Study in Iceland
Firstly, Iceland is a brilliant country to study and live in and the country has excellent universities that are doing exceedingly well as regards higher education and research. The government of Iceland has increased expenditures towards its education system, and the country a huge ambition in terms of the fields of study and subject areas that its higher institutions offer.
The country considers the skilled labor force as a major driving force of a nation’s economy and as such combines its educational policies with its economic policies. The country has a research-based economy that is driven by innovation and creativity, and by this, they invest in the education system to fuel this economic growth.
The country is open to international students from all around the world and offers a range of opportunities to them. Degrees obtained at Icelandic universities are internationally recognized and of very high repute in any society in the world.
Iceland institutions offer degree programs in Bachelors's, Master's, and Doctoral levels respectively. Universities in Iceland also rank very high amongst some of the best global institutions in terms of education, research, and technology.
We recommend Iceland for individuals looking to study abroad in Europe as the country has one of the highest standards of living than anywhere else in the world, students find that there are so many opportunities for foreign students and a good number of spaces they can take up.
University programs are English-taught and the average citizen is fluent in the language as well, this way integrating into the environment as a foreigner is very seamless.
Students who graduate from Icelandic institutions can spend six months looking for employment in the country and students who secure employment can stay back and apply for a residence permit.
Icelandic universities put in all their efforts to ensure that they produce the best minds that can positively challenge the status quo and effect changes in society. With a broad range of study programs in various fields from Medicine, Science, and Law, to ICT and Engineering.
We understand that choosing to study abroad, in general, is a very conscious decision where money and time are involved, as such let us assist you in making the right choice for your future. Apply with RocApply, sets secure your future in some of Iceland’s most prestigious universities.
Studying in Iceland is one of the best decisions for your future and your career, and we have a few reasons to show you why;
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Job seekers:
After students have completed their programs, the country still offers many opportunities for active entrepreneurship and even Job prospects. In Iceland, there is a special one year ‘orientation year’ program that enabled graduates to be a part of the very large alumni network for every student who has studied in the country.
There is also a one-year post-study visa provided to international students who wish to secure a job and integrate into society. Iceland is opening its shores to many skilled and trained internationals who can contribute to the system.
Adventure:
Iceland is a Nordic country or Island nation packed with plenty of natures gifts, travel and adventure enthusiasts will love what the country has to offer. With volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, lava fields, mountains, and a unique array of arctic wildlife, there is so much to see and do in Iceland.
Lastly, Iceland is a creative, innovative, and technologically advanced country with many achievements under its belt, this country is a pride for any student who decides to study there.
About Iceland
Iceland is located at the confluence of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans east of Greenland and just south of the Arctic Circle. The country is divided into 6 constituencies, three major ones and three which are divided among the most populous areas in the west.
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital in the world, it is split into two constituencies in the north and south. About a third of the entire country is located in the Reykjavik Metropolitan Area, but the traditional 8 regions are still referred to as Iceland.
Iceland’s domain is mostly encompassed around the main island, however, they do own some smaller islands and archipelagos off their coasts. The most populated ones being Heimaey Island, Hrísey Island, and Grímsey Island.
Iceland’s terrain may be rugged but the country has paved a pathway to see it all called ‘the ring road’ that spreads around the whole country, a full circle of 4-7 days.
Iceland is the 18th largest island in the world and the second-largest in Europe, the entire country lies transected on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge which divides the North-American tectonic plates with the Eurasian plate splitting open about 2cm every year.
Over 80% of the country is mountainous with the tallest point being the ‘Hvannadalshnúkur’ and 11% of the country is covered with six main glaciers, the largest one in the southeast called Vatnajökul.
The entire island is geothermal and everywhere you go chances are there are natural hot springs hidden in the remote wilderness. Iceland also harbors and capitalizes on its unique valuable assets as much as possible.
The country also hosts a unique variety of Arctic wildlife like Puffins, Wild Foxes, Seals, Narwhals, and the national animals the Gryfalcons and the famous highly credited Icelandic Horse.
Iceland has a population of about 364,000 people and it is the most sparsely populated country in Europe. About 92% of the country identifies as ethnically Icelandic, and about 4% are Polish, the remaining are other immigrants from mostly Nordic countries, West European, and a few Asians mixed in as well.
The Icelandic Krona is their official currency, noteworthy is that being Icelandic is unique genetically in contrast to the rest of their Nordic cousins.
The Icelandic language is also incredibly unique and often touted as one of the hardest languages in the world to learn. Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, sometimes topping off at number one, they have also been elected as the world's most peaceful country by the Global Peace Index.
About Iceland Economy
Economic Analysis:
Currency: Króna (ISK)
Growth rate average (last 5 years): 6%
GDP (2020): Unemployment rate: 3%
Purchasing Power Parity (PPP): $20 billion
Nominal: $24 billion
GDP (per capita, 2020):
Purchasing Power Parity (PPP): $56,066
Nominal:$67,037
The economy of Iceland is primarily a combination of free-market principled capitalist structures alongside an extensive welfare system that ensures proper measures to assists its citizens.
Iceland has a unique situation regarding its natural energy sources of both geothermal and hydropower which has led to a lot of opportunities for high-tech firms and data centers. They have also approved a joint application to energy firms for off-shore oil examination and possible drilling.
Macroeconomics have all seen growth primarily due to the large increase in tourism over the last few years.
Tourism accounts for 9% of Iceland’s GDP and it has a huge impact on the nation’s economy, from 2010 to 2019 the increase has gotten up to 400% and this has positively affected the country.
Some of Iceland’s major trading partners are the Netherlands, the UK, Spain, and the US, and they have favorable relationships with these countries.
About 88% of Iceland’s total GDP is dependent on trade and their exports have reached approximately $5 billion in the last 4 consecutive years. Similarly, Iceland’s imports have moved between $5 and $6 billion over that last 4 years.
Iceland’s partners for importing are primarily Germany, Norway, China, Netherlands, U.S.A, Denmark, and the UK, bringing in primary commodities such as machinery and equipment, petroleum products, foodstuffs, and textiles.
Iceland exports include commodities such as fish and fish products, aluminum, agricultural products, medicine, and medicinal products from major players like Spain, Netherlands, UK, Germany, the U.S, France, and Norway.
Why Study in Iceland
Internationally Oriented
Open-Mindedness
Quality Education
Top-level Institutions
Scholarships in Iceland
Interestingly, studying in Iceland has its perks as there are many scholarship availabilities for international students. Different institutions in Iceland provide different in-bound and private scholarship grants, discounts, and tuition waivers for international students at different levels from bachelor to Ph.D. There are also government-funded scholarships and financial grants for students' tuition and research purposes.
Scholarship breakdown; Scholarships in Iceland awarded by separate institutions under its guidelines and processes. Check with the university first before you apply to any of its programs.
Iceland Student Visa
As with many other developed countries, there are factors in place to better regulate immigration affairs, the same can be said for Norway. Any student who wishes to travel to the country for education purposes may require a student visa, which is formally called a student residence permit.
A student visa is not required for students from the following countries; Nordic countries – Denmark, Sweden, Finland or, Norway. Student permits are not needed for citizens from these countries but they are likely required to do an identification check at any tax offices or report their stay for more than six months.
EU/EFTA/EEA countries – countries in the EU or EEA or European countries that have trade agreements with Iceland, students from these areas do not need any permits or visas and can reside and study for up to ninety days without any visa. However, if they will be studying in Iceland for more than ninety days then they are required to register at Iceland’s Immigration Office and report to the local police with important documentation.