All international students are legally required to register in Iceland or apply for a student permit, depending on citizenship. This applies to all forms of study, including distance learning programmes.
Students with citizenship outside the Nordic countries, the European Economic Area (EEA) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) must apply for a student permit before arrival and be granted approval from the Directorate of Immigration before travelling to Iceland.
EEA/EFTA citizens must register in Iceland depending on the duration of their stay.
Follow the instructions depending on your citizenship:
- Student residence permit - only needed for non EEA/EFTA students.
- Registering in Iceland for students - applies to all students, with the exception of Nordic students and EEA/EFTA students staying one semester only. They can register at the University Service Desk.