Who can claim services?

You are responsible for providing documents from an appropriate specialist which states what hinders you in your studies and or exams as well as to make an appointment with a counsellor with whom you need to make a written agreement. Please note that it can take weeks to get an appointment with an Icelandic specialist if documents are needed, in which case you need to make proper arrangements at the beginning of the semester. If the accommodation you need requires preparations before the semester begins, e.g. access to classrooms, sign language interpreter, writer, or adaptation of teaching materials (e.g. for blind or visually impaired students) it is important that you contact our counsellors in good time.

The final date to apply for accommodation during exams each semester is October 1 for autumn semester and March 1 for spring semester, see information in the Academic Calendar for the University. Please make sure you apply within the stated timeframe.

Students at the UI can apply for a grant for a recent dyslexia diagnosis, as well as ADD, and ADHD to the Student Council, for further information see their website.

Diagnosis of specific learning difficulties:
Students need to present a document of diagnosis from a specialist to receive accommodation due to specific learning difficulties (e.g. Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia). The following are accepted:

• GRP 14 Test (GRP 14H-Test is not sufficient in and of itself).
• Aston Index reading diagnosis.
• Logos dyslexia diagnosis
• International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD 10; used by psychologists).

Please note that the diagnosis must have been made when the individual was at the age of students attending grade 5 in Icelandic compulsory schools.

Davis Dyslexia Correction document indicates whether Davis correction is useful for the individual and as such is not sufficient to get accommodation at the UI, for further information see their website. 

Medical certificates:
Students need to present documents from a physician or a specialist confirming their illness, disabilities, etc. when they apply for accommodation during their studies and/or exams. The document issued must contain the following information:

• Explication of the illness or disability in question.
• How the illness or disability affects the student´s mental and/or physical abilities to pursue higher education.
• Name and title of the physician or specialist who initially diagnosed the disease or disability and when the diagnosis was made.

Treatment of information:
The University of Iceland Student Counselling Centre (UISCC) keeps students diagnosis and certificates during their studies at the university. Treatment of sensitive personal data is in accordance with privacy laws and regulations of the University. The UISCC is responsible for sharing the necessary information to University staff involved in implementing the accommodation.

Once you have obtained the required documentation you need to meet with a counsellor and make a written agreement about the accommodation provided.

The final date to apply for specific accommodation during exams is October 1 for autumn semester and March 1 for the spring semester, see the UI Academic Calendar. Please make sure you apply within the stated timeframe.

Depending on the diagnosis/certificate, the agreement can either be valid throughout your studies (long term) at the UI or temporarily for one or two semesters.

A long term agreement is valid while you are a registered student at the UI. Note that if you take a break from your studies for one academic year or more you need to reactivate the agreement when you resume your studies.  

Temporary agreements are either made for one semester or one academic year. They are made for example when a student suffers temporary illness when dealing with consequences of accidents or trauma, and mental illness. Note that a temporary agreement for the autumn semester expires January 10 and for the spring semester June 30.

In all cases, a specific agreement has to be made for entrance examinations even though you already have a long term agreement with the UI.

You will get the accommodation mentioned in the agreement in all exams held by the Examinations Office.

If the teacher holds an exam without the involvement of the Examinations office, e.g. in class or as a home exam, then you are responsible for informing the teacher that you have an agreement involving accommodation (if you need them in that particular exam) with at least a week’s notice. When you sign the agreement with the counsellor you will get a copy which you can produce to teachers when needed.

If exam conditions are not in accordance with your agreement we urge you to inform the invigilation during the exam. It can be difficult to react to comments after the exam time is over.

If exam conditions require special preparations from UI staff please contact us well in advance.

Keep the copy of your agreement. It can be useful to scan the agreement or take a photo of it on your mobile phone for digital preservation.

You have the right to meet with a counsellor to discuss your matters and review the agreement if needed.

Specific accommodation is based on documentation from a specialist and on information provided during student’s appointment with the UI counsellor. 

According to the UI regulation, accommodation does not involve a reduction in normal academic requirements or the arrangement of these requirements such that they apply differently to this group of students.

Examples of available accommodation (not an exhaustive list):

• Access to class and exam facilities.
• Extended exam time.
• Exam text with large font size.
• Use of a PC in written exams.
• Exam writer.
• Digital study materials.
• Access to a computer lab with specialized computer programmes and facilities.
• Class notes (if a fellow student is ready to share her/his notes).
• Icelandic sign language interpretation.
• Escort between university buildings on campus, on foot (if a fellow student is available). Please note that this does not imply transport with a vehicle, hence in bad weathers disabled students coming from abroad might have to use Taxi services to go between buildings.  

Unfortunately, the UISCC can neither provide students with transports between home and school nor personal assistance of any kind (e.g. dressing, personal hygiene, shopping, etc.). Thus, for the students’ well-being and safety, it is extremely important that all such matters are secured beforehand if a disabled international or exchange student decides to come to study at the UI. 

The University of Iceland provides Icelandic sign language interpretation for deaf and hearing impaired students. Students who need interpreter services may contact university counsellors. Teachers and staff should contact the coordinator of interpreter services.

Coordinator of interpreter services:
Magnús Stephenssen
University of Iceland Student Counselling Centre 
netfang: adstodarmenn@hi.is
525-4315/847-6402

Please note that individuals with disability certificate can contact the Student Registration office for information about a possible reduction of the registration fee.

Student Housing offers convenient and well located housing at a fair price for students at the University of Iceland, for further information see here.