Iceland
3 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Generally, 2-5 grants will be awarded to study in a degree program or engage in independent study/research or PhD research.
Icelandic universities provide many courses and programs in English. Iceland also provides very interesting research opportunities in many fields. As a small, highly technologically advanced country, Iceland is ideal for many types of research. English is widely spoken and much used in academia.
Since the Fulbright Program in Iceland is relatively small, the Commission is able to maintain close ties with grantees during their stay and provide a sense of community among Fulbright grantees. There are monthly grantee activities sponsored by the Commission, in addition to access to Fulbright alumni events and other social activities.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grant Length: 9 Months
Grants will begin from mid-August-1 September. It is possible to shorten the grant length slightly, but generally not below 8 months.
Orientation
A mandatory virtual pre-departure orientation will be held in March or early April. Grantees must make the necessary arrangements to attend.
The Fulbright Commission hosts an in-country orientation at the end of August/beginning of September. The in-country orientation is also mandatory.
Candidate Profile
All degree levels are welcome; from recently graduated bachelor students up to the Ph.D.-dissertation level across all disciplines.
Applicants may propose any of the following:
- enroll in a university program in Iceland
- do research and/or take classes related to a Master‘s or Ph.D. program in which they are already enrolled at their home institution
- do independent research projects where the necessary research experience can be demonstrated, as well as skills and self-discipline to undertake such a project. The project must also be endorsed by an affiliate in Iceland that is competent to evaluate the feasibility of the project and provide necessary academic/professional support.
Projects with an Arctic focus are encouraged. However, PhD students and students with a completed masters should apply to the Fulbright/National Science Foundation Arctic Research Award in Iceland. Please review that award description for more details.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Iceland is a small Nordic country, an island republic in the North Atlantic, between the U.S. and the European mainland. Iceland is technologically advanced; English is widely spoken and Americans find Icelandic society and culture relatively easy to navigate.
Icelandic universities offer a variety of master's programs that are conducted in English. There are also opportunities to conduct exciting research in English, although some research may require knowledge of the Icelandic language. Fulbright students who do their Fulbright in Iceland are generally pleased with their stay in Iceland and find it very useful for their academic journey, whether they are planning to study here, do independent research before going to graduate school, or do post-master's or PhD research.
Iceland has spectacular nature and offers an opportunity for unique outdoor experiences, including geothermally heated swimming pools, open year-round. There is also a vibrant cultural scene, for example great music and art. For those who plan to stay in Reykjavik, the city is small enough to be easy to navigate, but large enough to have a bit of everything. For those choosing a rural experience, small towns are welcoming and have a vibrant cultural life.
Since the Fulbright Program in Iceland is relatively small, the Commission is able to maintain close ties with grantees during their stay and provide a sense of community among Fulbright scholars and fellows. There are monthly grantee activities sponsored by the Commission, in addition to access to Fulbright alumni events and other social activities. Grantees are always welcome to stop by or contact the Commission.
Icelandic weather conditions can be harsh in winter, with strong winds in addition to cold temperatures and snow. Due to its geographical location in the high north, many find it difficult to adjust to the short days in December and January, where there are only around four hours of daylight. However, as spring approaches, the days get progressively longer and by May you can expect almost 24-hour daylight.
Icelanders may seem unapproachable compared to Americans who are generally more open. The best way to integrate with the locals is through activities and hobbies. Once you get to know Icelanders, they are very welcoming. Icelanders are generally friendly to Americans due to our close relationship since the Second World War.
Want to get a better feeling for being a Fulbrighter in Iceland? Take a look at Fulbright Iceland's grantee series, where alumni talk about their experience of being on a Fulbright grant in Iceland:
Eligibility
Dual American/Icelandic citizens are not eligible.
If the applicant has lived in Iceland for up to one year, it does not automatically disqualify the applicant. However, applicants who have not lived in Iceland previously are generally preferred.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Additional Information: Icelandic language proficiency is not required, unless applicants are proposing to take courses that are taught in Icelandic or undertake research which requires language proficiency.
A wide variety of classes/programs at the graduate level are taught in English. Please refer to the university websites for information on course offerings in English. For those who are doing research or art projects, English is usually sufficient, but it will depend on the project. Some projects may require the ability to read or speak Icelandic. Study of Icelandic prior to arrival is encouraged in order to promote deeper engagement with the host community.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
Yes
Affiliation
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline
Letter of acceptance required prior to grant start
Candidates are responsible for arranging their own host affiliations.
