- Established in 1911, on the centenary of the national hero of Iceland, Icelandic statesman Jón Sigurðsson
- An internationally renowned research university
- Offers nearly 400 undergraduate and graduate degree programs organized into 5 academic schools and 25 faculties
- University of Iceland Arctic Initiative is a gateway to research and education that is focused on the Arctic
- It has its main campus in Vatnsmýri and Reykjavík West (Vesturbær)
- Has other campuses at Stakkahlíð in Reykjavik at Laugarvatn in the southern part of Iceland
Visa + Requirements|Travel advice + advisories
Partner university’s areas of study
- The principal language of instruction is Icelandic, but most faculties offer courses in English as well
- Programmes such as Medieval Studies, Renewable Energy Engineering, International Studies are taught entirely in English
- The Faculty of Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies offers a full degree programme in Icelandic for international students
Eligibility and Timing
Terms Offered
Who can go?
- Only Arts, Science and Engineering students are eligible to apply
Term Dates
- Semester 1: Mid August to Late December
- Semester 2: Early January to Mid May
Timing
- An introductory session for all new international students is held at the start of each semester
- Various events are available to students during the first week in the fall semester
- Students are required to attend the orientation meeting
- A Guide for International Students is published for each academic year and contains helpful information for your stay at the University of Iceland
Credits
Course equivalency formula
- ECTS credits divided by 2 = UBC credits
Credit transfer process
The transfer credit process takes approximately 16 weeks following each submission deadline. You should allow sufficient time to meet important deadlines that may affect you (e.g. application for graduation, registration in courses that require prerequisites that you took on exchange, entry to a major/honours program, etc.)
For more information about Go Global transfer credit
Grading scheme
Passing grade
5Course Information
* Students who have special requirements or require academic accommodation should contact a Go Global advisor regarding their needs at least six weeks prior to the application deadline.
Type of Go Global Experiences
Course information and restrictions
- The Faculty of Economics is closed to exchange students
- Courses taught in Icelandic are generally not open to exchange students (except Nordic students and students who can speak, write and understand Icelandic)
- Students who have finished their undergraduate studies can enrol in courses associated with a Graduate Diploma in Small States and European Integration as part of their exchange studies
Full course load information
- 30 ECTS per semester
Transfer Credits And Equivalent Courses At This University
Check out the courses that previous students have transferred back to UBC in the last 5 years using our Course Search Tool. If you don't see a particular course you listed, it simply means you need to submit it as a new course request through the Transfer Credit Portal while on your Go Global experience. For more information, please visit the Go Global Transfer Credit webpage.
Exchange Tuition
- 15 credits or equivalent full-time program fee per term, paid to UBC
- Some exceptions may apply
Scholarships and awards
The Go Global Award $1000
All students accepted to Go Global for Exchange, Research Abroad, or Study Abroad travel programs are automatically considered for this award. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you'll be notified of your award after you're accepted to Go Global and after you get nominated to apply to the partner university.
Additional awards
Students who are eligible for awards may receive one UBC or UBC-affiliated international learning award. If you're eligible, you are always offered the highest-value award. Unless stated otherwise, you need to meet eligibility criteria set out by the University Senate regarding awards.
Check out international learning awards and eligibility.
Information for US students:
If you attend an eligible institution, then you may receive Title IV federal student loans while on Exchange.
If you attend an ineligible institution:
- You will not be eligible for US federal student loans,
- You may invalidate any US student aid you have previously received for your studies at UBC,
- You may be required to immediately begin repaying your US student loans, and
- You may not be eligible for any future US student aid for the remainder of your studies at UBC.
Types of accommodation available
Housing notes
- A guesthouse or a youth hostel may be the best short-term solution while you are looking for more permanent housing (list of hotels and guesthouses in Iceland: see accommodation.is or hotelscombined.com)
- The University of Iceland does not provide secure accommodation to students (the rental market in Reykjavik is challenging)
- Accepted international students will be given access to a database with available accommodation for the academic year: Students select the accommodation from the list and contact the landlord directly
- Student housing office offers students a very limited number of on-campus housing at a fair price