Cost of Study and Living in Iceland

Iceland is an economical study destination and has lot to offer. Read the post to know about the cost of study & living in Iceland-accommodation, tuition fees, transportation, health Insurance, work permit, and more..

Tuition fees for higher education institutions in Iceland vary depending upon the course of study, and ownership of institution- state or private. The state owned higher education institutions in Iceland do not charge tuition fees, while the private higher education institutions do charge tuition and registration fees. The students at the state owned higher education institutions are required to pay a registration fee that vary depending upon the institution. The registration fee is non-refundable. Generally, the registration fee is between 100 EUR and 250 EUR. 

The EU pupils have to pay less tuition fee as compared to the non-EU pupils. To know about the fee, contact the concerned higher education institution.

The living expense for a single student in Iceland is ISK 140,600 to ISK 163,635 per month.  This may vary depending upon the lifestyle who wish to have. To know the breakdown of the living costs in Iceland see http://numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=iceland

You can expect to pay between 96,449 ISK and 203,827 ISK per month depending upon the location- city centre or outside city, and number of bedrooms- one or three.

The EU pupils must get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) along with them as it indicates that you are allowed to health insurance at your home country. This card enables the students to take benefits during their stay in Iceland.  During the doctor visit in the country, the EU/EEA countries candidates must carry along the EHIC card, ID number (Kennitala) and a vlaid passport. By carrying along these documents, the EU/EEA country candidates are charged the same amount as the individual insured in Iceland. To know more about the Icelandic health insurance mechanism, see http://sjukra.is/english/students/

Students from Nordic countries if have insurance in another Nordic country are entitled to receive the benefits of insurance in Iceland.

Pupils from non-EU/EEA countries must have a health insurance from an insurance company in their country that is permitted to function in Iceland, or they can also buy medical insurance from an Icelandic insurance company that covers a minimum of 2,000,000 ISK valid for the first 6 months of their stay. The cost of insurance is about 15,000 ISK. 

The Icelandic Social Security system is for individuals who live in Iceland. If the new residents have lived in the country for 6 months, in that case, they are entitled to get the Icelandic social health care. The qualifying duration commences from the date of registration in the National registry (pjoeskra) and after the qualifying duration, i.e. 6 months have been passed, the individuals get the Icelandic social health care and are not required to buy a medical insurance.

Candidates coming from South and Central America, along with non-EU/EEA country citizens, Africa, Mexico and Asia who need residence permit must go for a medical examination. If the candidate possesses a valid medical certificate from the home country or abroad that has been issued within 3 months, in that case, the candidate need not go for medical tests. 

Candidates coming from the New Zealand, EEA (except Bulgaria and Romania), Canada, Australia, the USA and Switzerland are not required to submit a medical certificate. 

To know more about the medical examination, visit the official website of the Directorate of Health http://landlaeknir.is/

Guest-house: These are generally in close proximity to the campus. All the necessary amenities are provided.

Youth hostel: These are separate hostels outside the campus, and are inexpensive. This option lets you to stay with people from different regions, and know about their country and culture.

Rent a room: Students are required to pay a security deposit, and may also require to sign a contract with the landlord. You can search for flat through the internet or newspaper. Students can share the room, and facilities like kitchen, bathroom, etc. are available. 

On-campus accommodation: There are standard rooms with all the indispensable facilities. 

For a single room: Students can expect to pay about 70,000 ISK and above per month.

Housing certificate: Pupils coming from non-EEA must apply for a resident permit and must submit a housing certificate within a fortnight of arrival in Iceland. The housing certificate must be signed by the owner of the house and witnessed by 2 adults.

Students must possess a valid work permit in order to work in Iceland. The EU/EEA nationals do not need a special work permit. The non-EU/EEA nationals are required to get a work permit for Iceland before arriving the country. To know about the work permit, visit the official website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration http://utl.is/ or the Directorate of Labour http://english.vinnumalastofnun.is/home/

Carry the following along with you: