Bachelor's Degrees in English in Iceland: What Is Really Taught in English

Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.

Iceland is not a country where you can choose from dozens of English-taught bachelor's degrees. The University of Iceland (HÍ) says only a few of its international undergraduate programmes are taught in English. Most bachelor's programmes are taught in Icelandic, and some of them offer a few courses in English.

A catalogue tag that needs care

Our catalogue lists 140 bachelor's programmes and marks 17 of them as offering English. Do not read that as a list of fully English-taught degrees. For example, Reykjavik University's bachelor's pages for computer science, software engineering, business, economics and psychology say the programme is taught in Icelandic, with some courses in English. On the computer science and software engineering pages RU also says that applications from abroad are not accepted. HÍ's geology bachelor's page says most undergraduate courses are taught in Icelandic, and its language programmes, such as Italian, teach in the language studied. Always read the language line on the programme page. Our English-taught programmes list is a starting point, not a final answer.

Programmes confirmed as taught in English

International Studies in Education, BA (HÍ). A 180 ECTS programme designed for international students, with all teaching in English. The department's admissions committee evaluates applications and selects students.
English Studies, BA (HÍ). A 180 ECTS programme on English linguistics, literature and English-speaking cultures, for students already proficient in spoken and written English. It asks for a higher score than other international programmes at HÍ. For some other language programmes, HÍ expects proficiency in both the language in question and English.
Contemporary Dance Practices, BA (Iceland University of the Arts). A three-year, 180 ECTS programme taught in English. You apply online, then take part in an audition online or in Reykjavík. For 2027 the application deadline is 25 January 2027, and interviews are on 20 and 21 February 2027.

English scores

At HÍ, applicants whose first language is not English must prove it with TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Cambridge English (CAE or CPE) or PTE Academic. The minimum for international undergraduate programmes is IELTS 6.5, PTE 58 or TOEFL iBT 79 (old scale). The English Studies BA asks for IELTS 7.0, PTE 65 or TOEFL iBT 95 (old scale). Results must be verifiable online and not older than two years.

You are exempt if you studied in English in the UK, the USA, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia or Canada, or if you are a citizen of one of the listed countries outside the EEA and EFTA who finished secondary school there. An IB or European Baccalaureate diploma counts, but only for English-taught programmes. HÍ does not accept the language of instruction at your school as proof, except for study in the six countries above. For LHÍ, applicants from the EU and EEA are assessed in the interview and others must provide proof. See IELTS and TOEFL for European universities.

Other routes and costs

RU says most of its master's programmes are taught in English. If you cannot find an English-taught bachelor's, a bachelor's elsewhere followed by a master's in Iceland is an option. See studying in English in Europe.

Prices differ by programme. LHÍ charges non-EEA students ISK 5,500,000 a year for performing arts. HÍ charges a registration fee now, with tuition for non-EEA students possible from autumn 2027. See how much it costs to study in Iceland.

Before you apply:

Read the language line on the programme page, not only the title.
Check whether the programme accepts applications from abroad.
Book your English test early, because HÍ needs the score by the 1 February deadline.

Where to look next

Official sources

Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.