The University of Iceland strongly condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and expresses solidarity with university students and staff of Ukrainian universities, as well as the entire nation.
Here we will be sharing useful information for our students and staff about how the Russian invasion in Ukraine affects education and research at the University of Iceland.
We are closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine and will update the information if the situation changes. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the International Division at ask@hi.is
Please also read the Icelandic Rectors' Conference general statement of solidarity:
Iceland has signed a statement of the Bologna Follow-Up Group who create the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) on the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has joined the call for immediate and long-term help to Ukraine students and academic staff.
It marks the current policy of the Icelandic government in higher education.
Information for Students and staff at UI
The University of Iceland will reach out to assist students who have been affected by this tragedy. If you need to talk to someone, please contact the Student Counselling service at salfraedingar@hi.is and specify that you are a student from Ukraine or Russia.
Students should contact their Faculty for questions on studies, leave of absence, or exams.
Staff can contact the Division of Human Resources at mannaudssvid@hi.is or the Human Resources managers at their respective schools.
Ukrainian University Students
Regarding students from Ukraine who need to flee the country and request to continue their studies here, UI will in accordance with the Icelandic government's policy on higher education, be flexible regarding access by university students from Ukraine to the university and give them the opportunity to complete their studies. We do not currently have a special admissions program for exiled Ukrainian students, but we will consider prospective applicants on a case-by-case basis.
University students should send inquiries to ask@hi.is and receive further instructions regarding the application process and documents that must accompany the application.
Ukrainian Academic Staff
The University of Iceland will make every effort to provide refuge and provisional work opportunities for academic staff who have had to flee Ukraine. The exact arrangement will need to be adapted based on the development of the situation in Ukraine.
Information on visa and residence permits
Information from the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration for Ukrainian citizens:
Cooperation with Russia
All collaboration with universities and institutions has been put on hold. In general, actions should not be targeted at individuals, and it is acknowledged that collaboration in education and research is frequently based on academic peer-to-peer relationships. Many Russian academics have publicly criticized the invasion. As a result, continued collaboration will have to be evaluated on a case-to-case basis, taking into account the government's guidelines at any given time.