If you intend to apply for theIcelandic as a second language, for Practical Purposes programme at the University of Iceland, you must pass an admission test in Icelandic. Below you can find information about the minimum requirements, the test schedule and other details related to the admission test.
Icelandic as a second language, for practical purposes is a study program for students with basic proficiency in Icelandic, corresponding to level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The admission test assesses skills comparable to those practiced in the study materials Íslenska fyrir alla 1-2 and Icelandic Online Survival.
No exemptions are granted from the admission test.
Online test - the admission test for applicants who apply before February 1 is online. The test is available for 24 hours. It opens at 12:00 (GMT) on March 10 and closes at 12:00 (GMT) on March 11. Applicants may take the test at any time within this period. They have 90 minutes to complete the test. Applicants who take the online test must also take an online oral Icelandic exam on 11 or 12 March. This is done to confirm that the applicants have passed the admission test on their own, without reference materials. After being accepted for the admission test, students will receive a link to choose a time for their oral exam. Applicants will only be admitted to Icelandic as a second language, Practical Purposes Diploma Programme if they pass both the admission test and the oral exam.
On-site in Iceland – The admission test will take place at the University of Iceland on 10 March at 12:00. The test is only a written test. Applicants who are unable to take the exam at the University of Iceland must sit it at an approved test centre in Iceland. A list of approved test centres can be found here. Information about registration for remote testing will be provided later.
Note: At the University Council meeting on 4 December 2025, it was approved that a maximum of 50 non-EEA students will be admitted to Icelandic as a second language for Practical Purposes. If more than 50 students achieve the minimum grade on the oral Icelandic exam, the applicants with the 50 highest grades on the oral exam will be admitted to the programme. Applicants from Switzerland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands are exempt from these restrictions, as are those who hold a permanent residence permit for Iceland or a residence permit that can serve as the basis for a permanent residence permit.
Note: The applicant must attend the test with a valid identification (passport or driver's license).
The admission test is an on-site test taking place at 9:00 on June 15 at the University of Iceland. All applicants who meet the admission requirements for the programme will be automatically registered for the test and will receive further information about it when the application has been reviewed.
Applicants who are unable to take the test at the University of Iceland must take it at a designated testing centre in Iceland. A list of designated test centres in Iceland can be found here. Information about registration for remote testing will be provided later.
Note: The applicant must attend the test with a valid identification (passport or driver’s license).
Written test:
The written admission test is in four parts: reading, listening, vocabulary, and grammar. It is taken in the electronic exam system Inspera. Applicants receive a one-time username and password to access the exam.
Oral test:
The oral test is only for those who have completed and passed the written test online on March 10.
A testing fee of ISK 15,000 will be charged. Payment will be made through the communication portal after applicants have been approved for the admission test.
For further details about the admission test, contact icelandic@hi.is.
