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Student visa for Iceland
Money to show for the visa: ISK 259,951 a month for as long as the permit is valid. Work while you study: Up to 60% of full-time employment, no work permit needed. Checked against the official pages on 25 September 2026.
The numbers
- Money you must show
- ISK 259,951 a month for as long as the permit is valid
- Visa fee
- ISK 70,000 residence permit processing fee
- Work while you study
- Up to 60% of full-time employment, no work permit needed
- Stay after you graduate
- Up to 18 months to seek employment
In force from 18 May 2026. About ISK 3,119,412 for a twelve-month permit (our calculation). Non-EEA students only.
Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun), island.is, checked 2026-09-25
This is the fee for the student residence permit application. We did not find a separate visa fee for students.
Directorate of Immigration, island.is, checked 2026-09-25
More is allowed in scheduled breaks between terms and during formal workplace training. The 60% is across all employers combined.
Directorate of Immigration, island.is, checked 2026-09-25
For bachelor's, master's or doctoral graduates of an Icelandic university. Cut from up to three years under rules in force from 8 July 2026.
Directorate of Immigration, island.is, checked 2026-09-25
Worth knowing: Proof of funds is ISK 259,951 a month from 18 May 2026; the annual figure is our calculation for a one-year permit. visa_fee is the residence permit processing fee. Tuition is the University of Iceland registration fee; public universities may now charge non-EEA students tuition (law passed June 2026) but no amounts or start date are published. Work limit is 60% of full-time employment, not stated in hours. Post-study period cut from up to three years to up to 18 months on 8 July 2026. Living costs are Reykjavík’s minimum support level for one person, as the University of Iceland cites it.
The residence permit
Non-EEA students apply to the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) for a residence permit for students (island.is). You must be enrolled in full-time studies, confirmed by your institution, and be 18 or over (with exceptions for exchange students).
The money. From 18 May 2026 you must show means of support of ISK 259,951 a month for an individual, secured for as long as the permit is valid (Directorate of Immigration). A permit is granted for up to one year, so for a full year that is about ISK 3,119,412. That annual total is our calculation. Married couples need ISK 415,922 a month, plus ISK 129,976 for each additional family member aged 18 or over (requirements).
Insurance. Health insurance with at least ISK 2,000,000 of cover, valid for at least three months from registration.
Fee. The processing fee is ISK 70,000.
Deadlines and processing. The application and documents must reach the Directorate by 1 May for the autumn semester or 1 October for the spring semester (island.is). Complete applications received within the deadline are processed before the semester starts, but the Directorate warns that first residence permits in general can take up to 8 to 10 months (waiting time). Criminal record certificates must come from the highest national authority in your country, not a regional one.
Renewal. The permit lasts up to one year and is renewable. Under rules in force from 8 July 2026, you must show satisfactory academic progress at each renewal, meaning at least 75% of a full-time course load a year, and give details of any work (Directorate of Immigration).
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
No student visa is needed: citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland may live and study in Iceland. For more than three months you normally register your residence after you arrive, and show that you are enrolled, insured and can support yourself.
Where to apply
At the embassy or consulate of Iceland that covers your country, or through the visa application centre it names. Book early: in the busiest months appointments can be weeks away. Apply only through the official website; nobody can sell you a faster place in the queue.
Official pages: island.is · island.is · island.is · island.is · skra.is · thjonusta.hi.is. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you apply.
Government scholarships to study in Iceland
- Icelandic Government Scholarships open, closes 1 December 2026
Which of these are open to your nationality
By nationality
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From ZimbabweQuestions students ask
How much money do I need to show for a Iceland student visa?
ISK 259,951 a month for as long as the permit is valid. In force from 18 May 2026. About ISK 3,119,412 for a twelve-month permit (our calculation). Non-EEA students only. (Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun), island.is, checked 2026-09-25).
How much is the student visa fee for Iceland?
ISK 70,000 residence permit processing fee.
Can international students work in Iceland?
Up to 60% of full-time employment, no work permit needed.
Can I stay in Iceland after I graduate?
Up to 18 months to seek employment.
Do EU citizens need a student visa for Iceland?
No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens may live and study in Iceland without a student visa. For a stay of more than three months they normally register their residence after arriving.
This page is general information from official sources, not immigration advice. For a decision about your own case, the official source or a regulated adviser is where that belongs.