While there are various courses and study paths in Icelandic available, the website of the Multicultural Department of the Directorate of Labour offers a good overview of general Icelandic courses for people moving to Iceland, for a longer or shorter period of time. Lifelong learning centers around the country as well as private parties offer courses, either on site or online, which are usually divided by ability or directed at certain groups.
Courses at secondary school level, intended for non-native speakers, are not only intended as training in Icelandic, but also to promote the social well-being of students, as the language is used as a key to Icelandic society, school work and participation in the job sector.
Icelandic as a second language is also available as a study program at university level for those who wish to acquire theoretical and/or practical knowledge of Icelandic. There are two study paths: a theoretical BA study program with an entrance exam, and a practical diploma program.
Requirements
General Icelandic courses for people of foreign origin are normally open to everyone.
In order to enrol in Icelandic courses in secondary schools, you must be a non-native speaker of Icelandic or have grown up abroad. Priority is often given by age, but students are usually between the ages of 16 and 20.
At the university level, a degree is required that corresponds to the Icelandic matriculation exam, as well as passing the minimum requirements on an electronic exam.
Trade union education funds often provide scholarships for study. Get more information from your union.
Curriculum
The courses of lifelong learning centers are based on curricula at competence levels 1 to 2 alongside the Common European Framework for Languages at difficulty levels A1 to A2.
According to the curriculum, Icelandic courses in secondary schools have a total of 115 credits, the program usually being divided into four semesters with an emphasis on Icelandic teaching at the 1st and 2nd level, but there can also be courses at the 3rd level, for students who are in another study program at the same time.
At the university level, Icelandic as a second language is available as a major subject for a BA degree or as a minor subject for one year. Teaching takes place in lectures, small groups and discussion sessions.
Study
Information about courses and study paths in Icelandic for foreigners can be found on the websites of lifelong learning centers as well as on the website of the Multicultural Department of the Directorate of Labour.
Special study programs have been available at the following secondary schools, but many schools also offer individual courses (ÍSAT), reception programs and support for students with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Fjölbrautaskólinn í Breiðholti
Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurnesja
Framhaldsskólinn í Mosfellsbæ
Tækniskólinn
Kvennaskólinn
Menntaskólinn á Ísafirði
Verkmenntaskólinn á Akureyri
Icelandic as a second language is a study program for a BA degree at the University of Iceland, but there is also a practical diploma course available for those who want to improve their skills in Icelandic to be able to cope with studies or work in Icelandic society.
At university level, there are beginner courses called Icelandic – the basics and Icelandic Culture, intended for exchange students and students in other studies.
After graduation
Learning Icelandic as a second language increases the possibility of active participation in Icelandic society and further studies at secondary or university level, as well as improving Icelandic language skills to be useful in the job market.
Related education
