FAQ for Ukrainian students

Due to the war in Ukraine, we are receiving a lot of questions from affected students about the possibilities to apply to studies or continue their studies at the University of Iceland. To address these questions, we have compiled an FAQ list for Ukrainian citizens that will be updated regularly.

Please note that we currently do not have answers to all questions and that some might change over time.

I am interested in applying for studies at the University of Iceland. How do I proceed?

The application portal will open mid-September for applications for the Spring semester 2023. Please note that not all programmes accept new students in the Spring semester.

The application portal for the academic year 2023-2024 will open in the middle of December.

Here is a list of full programmes available in English.

Please consult information on general admission requirements and note that proof of English proficiency requirements may apply to international applicants whose native language is not English

I was studying at a university in Ukraine. I cannot continue my studies due to the war. Can I apply for exchange studies to the University of Iceland?

Ukrainian students who have already started their university studies in Ukraine, can apply to attend UI as exchange students. Here you can find a list of available courses for exchange students.

To submit an application for exchange studies, please contact us at ask@hi.is

How can I prove my English proficiency if the testing centres are closed?

To apply for a full programme, the University of Iceland requires proof of English proficiency for most programmes. Information about ways to proof your English proficiency can be found here.

If you have already arrived in Iceland, you can register for the TOEFL exam through ETS homepage www.ets.org and take the exam at Promennt here in Iceland.

If the testing centres in your area have been forced to close down due to war or other conflicts, the University of Iceland accepts the TOEFL home edition exam Please contact www.ets.org for information regarding this.

If you are unable to provide us with proof of English proficiency due to the situation in Ukraine, please contact us at ask@hi.is for assistance.

I am a Ukrainian citizen, and I want to learn Icelandic. What can I do?

The University of Iceland offers two different courses in Icelandic as a second language.

Online studies in the Icelandic language are also available free of charge at Icelandic online.

I want to apply for studies, but I do not have certified documents for my previous studies. What can I do?

You can contact the ENIC/NARIC office and they will assist you with evaluation of your previous education.

I am a Ukrainian citizen and a Ph.D. student. Due to the war, I cannot continue my Ph.D. and research in Ukraine. Can I complete my degree at the University of Iceland?

Please contact the Division of Human Resources, mannaudur@hi.is, for assistance.

I am a Ukrainian citizen, and I have completed my studies. I want to find work in my field and have my education recognized. What can I do?

You can contact the ENIC/NARIC office and they will assist you with evaluation of your previous education.

Do you offer scholarships for Ukrainian students?

The University of Iceland is a public university and is not able to offer any scholarships for students.

Ukrainian students, who wish to continue their studies at UI as exchange students, do not pay any registration fees during their stay.

Do you offer housing for Ukrainian students?

If your application for studies has been accepted by UI, you can apply for on campus housing.

I am not a Ukrainian citizen, but I was studying in Ukraine when the war started and had to stop my studies. Can I continue studying in the University of Iceland?

Students who are not Ukrainian citizens do not fall under the immigration regulations regarding visas in Iceland. All other nationalities, therefore, need to apply as regular international students.
The application deadline for international students is the 1. February each year. For information regarding the application process, please see https://english.hi.is/applications_for_study