Language skills
Programme length
One year
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
- Do you want to learn to speak and read basic Icelandic?
- Do you want to be able to communicate in Icelandic in your day-to-day life?
- Do you want to make it easier for you to actively engage in Icelandic society?
The Practical Diploma in Icelandic as a second language is a 60 ECTS program for students who have little prior knowledge of Icelandic.
Admission requirements
Students must have reached level pre-A1 within the Common European Framework when they start the programme. See for example:
English proficiency requirements
To enrol in the Practical Diploma, a certification in English is required.
- TOEFL in a test centre or home, minimum score of 79
- IELTS Academic, in a test centre, minimum score of 6.5
- Cambridge English (CAE or CPE), in test centre or online, minimum score 58
- PTE Academic, in a test centre or online, a minimum score of 58
Other ways to fulfil the requirement can be found on the English proficiency requirements page. The certification is not required for citizens of English-speaking countries. Further requirements based on your country of origin can be found here.
Application deadline
The deadline for applications is:
- 1 February for international students
- 20 May for students who are residents of Iceland.
Applications must be sent through the Application Portal. Applications sent via email cannot be accepted.
Admission Test
Applicants must take an admission test to access the Practical Diploma which tests language competence in Icelandic at level pre-A1 within the Common European Framework (see exemptions below). See for example:
The cost of the admission test is 15.000 ISK.
The test consists of two parts:
- a written home exam and
- an online interview
The written test will take place in March for those who apply during the international application period (applicants will be informed by email about the exact date).
Students who pass the written test will be asked for an interview to assess their oral competence in Icelandic. Only those applicants who pass both parts can be admitted to the Practical Diploma.
Residents of Iceland, who apply during the Icelandic application period, from March until 20 May. The admission test will take place in June (applicants will be informed by email about the exact date).
Exemptions: Applicants who have already finished at least one course of Icelandic in language schools, or so-called lifelong learning and adult education centres (Icelandic: viðurkenndir framhaldsfræðsluaðilar), such as Mímir or Símey, can be exempted from the admission test by submitting their certificates of participation to such courses.
See the full list of accredited lifelong learning centres here.
Classes
A full-time program consists of two mornings or two afternoons per week, on Mondays/Tuesdays and Wednesdays/Thursdays. Students will have the chance to choose a group in late August.
Online teaching will also be offered, four mornings per week, from 8:20 to 9:50, Monday to Thursday or in the afternoon, four days per week, from 16:40 to 18:10.
Online students have the option of attending three on-site sessions (in both semesters): at the beginning of the semester (as an introductory session), around mid-terms and around the final exam period.
These on-site sessions are offered at the University of Iceland as well as the University of Akureyri (UnAk) and the University Centre of the Westfjords (UW).
It is mandatory for all students of the Practical Diploma (online students included) to take partial and final exams at the University of Iceland or, alternatively, at UnAk, UW, other universities or official institutions which can supervise university exams.
Learning outcomes
The level reached after completing the Practical Diploma is a minimum A2+ according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Note that such a level is not sufficient for studying in another course of study at the University of Iceland which is taught entirely in Icelandic.
Students who want to reach at least B2 level (upper intermediate) after the Practical Diploma can enrol on the BA program in Icelandic as a second language or the Íslenskubrú program.
Credits
The Practical Diploma is intended as a full-time study program, 30 ECTS per semester, although students can also study part-time.
Students can contact Mirko Garofalo for more information about part-time study.
Note: The Practical Diploma cannot be combined with other courses of study as a minor.
Beginning of classes
Classes start in mid-August. Enrolled students can check our handbook related to the practical diploma after logging in with their university account.
Students who are unable to arrive in Iceland in the first week of the semester must contact Mirko Garofalo (mig@hi.is) or Gísli Hvanndal Ólafsson (gislihva@hi.is) in order to be able to follow classes online in the meantime.
Note: The last day for students to be allowed to start their studies after the beginning of the semester is 2nd September 2025.
Foreign equivalent to the Icelandic matriculation examination (stúdentspróf) or equivalent qualification. Further information can be found in article 17, regulation on admission requirements for undergraduate study no. 331/2022. Students whose native language is not English must also demonstrate English proficiency: TOEFL (79), IELTS (6,5) or PTE Academic (58). Other ways to meet the English requirements can be found here.
To qualify for a diploma in Icelandic for Practical Purposes, students must complete the following: All students must finish the following six courses: Vocabulary and Grammar I, Speech and Expression I, Pronouncing and Listening I in the autumn semester; Vocabulary and Grammar II, Speech and Expression II and Pronunciation and Listening Comprehension II in the spring semester. On top of that, students must finish two of the following three courses: Self-Study in Icelandic I in autumn, Self-Study in Icelandic II in spring, Icelandic Culture in autumn or spring. To graduate from the Faculty of Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies, a student must achieve an average grade of 6.0 as stated in article 114 in Regulation for the University of Iceland no. 569-2009.
