Entrance exam for Icelandic as a second language, BA

The entrance exam is divided into four categories

• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Reading
• Listening

The exam has 100 points, and you need to get a minimum of 50 points to pass it.

The applicant must attend the exam with a computer with an Icelandic keyboard layout, headphones and a valid ID (e.g. passport, driver's license).

Students taking exams at the UI can request to borrow a computer with an Icelandic keyboard. 

The exam is online, and you will receive your specific username and password for the text. This also applies to students who already have access to Ugla, the Intraweb.

Note! No aids are allowed in the exam.

If you find the sample exam too hard you should apply to Icelandic as a second language, for a practical purpose diploma programme. 

• Exam without answers
• Exam with correct answers

If you fail the exam, you might be able to change your application to the Icelandic as a second language diploma programme, provided you fulfil the English proficiency requirement and send additional proof of English proficiency if needed.  

If you want to change your application to the diploma programme, please contact Registration at admission@hi.is or send a request through the Application portal. 

You may also send a request to Mirko Garofalo (mig@hi.is) or Gísli Hvanndal Ólafsson (gislihva@hi.is) to retake the test on the 14 August at the University or recognized test centre in Iceland. 

Students who graduated in 2022 or later from Icelandic as a Second language for a practical purpose diploma programme do not have to take the entrance exam if their 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.

Applicants attend the University of Iceland or test centres. See the test centres in the accordion below.

If you cannot attend the test in June, you must follow the instructions for applicants residing abroad but within the Schengen area.

Please note that applicants with an Icelandic ID number (kennitala) must explain why they are unable to attend the exam in Iceland in June.

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

Those who pass the online exam must retake the exam at the University of Iceland or an exam centre in Iceland on August 14 at 12:00.

If you are already in Iceland on 10 June, you may follow the instructions for "Date and location of exam for applicants with Icelandic ID number (kennitala) above. 

Note: Applicants without an Icelandic ID number (kennitala) must send an email to Mirko Garofalo (mig@hi.is) or Gísli Hvanndal Ólafsson (gislihva@hi.is) to let them know if they plan to take the exam online or in Iceland in June.

If you take the exam in June, you do not have to retake it in August

The exam is online and students can take it between 12:00 (GMT) on April 16 and 12:00 (GMT) on April 17. (Noon).

Students who pass the online exam have an interview with the examiner a few days later. This is to confirm that the applicants have a good foundation in Icelandic and that they have taken the online exam themselves.

Applicants will only be accepted into the BA programme if they pass both the online exam and demonstrate the same minimum skills in 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 Mirko Garofalo (mig@hi.is) or Gísla Hvanndal Ólafsson (gislihva@hi.is). 

Exam 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