at the test centre of your choice.

Note! Don't forget to confirm the registration with Gísla Hvanndal Ólafsson (gislihva@hi.is). 

Test centres

Vesturland
Símenntunarmiðstöðin á Vesturlandi
Contact: Jovana Pavlovic
Email: jovana@simenntun.is

Facilities in:

• Akranes
• Borgarnes
• Búðardalur
• Grundarfjörður
• Snæfellsbær
• Stykkishólmur

Vestfirðir 
Háskólasetur Vestfjarða
Contact: Bjarney Ingibjörg Gunnlaugsdóttir
Email: bjarney.ingibjorg@uw.is

Facilities in:

• Hólmavík
• Ísafjörður
• Patreksfjörður