Icelandic Language Requirements for University: The B2 Entrance Exam

Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.

Most bachelor's programmes in Iceland are taught in Icelandic, so Icelandic is the main language requirement for international applicants. There is no national certificate: each university sets its own rule, and the University of Iceland (HÍ) runs its own entrance exam. This guide reflects the pages published in October 2026.

Where Icelandic is required

University of Iceland: faculties may require applicants with school qualifications from outside the Nordic countries to pass an entrance exam in Icelandic at level B2 of the Common European Framework before admission to undergraduate programmes taught in Icelandic. The programme pages state it, for example for geology and film studies.
Reykjavik University: its business, economics, computer science and software engineering bachelor's pages say the programme is taught in Icelandic and that Icelandic proficiency is a requirement. The psychology page says the programme is primarily taught in Icelandic.
University of Akureyri: its aquaculture bachelor's requires applicants to understand written and spoken Icelandic. It also lists several programmes with Icelandic as a second language, so ask the university about their conditions.

If you cannot reach this level, look at programmes taught in English. See bachelor's degrees in English in Iceland and CEFR levels for university.

The HÍ B2 exam

The exam is held by the University of Iceland and tests four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking.

Reading: 4 tasks, 60 minutes.
Listening: 4 tasks, 40 minutes.
Writing: 2 tasks, 80 minutes.
Speaking: 30 minutes in total. You prepare for 15 minutes, then speak for 15 minutes with two examiners.

The written parts take about four hours on a computer. The exams are held on site at the University. Applicants with an approved application receive details by email on where and when. The page lists 10 December 2026 as the next test date. It says the exam fee will not be charged in 2026 but will be introduced in 2027, currently ISK 35,000, and that enrolment is not approved until your Icelandic is confirmed. Sample tests for each part are on the University's page, and questions go to islenskuprof@hi.is. HÍ's English-language pages do not explain what happens if you fail, so ask before you apply.

Icelandic as a second language

HÍ also teaches Icelandic to non-speakers, with a lower entry level:

Icelandic as a second language, BA: all applicants must pass an admission test showing level A2+. The programme page says the skills needed equal completing the free online courses Icelandic Online 1 and 2, or five levels at a language school in Iceland. The test takes place in the first week of June at the University. The deadline for residents with an Icelandic ID number is 20 May.
Icelandic as a second language for practical purposes, diploma: also requires a special admission exam, and unlike the BA it does not exempt you from the English proof.

Applicants from abroad who need a visa should check how these dates fit with the 1 February deadline and the permit deadlines. See student visa for Iceland.

Preparing

The programme page for Icelandic as a second language gives a useful yardstick: the free Icelandic Online courses 1 and 2, or five levels at a language school in Iceland, correspond to A2+. B2 is higher, so plan for a longer period of study. A realistic plan:

Check the language line of the programmes you want.
Take the sample tests on HÍ's exam page to see your current level.
Study for the exam well before you apply, because enrolment is not approved without it.
Email the University if your situation is unusual, for example if you studied in a Nordic country.

Where to look next

Official sources

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