Programme structure
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
This programme does not offer specialisations.
- First year
- Fall
- Self Study in Icelandic
- Icelandic Culture
- Vocabulary and Grammar I
- Speech and Expression I
- Pronunciation and Listening I
- Spring 1
- Self Study in Icelandic II
- Icelandic Culture
- Vocabulary and Grammar II
- Speech and Expression II
- Pronunciation and Listening II
First year | Fall
Self Study in Icelandic (ÍSE001G)
Restricted elective course, conditions apply
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course focuses on grammar, listening comprehension and reading comprehension/vocabulary. The course is based on principles of autonomous learning where the overall aim is to train fluency and accuracy through self-directed work under the supervision of an instructor. Students will go through the web-based beginners course Icelandic Online I Plus and choose additionally one of the following sub-sections to work on: grammar, listening or reading/vocabulary. Students attend classes where they get the opportunity to ask questions and practice what they have learned.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
First year | Fall
Icelandic Culture (ÍSE014G)
Restricted elective course, conditions apply
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of the development of Icelandic culture from early to modern times, with emphasis on contemporary culture and art. Focus is placed on the rapid development of the country from a rural to an urban society during the past decades and the way in which the development has influenced Icelandic music, visual arts, films, theatre, and literature. Students will e.g. read a varied selection of literary texts. Icelandic Culture is open to all foreign students at the University of Iceland. The course is taught in English.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
First year | Fall
Vocabulary and Grammar I (ÍSE002G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course is aimed at beginners in Icelandic. The main emphasis is on practical efficiency in the spoken and written language. Practical vocabulary, basic grammar and syntax are introduced and practiced through reading, writing and oral communication. The grammatical topics covered on the course include gender, number, common verb phrases and the conjugation of verbs in the present tense.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
First year | Fall
Speech and Expression I (ÍSE030G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course is for beginners in Icelandic. Strategies for managing interaction are introduced and practiced, i.e. opening and closing a conversation, making introductions, asking for service or assistance. Simple daily-life phrases are introduced. Students work on assignments as they conduct their daily lives in the so-called Icelandic Village, as well as out in wider society. Students work both individually and in small groups in the classroom setting and out in society through conversations and short presentations.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
First year | Fall
Pronunciation and Listening I (ÍSE032G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Basic features of the phonetic system of Icelandic are introduced and explained. The pronunciation of vowels and consonants is systematically trained and practiced, as are basic rules of intonation and stress. Students work on various listening, comprehension and pronunciation assignments, inside and outside the classroom.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
First year | Spring 1
Self Study in Icelandic II (ÍSE009G)
Restricted elective course, conditions apply
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course is a continuation of the course ÍSE001G, Self Study in Icelandic I, based on principles of autonomous learning. The overall aim is to practice fluency and accuracy through self-directed work under the supervision of an instructor. Students will go through the web-based course Icelandic Online 2 Plus and choose additionally one of the following sub-sections to work on: grammar, listening or reading/vocabulary. Students attend classes where they get the opportunity to ask questions and practice what they have learned.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
First year | Spring 1
Icelandic Culture (ÍSE014G)
Restricted elective course, conditions apply
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of the development of Icelandic culture from early to modern times, with emphasis on contemporary culture and art. Focus is placed on the rapid development of the country from a rural to an urban society during the past decades and the way in which the development has influenced Icelandic music, visual arts, films, theatre, and literature. Students will e.g. read a varied selection of literary texts. Icelandic Culture is open to all foreign students at the University of Iceland. The course is taught in English.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
First year | Spring 1
Vocabulary and Grammar II (ÍSE007G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course is a continuation of the course ÍSE002G Vocabulary and Grammar I.
