Iceland Government Scholarships 2027: Fully Funded Icelandic Language Study (Deadline Dec 1)

Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Full name	Icelandic Government Scholarships (BA in Icelandic as a Second Language)
Funded by	Icelandic Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education
Coverage	Registration fees at the University of Iceland + monthly stipend for room and board
Number of awards	~12 scholarships per year
Deadline	December 1, 2026 (postmarked)
Study period	September 1 – May 31 (autumn semester start only)

Iceland is the least-covered Nordic destination in the scholarship world — and that’s exactly why its government scholarship is a hidden gem. Around 12 international students per year receive a fully funded place on the BA programme in Icelandic as a Second Language at the University of Iceland, with the stipend covering living costs in Reykjavík. The application deadline is December 1, 2026.

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What Does It Cover? (Benefits Table)

Benefit	Details
Registration fees	Fully covered at the University of Iceland
Monthly stipend	Paid to cover room and board for one person, September to April
Accommodation	Rooms available in the Gamli Garður student dormitory for grant recipients
Duration	September 1 – May 31 (one academic year, renewable up to 3 academic years)
Language training	Free self-study prep: Icelandic Online 1 and 2 (required before applying)

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Eligibility (✅/❌ Checklist)

✅ You Must:

• Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

• Have completed at least one year of university study in the humanities

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of Icelandic (equivalent to completing the free Icelandic Online 1 and 2 courses)

• Be able to study in English at the start (English is the bridge language of instruction initially)

❌ Not Eligible If:

• You have no humanities background at university level

• You have no prior Icelandic language exposure (the BA is not for absolute beginners)

• You’re applying for a different field — this scholarship is specific to the Icelandic as a Second Language BA programme

Note: Preference is generally given to candidates under 35.

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How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Complete Icelandic Online 1 and 2

Both courses are free, self-study, and online via the University of Iceland’s Icelandic Online platform. They’re effectively your eligibility ticket — and your first taste of the language.

Step 2: Download the application form

Get the special application form from the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies (arnastofnun.is) — the institute administers the programme on behalf of the Ministry.

Step 3: Submit by December 1

Send the completed form, postmarked no later than December 1, 2026, to the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies, Edda, Arngrímsgata 5, 107 Reykjavík, Iceland. Students from most eligible countries apply directly to the institute — US applicants follow the institute’s separate instructions (check the website).

Step 4: Apply for university admission by February 1

If selected, you must apply for admission to the BA programme in Icelandic as a Second Language at the University of Iceland by February 1 (admission is only possible for the autumn semester). Scholarship decisions are announced in January.

Step 5: Arrive before the autumn semester

The academic year runs September 1 – May 31, with orientation before classes start in late August.

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Insider Tips

1. The “basic Icelandic” requirement is the real filter

Most applicants underestimate Step 1. Icelandic Online 1 and 2 take months to complete properly — start them now, not in November. Your ability to follow early instruction depends on it.

2. Reapply every year to extend to 3 years

The scholarship is renewable for a maximum of three academic years. You must reapply before December 1 each year, and you must pass exams equivalent to 30 ECTS each semester to keep your place.

3. US applicants: check the special route

The official rules note that US students do not apply directly to the institute like other nationalities — verify the current US application channel on arnastofnun.is before December.

4. Dormitory housing is part of the package

Gamli Garður student dormitory rooms are reserved for grant recipients — take it; Reykjavík rental prices are high, and the stipend is sized for one person.

5. This is a language-degree scholarship — not a general study grant

Frame your application around genuine interest in Icelandic language, literature and culture, and show how the year connects to your humanities studies back home.

6. Pair it with other Nordic options

If Iceland’s language-specific focus isn’t for you, the Nordic region has broader funding — see the Finland Scholarship 2027 guide and the Danish Government Scholarship 2027 guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Icelandic fluently to apply?

No — you need the basic level from Icelandic Online 1 and 2, and early instruction uses English as a bridge. But you must show genuine commitment to learning Icelandic.

Can I study anything other than Icelandic?

No. This scholarship funds the BA in Icelandic as a Second Language at the University of Iceland. Other institutions (e.g., Reykjavik University) award their own institutional scholarships separately.

Is it truly fully funded?

It covers registration fees plus a monthly stipend for room and board — the essentials for a single student. You should still budget for flights, books and personal expenses.

I’m over 35 — can I still apply?

There’s no hard age cap, but preference is “as a rule” given to candidates under 35. Apply if your profile is strong.

When will I hear back?

Decisions are announced in January, and successful applicants must complete University of Iceland admission by February 1.

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Timeline Table

Date	Action
Now (Aug–Nov 2026)	Complete Icelandic Online 1 and 2; prepare humanities transcript
Dec 1, 2026	⚠️ Application postmarked to Árni Magnússon Institute
Jan 2027	Scholarship decisions announced
Feb 1, 2027	University of Iceland admission application deadline
Late Aug 2027	Orientation in Reykjavík
Sep 1, 2027 – May 31, 2028	Scholarship year (renewable to 3 years)

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Your Action Plan

1. This week: Start Icelandic Online 1 — the course is free at icelandiconline.com

2. By Nov 15: Download the application form from arnastofnun.is and confirm your country’s application route

3. By Nov 30: Prepare your humanities transcript and motivation statement

4. Dec 1: Postmark your application

5. Jan 2027: If awarded, apply to the University of Iceland by Feb 1

6. Bookmark arnastofnun.is/en/about-scholarship for the official annual notice

Compare Nordic options: Finland Scholarship 2027, Study in Norway 2027: tuition & scholarships, and Danish Government Scholarship 2027.

Share this with a humanities student who dreams of the North — the deadline is December 1, 2026.