The Icelandic parliament, Althingi, has passed a bill on university consortia, allowing the University of Iceland and Hólar University College to form a consortium which will be formally established on July 1. Under the new legislation, the University of Iceland will operate as a university consortium, and Hólar University College will become a partner university under the name The University of Iceland at Hólar.
The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and will mark a turning point in higher education in Iceland. The consortium is intended to enhance collaboration between the two universities, expand research, teaching, and support services, and create more opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and development in higher education nationwide.
The legislation originated on an initiative by the University of Iceland and Hólar University College, following extensive preparation over the past few years. In an explanatory memorandum and committee reports from Althingi, it is emphasised that the changes are intended specifically to strengthen Hólar University College as a specialised regional university and to reinforce the University of Iceland as a leading research university in Iceland.
A big step for higher education in Iceland
“The formation of the first university consortium in the country is a huge step forward for the higher education sector in Iceland. The consortium provides opportunities to simplify and strengthen the university sector, review and expand course offerings, and support nationwide university education and industry collaboration. I would like to thank Hólmfríður Sverrisdóttir, the Rector of Hólar University College, and Jón Atli Benediktsson, the former rector of the University of Iceland, for their initiative and contribution to this project, as well as all the fantastic staff at both universities who have worked tirelessly to turn the consortium into reality,” says Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir, the Rector of the new university consortium.
Under the legislation, the University of Iceland at Hólar will remain an autonomous member university within the consortium, with a distinct status similar to that of the University of Iceland’s Schools. The current Rector of Hólar University College will become Dean of the University of Iceland at Hólar, and the school will have its own governing board. The consortium will be led by one rector and one University Council. However, a Consortium Council will be appointed to lead policy-making and make important decisions concerning study development, teaching and research within the member university. Among other things, this is intended to ensure that the constituent university retains its autonomy and has a strong voice in key decisions affecting its operations and future. Decisions about fundamental changes in operations and the study arrangement of the member university won’t be made unless the Consortium Committee reaches a unanimous consent.
Strengthens higher education around Iceland
“I am extremely happy that the Althingi has passed the bill allowing universities to form consortia. These kinds of university consortia are common in other countries, often for the exact purpose of improving higher education provision nationwide, and not least the areas where smaller universities operate. Universities operate in an international environment where a strong emphasis is placed on the quality of education and research, and recruiting staff and students, as well as securing funding, is highly competitive. The University of Iceland at Hólar is built on strong professional foundations, and at Hólar, there are subjects not offered by other Icelandic universities that are important for Iceland's future. Becoming a member of a consortium with the University of Iceland and gaining access to its strong support system built around study and research is highly beneficial for Hólar University College. Along with the construction of specialised teaching facilities in Sauðárkrókur and at Hólar, planned by the government, it will enable the University of Iceland at Hólar to continue to strengthen its high-quality education and research in important study fields that are important to rural areas,” says Hólmfríður Sveinsdóttir, outgoing rector of Hólar University College.
The bill also assumes that the University of Iceland will take over the properties, commitments, and operations of Hólar University College from July 1 onwards. According to the new legislation, students and staff of the Hólar University College will be transferred to the University of Iceland on July 1. However, current students at Hólar University College will retain their rights to complete their studies under the current study programmes. The same applies to students starting their studies at the University of Iceland next autumn.
The UI Institute of Research Centres headquarters in Skagafjörður
A special emphasis will be placed on supporting research collaboration and higher education in the countryside. Therefore, the UI Institute of Research’s headquarters will be moved to Skagafjörður to further strengthen the relationship between research, higher education and communities across the country. The Institute of Research Centres comprises 12 research centres located across all four corners of Iceland.
“This is an important cause for celebration for us at Hólar University College. Bringing these two institutions together is expected to significantly strengthen higher education and economic development in rural areas. I would like to thank all the outstanding staff at both universities, the government, as well as local government officials in Skagafjörður and other supporters who have contributed to this important project in turning the consortium into reality,” Hólmfríður adds.
The passage of the legislation establishes a new legal framework for university collaboration in Iceland and creates opportunities for future cooperation through university consortia. The emphasis is on strengthening all participating universities while preserving their individual identities and distinct roles.
