Iceland is one of the best European study abroad destinations for International students. Moreover, Pakistani students can get Iceland student visa easily as compared to other countries. As a matter of fact, Iceland does not establish any separate embassy in Pakistan. However, Students who want to apply for an Iceland student visa can contact the Embassy of Denmark.

To get admission in an Iceland higher studies program prospective candidate should contact the university through its official website. It is better to apply in more than one university to avoid the chances of rejection.

Citizens living outside the EEA/EFTA applying for studies at Iceland Universities are required to pay a fee of ISK 8,000 for the handling and processing of their applications. The fee is a part of the online application process and is payable by credit card only.

The higher education system in Iceland chiefly offers three types of academic program

• Undergraduate Study program

• Graduate Study Program

• Doctoral Program

There are, however, many diploma courses and certificate study programs that can be searched at the official websites of relevant institution.

Intakes in Undergraduate programs of Iceland Universities 2020

The academic year for Bachelor’s program normally begins in July and is divided into two semesters (terms):

• Autumn semester from August to December

• Spring semester from January to May.

Admission Requirements for Bachelor’s Program in Iceland Universiteis 2020 for Pakistani Students 

To get admission in an undergraduate program, the requirements are a bit different from other countries.

 For admission in an undergraduate program, students require at least 14 years of education. Students have to provide their higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC), Intermediate Certificate / Diploma of Faculty of Arts or Science (FA/FSc) / Certificate of Intermediate in Commerce after the completion of 12 years of studies.

Since 2005, the Iceland ministry of education added one year of studies for non-European students after the intermediate level to get admission in undergraduate program at Iceland universities.

Moreover, students have to provide an equivalency certificate of their education. To get equivalency of FA/FSC/ICS degree, students should contact the university in which he/she is applying.

Note that those students who have completed one year of study equal to 60 credits from a recognized university or college have already met the general admission requirements for undergraduate study, regardless of whether they have obtained an Icelandic matriculation examination or an equivalent qualification from a foreign school.

Documents required for Undergraduate Admission in Iceland for Pakistani Students 2020

•             Scanned Passport and/or birth certificate scanned copy

•             Scanned copy of high school or Bachelor’s certificate or diploma

•             Three Letters of recommendation

•             All transcripts of previous courses

•             CV

•             Language proficiency test scores

•             Evidence of enough funding or scholarship document

•             writing samples or in required courses the Portfolio

It is mandatory that all academic transcripts and other required academic documents must be attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). HEC will send the attested document directly to the applied University in a sealed envelope. The envelope is signed and stamped on the back flap by the concerned official.

Admission in specific professional subjects like medical sciences, engineering and law requires an additional entry exam. The course catalogues at university’s website provide information regarding such admissions.

The deadline for international students to apply for undergraduate and graduate studies in Iceland universities ends generally in February. This deadline is applied for the following academic year.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

International students, whose native language is not English, are required to provide proof of English language proficiency. These students should submit their scores of TOEFL, IELTS (Academic) or Cambridge English (CAE or CPE) tests.

Moreover, the scores from the English tests must be less than two years old before September in the year the student intends to start his/her study program.

Remember, only a few undergraduate programs in Iceland universities are taught in English. The minimum score to get admission is TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6,5.

Student Permit

Non-EEA/EFTA citizens like Pakistanis must apply for a student permit at the Directorate of Immigration before arrival. Details about the application procedure are available at the website of the Directorate of Immigration

Students have to apply for a residence permit immediately after receiving their acceptance letter from the Iceland higher education institution.

After all the admission process is completed by the university, the prospective student has to apply for an Iceland Student visa

The higher academic institutions in Iceland require an average score of 5 across all subjects, or a minimum 5 mark for each subject to pass the course.

Master’s Intake in Iceland Universities 2020 for International Students

To get admission in a Master’s program in Iceland, applications are submitted directly to the university. Like a bachelor’s program, application deadlines end around February each year for international students. Masters degrees (M.A, M.S – meistaragráða) are granted after successfully completing two years of postgraduate study. A thesis or research project is a basic requirement to accomplish the Master’s degree program.

In research-oriented Masters Programs, students must get an agreement with a supervisor. To pursue the Master’s thesis, the student files a joint application with the supervisor for a specific research project. The project then reaches a review committee for which then allow the international student to enter the research-based Master’s program

Required Documents

 For a master's program admission, the minimum requirement is a 4-year Bachelor's degree, it could be a Bachelor's degree of 126 credit hours or a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree.

• Scanned Passport and/or birth certificate scan

• Scanned copy of high school or Bachelor’s certificate or diploma

• Three Letters of recommendation

• All transcripts of previous courses

• CV

• Language proficiency test scores

• Evidence of enough funding or scholarship document

It is mandatory that all academic transcripts and other required academic documents must be attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). HEC will send the attested document directly to the applied University in a sealed envelope. The envelope is signed and stamped on the back flap by the concerned official.

The English language proficiency test requirements are the same as of a bachelor’s program

Students need a residence permit immediately after receiving their acceptance letter from the Universities of Iceland.

