History
The University of Iceland was founded on 17 June 1911, on the centenary of 19th-century Icelandic statesman Jón Sigurðsson, usually referred to as "president". The University was located in the Parliament House at Austurvöllur for the first 29 years.
Education
A modern, diversified, and rapidly developing institution, the University of Iceland offers opportunities for study and research in over 400 programmes spanning most fields of science and discipline:
- Social Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Education
- Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research
Dynamic research is the key to progress and economic growth and the University of Iceland places great emphasis on strengthening research and educating young people. The academics at UI are a part of a strong global network within the scientific community. The University's success in recent years has earned it a place amongst the best universities according to recognised international rankings. One of the University's goals is to ensure that learning and research meet the needs of Icelandic society and industry while promoting a sustainable world.
Career
Students with a degree from the University of Iceland are sought after and employed in all sectors of society.
The staff at the University of Iceland Student Counselling Centre (UISCC) offers students counselling and support during their studies, e.g. about academic choice, study skills, and tools for job searching. UISCC supports students' equality and diversity, e.g. by providing disability services during studies and exams and offering psychological services.
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
501
2024
501
2023
501
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
601
2023
601
2022
601
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
547 654
2024
1201
2023
-
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
521 -69
2023
452
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Housing services
The University of Iceland does not provide or guarantee housing for students. The supply of on-campus housing is very limited and most students live off-campus. Reykjavik is an expensive city and monthly rent for an individual is typically from 120,000 ISK (approx 800 EUR) and up. See: https://english.hi.is/studies/housing
Library services
All services that students need in order to access books and teaching materials are available on the University campus. Students have access to the National and University Library, which is the most advanced library inthe country.
ICT services
Computing Services operates the University of Iceland computer network and is responsible for computer equipment for teaching etc.
Sports facilities
The University of Iceland is aware that exercise is important for all students and operates a gymnasium in the campus area open to all university students and staff for a modest fee.
Student clubs
Most faculties and study programmes operate a student association organising social events throughout the academic year.
Accreditation
The Minister of Education, Science and Culture granted accreditation to the University of Iceland to offer curricula leading to Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees in all of its Schools, in accordance with The Higher Education Institutions Act No. 63/2006, Rules on the Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions no. 1067/2006 and Rules on Doctorate Programmes in Higher Education Institutions no. 37/2007. The accreditation was granted following an expert evaluation by foreign specialists in quality assurance.