University of St Andrews

At a glance

The University of Iceland (UI), established in 1911, is a vibrant community where a broad range of academic disciplines are pursued, each closely linked with the professional sector and Icelandic society in general. UI provides instruction for some 14,000 students studying in five schools and 25 faculties. UI is situated a stone's throw from downtown Reykjavík and has easy access to many of Iceland’s natural wonders, including glaciers, lava fields, volcanic craters, and waterfalls.

Established : 1911
Student Population : 14000
Rankings : #109 QS Europe University Rankings - Northern Europe

Overview of Facilities and campus : The university's main campus lies immediately south-west of Tjörnin lake in the centre of Reykjavík. It covers about 10 hectares in total. There are around 30 buildings in total, the oldest of which, Gamli Garður, was built in 1934. The Main Building overlooks a semi-circular lawn, featuring a statue of Sæmundur fróði. In 2007, a new service centre was opened next to the main building and many of student services were relocated there. Some lectures take place in Háskólabíó cinema at the northern end of the campus. There is also a gym, several dormitories, and smaller research institute buildings on the grounds. Most buildings are located on the main campus and nearby neighbourhoods. The Faculty of Sport, Leisure Studies and Social Education, on the other hand, is located in the village of Laugarvatn.

Website and links

Website : University of Iceland homepage

Study abroad page : International Students Webpage

Study abroad guide : Study Abroad Guide

Who can go

Students on degree programmes in the following subject areas may apply to study abroad during their Junior Honours year at Háskóli Íslands (University of Iceland):

• International Relations

Semesters Available

• First Semester
• Second Semester
• Full Year

Note: Joint Honours students may only apply for a full year abroad if BOTH subjects are listed above. Joint Honours students applying for one semester must seek permission from both Schools.

Study abroad coordinator

Each School has a designated Study Abroad Coordinator.

Semester dates

Semester dates are as follows

2024/5
Semester 1 Aug 2024 to Dec 2024
Semester 2 Jan 2025 to May 2025
2025/6
Semester 1 Aug 2025 to Dec 2025
Semester 2 Jan 2025 to May 2025

Your studies abroad

Partner Course Catalogue : View the course catalogue for exchange students online.

The principal language of instruction at the University is Icelandic, but most faculties give courses in English as well.

See our Credits and Modules Abroad webpage for information on the number of credits we expect students to take at our partner institutions. St Andrews expects students to attend all classes as part of their programme abroad. Assessment methods may vary across partners and could include class participation, continuous assessment in the form of homework and final exams. All courses must be agreed with your Study Abroad Coordinator. See our academic information webpage for further details, as well as information about credit and grade conversion.

Application and selection

This is a School Abroad programme.

Places available

Places available : 2 full year or 4 semester places

Places available may vary from year to year depending on the exchange balance. Numbers for the following academic year will be confirmed at the information meeting.

Getting there and getting around

The international airport is located in Keflavík, a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík. The fly bus operates between the airport and the bus terminal (see schedule online). From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to your destination.

The most economical way to travel around Reykjavík is by bus. Reykjavík’s buses, yellow in colour, can be caught at bus stops, marked with the logo “S” for “Strætó bs.” You can buy a Green Card (Græna kortið) which gives the holder 30 days of unlimited travel.

Accommodation

The Office of International Education assists accepted exchange students in finding accomodation for the academic year/semester. Students will be given access to a database with available accommodation. Students can then choose the accommodation they prefer from that list and contact the chosen landlord directly. All accepted students will get access to this website on the same date.

Types of housing available:

Rooms in student dormitories (very limited number, non-Europeans are given priority)

Rooms in guesthouses with access to kitchen and bathroom

Shared apartments/ flats with other students

Rooms in private houses

Please note that St Andrews is unable to guarantee housing at any of our partner institutions. Guidance on finding accommodation abroad is available on the Global Office webpage.

Student services and orientation

The International Office is available for Exchange student support. The Student Counselling Centre is a useful resource for students, as well as a Mentor System.

Orientation Days for International Students are held at the beginning of the semester, and organised by the International Office and the Student Council. The programme includes courses, organised walks around campus, as well as receptions with music and light refreshments. The aim is to introduce students to the support services offered, meet fellow students, and help them adjust to a new culture.

Please be aware that student support services will be different across all of our partner universities.