PhD Intakes in Iceland Universities 2020 for Pakistani Students 

Iceland welcomes international students to enroll in the doctoral program presently 30% of University of Iceland PhD students are foreign nationals, from 39 countries For PhD, you will need to contact the intended university through their international student’s department.

A doctoral program requires 180-240 credits (ECTS) at the conclusion of a Master's program. The full-time studies period for a doctoral program is usually 3-4 years. On average the maximum time for concluding a doctoral degree could take 5-6 years.

Along with the Master’s degree, the other documents requirement is almost the same as for a Bachelor’s or Master’s admission. You can visit a reliable study abroad consultant to get full details regarding PhD programs in Iceland

To seek admission in a PhD program, the student should submit, a written program plan on behalf of the applied University. The plan should state the financing and progress of the doctoral program with provisions of publication rights, academic facilities and other requirements (ECTS), published writings, teaching jobs, finance issues and the completion of the planned program

A doctoral student shall submit an annual program progress report confirmed by the supervisor to the university.

Universities in Iceland....

There is no separate Iceland embassy in Pakistan. However, students who wish to apply for an Iceland study visa applications can apply at the Danish embassy. As Iceland is regarded as a Schengen country, therefore, the Embassy of Denmark in Pakistan pursues all the visa and travel formalities for Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Through the Danish embassy in Pakistan, a study abroad student can apply for a study visa for Iceland provided he got a confirmed admission in any Iceland higher education institute. To complete a degree program in Iceland the student need to apply for a residence permit. There are, in fact, many types and categories of Icelandic residence permit. For an international student, it is mandatory to gain a study purpose residence permit to complete his/her study program legally.

In Pakistan, the Danish embassy is located in Islamabad. You can check online about the various visa application centers in the country.

Visa Application Process of Iceland for Pakistani Students 

It is necessary that all applicants apply in person. The student has to wait for his turn at the visa application centre. The student will be called at the submission counter. Here all the required documents along with the application are assessed. These documents also require your passport and photographs. Once all the documents are approved for submission, you have to pay some Visa application fees ( 60 Euros). The applicant then receives a receipt of fee and document submission.

Student Visa Applications and Residence Permits

There are, however, certain strict deadlines set by Icelandic Universities to apply. Student visa applications are submitted to the Directorate of Immigration. This process should be completed before certain deadlines to receive the residence permit before the semester starts.

• For the autumn semester, all documents should be submitted before the1st of July,

• For the spring semester’s submission deadline does not exceed the 1st of November. Student residence permits are usually valid for six months or one semester.

 International students, therefore, renew their student visa as well as residence permit at least 30 days before it expires.

Non-EU students are limited to15- 20 working hours per week and must have a student residence permit as well as a contract of employment issued by their employer

Documents for Study Visas in Iceland (Non-EU/EEA Citizens) for Pakistani students 

• Student Visa Application Form

• Proof of registration at the university

• Birth certificate

• Marriage certificate if applied

• Medical Insurance details

• A secure housing certificate

• Medical certificate (if required)

• Criminal record certificate

• Evidence of valid Financial Support (i.e Bank statements) amounting to ISK 180, 550/ EUR 1,434 per month

• Photocopy of passport

• One (1) passport-sized photograph

• Residence permits application fee receipt.

Students’ residence permits are granted to

• Students above or equal to 18 years who want to pursue full-time studies at any university in Iceland,

• Postgraduate students who belong to foreign universities and are collaborating now with an Icelandic university,

• Exchange students from certified exchange-student organizations,

• Interns, when internship in Iceland is a part of the applicant’s studies.

A residence permit may be granted for a maximum of one year. Residence permits for study are not granted to individuals intending to study at Icelandic secondary schools (except for approved exchange programs), attending courses in the Icelandic language or who study at foreign universities and stay in Iceland

The visa processing time takes 2 days to 8 weeks, according to the nationality and resident status. Some candidates, in fact, have to apply in person.

A D-Visa is issued when a foreigner has been granted approval on his application for a residence permit in Iceland. Moreover, after the arrival of the study abroad student in Iceland, he has to fulfill some obligations to receive the most essential document, a residence permit. The Directorate then sends a request for a D-Visa, which the study abroad prospective student receives at the respective embassy.

Iceland is a country surrounded with matchless natural beauty. This North European country resides both volcanoes and glaciers. The population in Iceland is not very high, yet the country provides an astonishing modern lifestyle with every comfort.

The country, in fact, has experienced a severe financial crisis in 2008 but soon recovers the phase. Since 2010, Iceland has become a great destination for tourists and study abroad students. Pupils from European as well as non-European destinations are flying to this country to complete their degree courses in multiple disciplines. The country gains immense popularity since it signed the Schengen agreement and people from across the world choose this country to move abroad.

Why International Students Choose Iceland

The major reason why a flock of international students choose this study abroad destination to complete their degree is the tuition-free study programs offered by the Icelandic Universities. This offer helps international students to complete their education in a known European country right in their budget.

There are however many myths associated with this tuition-free study program in Iceland as, generally, students thought that all the study stay and other expenses are available in no cost. This consideration is absolutely wrong as besides the tuition fee there are many expenses which a student has to bear while completing his degree in Iceland.

