The organisation of the academic year in Iceland is as follows:
| Beginning of the academic year | Late August |
| End of the academic year | Late April/mid May |
| Period(s) when there are teaching activities |
The scheduling of teaching is at the discretion of HE institutions and may vary between institutions. Teaching is typically divided into four periods: Institutions may also offer courses outside these periods, for example during summer. |
| Period(s) of examination | The scheduling of periods of examination is at the discretion of HE institutions and may vary between institutions. Typically scheduled during the final week of each teaching period |
| Breaks between the teaching activities excluding the examination period, if significant |
Decision on breaks between teaching activities is at the discretion of HE institutions and may vary between institutions. Typically two breaks: 1) summer from late May to late August/early September, 2) turn of the year from late December to mid-January. |