Through the University of Akureyri, UW takes part in several exchange programs such as Nordplus, Erasmus and North2North. If you wish to study at UW as an exchange student, first check whether your home university has a valid partner agreement with UW or the University of Akureyri. If there is no agreement, please see below how to apply as a Free Mover.

UW is a member of the UArctic network and students from UArctic partners can apply for UW courses via the North2North students mobility program. 

Admission requirements

  • The general eligibility criteria for exchange students are CEFR C1 English level and relevant study background.
  • In general, only students on graduate level can apply for masters' courses. Bachelor's students however may apply if they are in the final year of their studies and can demonstrate previous knowledge in the course they apply for.
  • The home school can require a minimum number of units that the student must have completed before they can apply for guest studies.
  • Guest students must meet the requirements for attendance and participation in each course at the receiving school.
  • Guest studies are not offered via distance learning.
  • All international students must meet the requirements set by either the Directorate of Immigration or Registers Iceland depending on their citizenship.

Application process

To study at UW as an exchange student, your university needs to have an exchange agreement with UW or the University of Akureyri (UNAK). All students wishing to apply for exchange studies must begin the process by applying to their home university. The international/exchange office of your university will inform you about the available programs and selection procedures.

Courses at UW are normally 4 to 6 ECTS. Students may apply to UW for a single course or for several courses (30 ECTS credits are considered full time studies per semester).

This is the admission process step by step:

  1. Check for partnership - contact the exchange officer at your home university and check whether your university has an agreement with UW or UNAK and whether you are eligible for a study exchange. Search the Partner Universities Database (https://www.unak.is/english/study/education/outgoing-exchange-students/partner-schools)
  2. Apply to home university - Apply for exchange studies at your home university.
  3. Get nominated - Ask the exchange officer at your home university to nominate you for exchange studies at the University of Akureyri by sending an email to international@unak.is. After the nomination you will receive and e-mail you with further information on the application process.
     - Deadline to be nominated for the autumn semester is 15 May (non-EU/EEA students: 15 April)
     - Deadline to be nominated for the spring semester is 1 November (non-EU/EEA students: 1 October)
  4. Apply to UW and select courses – Besides getting nominated you need to apply directly to UW through this form for the course(s) you would like to take. Check out the course catalogue for all UW courses. Applications are evaluated by the master's program committee.
  5. Get accepted - When accepted by UW, the international office at UNAK will finalize the application process with you.

Practical information

The UW-students´ housing has space for 40 students. To enquire availability please contact UW´s office. If there is no room available at the student house, UW staff will assist guest students in finding accomodation. 

Registration and Students permit - All international students must meet the requirements set by either the Directorate of Immigration or Registers Iceland depending on their citizenship.

Health insurance - Students from countries outside EU/EEA must have health insurance. European citizens must bring the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

For further information please contact the International Office at the University of Akureyri or the Administrative Director of Education and Teaching at UW.