The main aim of this course is to expand students' vocabulary through reading and writing. Students read texts/stories on daily-life topics and use them to practice language use, vocabulary and grammar. Basic Icelandic grammar will be introduced and trained at home/in class. Areas of grammar to be covered include conjugation of verbs in the present and past tense, grammatical gender and the declension of nominals.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
First year | Spring 1
Speech and Expression II (ÍSE031G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course is a continuation of the course ÍSE030G Speech and Expression I. Students read short texts at home concerning daily-life issues and discuss them in small groups in class. Students are also expected to give presentations about some of these topics in front of the class. Furthermore, lessons are intended to prepare students for communication outside the classroom.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
First year | Spring 1
Pronunciation and Listening II (ÍSE033G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course is a continuation of the course ÍSE032G Pronunciation and Listening Comprehension I. Various pronunciation rules are explained, trained and practiced, especially those pertaining to consonant clusters and vowel-consonant sequences. Common elisions and changes of sounds in continuous speech are dealt with. Students work on listening, comprehension, and pronunciation assignments inside and outside the classroom.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
First year
Additional information
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- Fall
- ÍSE001GSelf Study in IcelandicRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This course focuses on grammar, listening comprehension and reading comprehension/vocabulary. The course is based on principles of autonomous learning where the overall aim is to train fluency and accuracy through self-directed work under the supervision of an instructor. Students will go through the web-based beginners course Icelandic Online I Plus and choose additionally one of the following sub-sections to work on: grammar, listening or reading/vocabulary. Students attend classes where they get the opportunity to ask questions and practice what they have learned.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSE014GIcelandic CultureRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of this course is to provide an overview of the development of Icelandic culture from early to modern times, with emphasis on contemporary culture and art. Focus is placed on the rapid development of the country from a rural to an urban society during the past decades and the way in which the development has influenced Icelandic music, visual arts, films, theatre, and literature. Students will e.g. read a varied selection of literary texts. Icelandic Culture is open to all foreign students at the University of Iceland. The course is taught in English.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSE002GVocabulary and Grammar IMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is aimed at beginners in Icelandic. The main emphasis is on practical efficiency in the spoken and written language. Practical vocabulary, basic grammar and syntax are introduced and practiced through reading, writing and oral communication. The grammatical topics covered on the course include gender, number, common verb phrases and the conjugation of verbs in the present tense.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSE030GSpeech and Expression IMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is for beginners in Icelandic. Strategies for managing interaction are introduced and practiced, i.e. opening and closing a conversation, making introductions, asking for service or assistance. Simple daily-life phrases are introduced. Students work on assignments as they conduct their daily lives in the so-called Icelandic Village, as well as out in wider society. Students work both individually and in small groups in the classroom setting and out in society through conversations and short presentations.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSE032GPronunciation and Listening IMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionBasic features of the phonetic system of Icelandic are introduced and explained. The pronunciation of vowels and consonants is systematically trained and practiced, as are basic rules of intonation and stress. Students work on various listening, comprehension and pronunciation assignments, inside and outside the classroom.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
ÍSE009GSelf Study in Icelandic IIRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is a continuation of the course ÍSE001G, Self Study in Icelandic I, based on principles of autonomous learning. The overall aim is to practice fluency and accuracy through self-directed work under the supervision of an instructor. Students will go through the web-based course Icelandic Online 2 Plus and choose additionally one of the following sub-sections to work on: grammar, listening or reading/vocabulary. Students attend classes where they get the opportunity to ask questions and practice what they have learned.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSE014GIcelandic CultureRestricted elective course10Restricted elective course, conditions apply10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of this course is to provide an overview of the development of Icelandic culture from early to modern times, with emphasis on contemporary culture and art. Focus is placed on the rapid development of the country from a rural to an urban society during the past decades and the way in which the development has influenced Icelandic music, visual arts, films, theatre, and literature. Students will e.g. read a varied selection of literary texts. Icelandic Culture is open to all foreign students at the University of Iceland. The course is taught in English.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÍSE007GVocabulary and Grammar IIMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is a continuation of the course ÍSE002G Vocabulary and Grammar I.
The main aim of this course is to expand students' vocabulary through reading and writing. Students read texts/stories on daily-life topics and use them to practice language use, vocabulary and grammar. Basic Icelandic grammar will be introduced and trained at home/in class. Areas of grammar to be covered include conjugation of verbs in the present and past tense, grammatical gender and the declension of nominals.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSE031GSpeech and Expression IIMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is a continuation of the course ÍSE030G Speech and Expression I. Students read short texts at home concerning daily-life issues and discuss them in small groups in class. Students are also expected to give presentations about some of these topics in front of the class. Furthermore, lessons are intended to prepare students for communication outside the classroom.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSE033GPronunciation and Listening IIMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is a continuation of the course ÍSE032G Pronunciation and Listening Comprehension I. Various pronunciation rules are explained, trained and practiced, especially those pertaining to consonant clusters and vowel-consonant sequences. Common elisions and changes of sounds in continuous speech are dealt with. Students work on listening, comprehension, and pronunciation assignments inside and outside the classroom.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisites
The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities worldwide. This provides a unique opportunity to pursue part of your studies at an international university thus gaining added experience and fresh insight into your field of study.
Students generally have the opportunity to join an exchange programme, internship, or summer courses. However, exchanges are always subject to faculty approval.
Students have the opportunity to have courses evaluated as part of their studies at the University of Iceland, so their stay does not have to affect the duration of their studies.
A better knowledge of Icelandic will enable you to:
- work on the Icelandic labour market
- work in tourism
- work in imports and exports
- continue studying Icelandic
This list is not exhaustive
- Huldumál is the organisation for students of Icelandic as a second language
- Huldumál promotes an active social calendar and advocates for members
I find the study programme both challenging and exciting. All courses are taught in Icelandic from the beginning, which can be difficult for people who have recently arrived in Iceland and do not have much knowledge of Icelandic. You have to prepare very well and preferably study every day, if you want to succeed, but it pays off soon.
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