Sprettur, an innovation programme for the inclusion and integration of immigrants into higher education at the University of Iceland, has received two grants to support initiatives that enhance participation, Icelandic language skills, and networking opportunities for students with an international background.
The first grant, amounting to 5 million ISK from the Immigrant Development Fund, supports the project Cultivating an Ecology of Belonging at the University of Iceland. The project is based on designing and implementing a mentorship programme that trains graduate students to provide academic and social support to undergraduate students of foreign background in their respective areas of study in a consistent and culturally sensitive manner. The goal is to design a programme tailored to the real needs of students with foreign backgrounds, where diversity is respected and valued as a strength with a focus on academic progress, Icelandic language proficiency, and social participation. The project began this month and will run until June 2027, and will be carried out in collaboration with the university’s Centre for Writing (Ritver Háskóla Íslands), and the Student Counselling Centre (Nemendaráðgjöf).
The second grant, amounting to 9.5 million ISK from the Ministry of Education and Childhood, supports the project Inngildingarbrú - Bridging the University and the Labour Market. The project aims to strengthen collaboration between the University of Iceland (Sprettur and Student Counselling Centre) and the Directorate of Labour to enhance the integration of immigrants into education and the labour market. The project also aims to develop a learning community where adult immigrants and students with an international background can gain insight into the Icelandic labour market and develop professional skills through intercultural mentorship. This project also started this month and will run until October 2027.
The overall goal of both projects is to build a sustainable mentoring community that connects university students with the labour market and supports adult immigrants in pursuing higher education. This creates a dynamic environment that benefits both Icelandic and international students, fosters professional participation, improves Icelandic language skills, and facilitates long-term mutual integration into Icelandic society.
