If you intend to apply for Icelandic as a second language, for Practical Purposes at the University of Iceland, you must pass an admission test in Icelandic. Below you can find information about minimum requirements, the exam schedule and other details related to the admission test.
Students must have reached level A1 within the Common European Framework when they start the programme. See for example:
All students must pass the admission test to proof the proficiency. There are no exemptions from taking the test.
A maximum of 50 non-EEA students will be accepted to the practical diploma in Icelandic as a second language each year. For further information, please read the next section.
The test takes place online in March for non-EEA students. The exact date will be sent to applicants who meet the general admission requirements. Applicants who pass the online written exam (minimum grade 6.0 out of 10) must also pass an oral exam via a video conferencing platform, designed to test A1 skills and confirm the examinee’s identity. The minimum grade for the oral exam is 6.0 out of 10.
At the University Council meeting on 4 December, 2025, it was approved that in the academic year 2026–2027, a maximum of 50 non-EEA students will be accepted to the practical diploma in Icelandic as a second language. If more than 50 students achieve the minimum grade on the oral exam, the applicants with the 50 best grades on the oral exam will be accepted to the programme.
This information only applies to non-EEA students. Applicants from Switzerland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands are exempt from these restrictions, as are those who have a permanent residence permit for Iceland or a residence permit that can be the basis for a permanent residence permit.
The exam takes place at 12:00 on 8 June at the University of Iceland for applicants residing in Iceland. if you meet the entrance requirements for the programme. If you cannot attend the exam at the University of Iceland you can use one of designated test centres. You must register yourself at a test centre, provide information about the test and its timing, and confirm your registration by sending an email to icelandic@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 directly by sending an email to icelandic@hi.is.
Applicants take the exam online between 12:00 (GMT) on 8 June and 12:00 (GMT) on 9 June (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 12 August at 12:00.
Alternatively, if you are in Iceland at that time, you may take the exam in person on 10 June 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.
This information applies to applicants without an Icelandic kennitala, from countries within the EEA and EFTA.
The admission test is divided into four parts:
The exam consists 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
Applicants from outside the EEA take an oral examination in addition to the written examination.
If an applicant does not pass the entrance exam, they may submit a request to icelandic@hi.is retake the exam on 12 August. Please note that the application will be rejected until the applicant has passed the entrance exam. Applicants from outside the EEA/EFTA therefore cannot retake the exam, as the processing of applications from outside the EEA/EFTA is completed before April.
A testing fee of 15.000 ISK will be charged.
For further details about the admission test, contact:
Gísli Hvanndal Ólafsson
Email: gislihva@hi.is
