1 Bachelor’s programmes 

Bachelor’s programmes constitute the main form of first-cycle higher education in Iceland. 

According to the National Qualification Framework, Bachelor’s degrees (level 5.2) are defined through learning outcomes that describe: 

Programmes are structured as coherent study programmes with clearly defined progression and learning outcomes. 

Bachelor’s programmes are normally completed over three to four years of full-time study and are awarded upon the successful completion of 180–240 ECTS credits.  

Across Icelandic higher education institutions, bachelor's programmes may vary in orientation: 

This integration reflects the role of higher education institutions as both academic and professional education providers within a single institutional framework. 

Branches of study 

Bachelor’s programmes are offered across a wide range of academic and professional fields. 

The main branches of study include: 

In addition, certain institutions offer specialised programmes aligned with their academic profiles and national priorities, such as agriculture, environmental sciences, marine studies and equine science. 

The diversity of branches reflects both the structure of the Icelandic higher education system and the requirement by law and under the National Qualification Framework that programmes be defined in terms of discipline-specific learning outcomes. 

Length of the bachelor’s programme 

Bachelor’s programmes correspond to 180–240 ECTS credits, equivalent to three to four years of full-time study.  

The standard model is 180 ECTS (three years), although longer programmes exist in professionally regulated fields where additional practical training is required. 

The structure of programmes follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), where 60 credits represent one academic year. 

Overview of branches of study for the professional bachelor’s programme 

Although the Icelandic system does not formally distinguish between professional and university bachelor’s degrees, professionally oriented programmes exist within the unified framework. 

These programmes are characterised by: 

Typical fields include: 

Academically oriented Bachelor’s programmes are offered in all major disciplinary areas. 

These programmes are typically: 

Admission requirements 

Admission to bachelor's programmes generally requires completion of upper secondary education (stúdentspróf) or an equivalent qualification.  

Higher education institutions may define additional admission requirements, such as: 

The responsible authority 

Higher education institutions are responsible for programme design, admission and implementation. 

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation is responsible for: 

All accredited institutions must comply with the National Qualification Framework.  

Alternative access routes 

Alternative access routes may be available through: 

Such arrangements are regulated by higher education institutions. 

Curriculum 

Curricula are designed by higher education institutions but must comply with: 

Programmes are: 

Most programmes include a final project or thesis, particularly in academically oriented fields. Professionally oriented programmes include practical training. 

Curricula in non-national language 

A small number of Bachelor’s programmes, or parts thereof, are offered in English, particularly in fields with an international orientation. 

However, the majority of first-cycle programmes are taught in Icelandic. 

Teaching methods 

Teaching methods vary according to discipline but typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory work and project-based learning. 

There is an increasing emphasis on: 

Professionally oriented programmes may include internships, clinical training and fieldwork. 

Progression of students 

Student progression is regulated by institutional rules. 

Students must: 

Rules for examination attempts 

Higher education institutions determine rules regarding examination attempts. 

Students are generally allowed a limited number of attempts to pass examinations, with opportunities for re-examination. 

Completion of studies 

Completion of a Bachelor’s programme requires fulfilment of all programme requirements, including coursework, examinations and, where applicable, a final project. 

Employability 

Bachelor’s programmes are designed to prepare students for: 

Professionally oriented programmes are closely linked to labour market needs. 

Career guidance 

Higher education institutions provide career guidance services, including: 

Work placement and project-based courses 

Work placement and project-based courses are common, particularly in professionally oriented programmes. 

These components strengthen links between higher education and the labour market. 

Student assessment 

Assessment methods include written and oral examinations, coursework, project work and practical assessments. 

Assessment is aligned with learning outcomes defined in the National Qualification Framework. 

Upon completion, students are awarded a Bachelor’s degree (level 5.2) within the National Qualification Framework.  

Professional bachelor’s programme 

Professionally oriented Bachelor’s degrees are awarded within the unified system and are not classified as a separate qualification type.