For independent study/research, preliminary contacts with host institutions and letters of support are necessary at the time of application.
Candidates planning to enroll in a university program in Iceland, and who have not yet gained admittance at the time of application, may declare their intent in the application, but must confirm the affiliation by the beginning of May at the latest.
Candidates are responsible for their own university applications and enrollments and must apply independently of their Fulbright application.
See the links below for more information on affiliations.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Grantees are responsible for all university applications, fees and tuition. It is the grantee's responsibility to inquire about tuition and fees at a proposed host university and make the necessary arrangements.
Most Icelandic universities have comparatively low fees and no tuition, but some do charge tuition.
For students affiliated with a university, we also recommend that you inquire about housing availability.
Fulbright Iceland grants are for one academic year only. All Fulbright benefits cease at the end of the Fulbright grant period. It is not possible to extend a grant for a second year of study.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
2,000 USD per month for a maximum of 9 months for post-Bachelor or Master's level students. Stipends are adjusted to the arrival and departure dates of grantees.
2,750 USD per month for a maximum of 9 months for PhD students/candidates. Stipends are adjusted to the arrival and departure dates of grantees.
All allowances are denominated in U.S. dollars but paid in ISK, according to the current exchange rate.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
1,000 USD travel grant, payable with the first grant payment.
300 USD baggage stipend, payable at the end of the grant period.
All allowances are denominated in U.S. dollars but paid in ISK, according to the current exchange rate.
Additional Grant Benefits
Grantees will be invited to monthly enrichment activities organized by the Commission.
After six months on a residence permit, all grantees are automatically enrolled in the national health system, giving them the same access to health services as permanent residents.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
It is important to keep in mind that Iceland is expensive. The minimum support criteria for an individual living in Iceland is ISK 228.689 per month (approximately USD 1660). However, this amount might not necessarily reflect actual living costs, which can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle, spending habits and location. Housing outside of the capital area is generally more affordable. Fast food is considerably more expensive than in the U.S. Food is generally expensive in Iceland, so cooking at home and taking advantage of universities' cafeterias is recommended for those on a budget. Please note that those not enrolled in a university program might not be eligible for the various student discounts offered in public transportation, museums and activities, shopts etc.
Rough estimates of living costs for a single person:
- Housing, including utilities: typically ISK 100,000/month and up
- Food and daily expenses: ISK 56,000/month and up
- Books and other study materials: ISK 40,000/semester and up (depending on your project)
- Local public transportation: ISK 6,000/month and up
- Leisure activities: ISK 22,000/month and up
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Hosts should provide primary assistance with finding housing. Universities may offer dormitory housing to students who are fully enrolled in a study program. Ph.D. students may in limited cases be eligible for student housing. Universities generally have offices that provide assistance with housing or have sites where available housing is posted. Additionally, the Commission will provide information on websites where housing is advertised and will share any adverts that are sent to us. Those attending rural universities may also find a possibility for university housing. We strongly urge students to consider dormitory housing at their university as this is often the most affordable housing available.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Special Funding for Disabled Grantees
Funding is available for U.S. Fulbright students to Iceland with a disability, be it a structural or functional impairment or activity/participation limitation, that entails additional costs that are not covered specifically through the Fulbright Program. Funding may be available for a wide range of disabilities, including, for example, hearing, vision, or movement impairment. The funding could, for example, be used to assist with specialized housing needs, in-country transport, or specialized assistance. The extra funding amount will depend on need and will be decided by the Commission after consultation with the student. Funding is provided through the Bruce A. Fowler Mobility Fund.
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
University of Iceland: http://english.hi.is/
Reykjavik University: https://en.ru.is/
University of Akureyri: https://www.unak.is/english
Iceland University of the Arts: https://www.lhi.is/en
Agricultural University of Iceland: https://www.lbhi.is/en
Hólar University College: https://www.holar.is/en
Bifrost University: https://www.bifrost.is/english/
University Centre of the Westfjords: https://www.uw.is/en
Facebook, Fulbright Commission Iceland: https://www.facebook.com/fulbrighticeland/
Linkedin, Fulbright Commission Iceland: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulbright-commission-iceland
Instagram, Fulbright Commission Iceland: https://www.instagram.com/fulbright_iceland/
U.S. Student Grantee Feedback- 2021-2022: https://fulbright.is/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FY2022-Annual-Report-WEB.pdf#page=12