These expenses, in fact, are divided into two major categories.

• The living expenses

• The study expenses

Let’s find out how much a study program costs to complete a degree program in Iceland.

Study Cost in Iceland

Application Fees for Pakistani Students 

To apply in a study program at an Icelandic University, a Non-EU student like from Pakistan has to submit an online application form in the desired subject and at the desired university. Universities in Iceland normally, demands an application fee for processing your application. For example, students who are applying for studies at the University of Iceland have to pay a fee of 8,000 ISK for the handling and processing of their applications. The fee is taken as part of the online application process. Students can pay this fee via credit card only (mostly VISA or MasterCard). Remember that this handling and processing fee is Non- refundable.

Visa Fees

To study in Iceland an international student requires the Iceland student visa. There is a set visa fee for every foreign country which a visitor has to pay. In the case of Iceland student visa, the prospective student has to pay a sum of 60 Euros at the embassy of Denmark in Pakistan. There is no separate embassy for Iceland in Pakistan; therefore, the entire visa processing for Iceland is done at Denmark embassy.

Language Learning Costs

To get admission in a study course at Iceland University, some language proficiency is mandatory. Most graduate programs in Iceland higher education institutes are offered in the Icelandic language, therefore the student has to show his/her language proficiency certificate with the application. To learn the language the student has to take some course of the language. This course itself cost a good amount plus there will be a language proficiency test for a foreign student that renders certificate as a language proficiency proof. This Iceland language test has its own fees around 30,000 Pakistani Rupees which is submitted prior to the test date. Moreover, Pakistani students generally take admission in English taught programs. Similarly, these English taught programs require English proficiency test scores for admission. This include IELTS, TOEFL etc .The language preparation course for IELTS or TOEFL  costs around 25 thousand rupees while the test itself cost around 30 thousand rupees

The Tuition Fees

 Study costs in Iceland will also depend on factors like the type of university you are choosing to study, the course you are taking and your EU or non-EU status. Although the public universities in Iceland are tuition-free, private universities charge a good amount as tuition fees. The figures are however much lower as compared to other European institutions.

 The popular private institutions include Bifröst University, Iceland Academy of the Arts, and Reykjavik University where the tuition fees range from ISK 550,000 – ISK 2,000,000 per year

Registration Fees

Though the public universities do not charge anything for tuition, still, they demand an annual registration fee of ISK 75,000 from both national and international students

Latest Scholarships and Financial Grants 2020

Besides the no tuition fee options, students can also take advantage from various scholarships and grants available for foreign students. Although Reykjavik University and the University of Iceland are the only institutes offering scholarships and financial grants to international students. In addition, The Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture offer scholarships to those international students who are interested in the study of Icelandic as a second language. Research students can also benefit from such offers as PhD or masters students can apply to the Icelandic Research Fund (IRF) and the Icelandic Student Innovation Fund (ISIF) after their research projects are approved after a presented proposal. Erasmus Masters funding, however, is only available for international students from the EU.

Thus a lot of more hidden expenses are there for foreign students which they have to bear during their studies but fortunately, these students can work part-time few hours during their studies and can afford these costs comfortably.

Recently, there is a new trend of studying in international countries that were not so popular before. The reasons are, however, several like the countries are offering affordable study programs in contemporary disciplines, employment opportunities, research centres, exclusive lifestyle etc. Iceland is among one of these less popular study abroad destinations where international students are taking admissions in the majority. The following are the reasons why your education consultant picks Iceland as your study abroad destination.

Why International Students Study in Iceland

The Scenic Landscape

The 103,000 square kilometres of the country is composed of unique sandy beaches with sparkling ashy sand, high rising cliffs, lush white glaciers, wild gorges, streaming waterfalls, smouldering volcanoes, geothermal experiences, and fjords. It is a hot favourite tourist destination listed in the authorized resources including National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine, Discovery portal and Lonely Planet. It is, in fact, known as “the land of fire and ice” because of the erupting volcanoes and chilling icicles. Unlike the name of the country, the climate in Iceland is pretty moderate; however, one can enjoy the variations in daylight hours. During the middle of summer, students will experience continuous daylight,however, there is no daylight at all in the mid-winter.

Iceland Higher Education Growth

The other most crucial feature to visit Iceland is to study degree courses in this European nation. Studying in Iceland is nothing novel for international students. As a matter of fact, around five per cent of students, studying in Iceland belong to international zones. However, the number of higher education institutes is not very high. A few universities reside in this small country, but, all of them welcome international students to get admission in an array of disciplines taught there. This in turns helps the Iceland education system to expand its academic horizon both in curriculum and premises. In total there are about seven universities in Iceland, three of them are private and four are public. The University of Iceland and Reykjavík University, are the largest one. These universities, however, render the most up to date syllabus with all contemporary and techno integrations. Most of these universities are located in the capital city and provide every facility to their international student at an affordable cost.

English Taught Courses

Fortunately, to cater a swarm of international students who are visiting Iceland to study abroad, many courses are now being taught in English in Iceland higher education institutes. These English taught courses are particularly beneficial for students arriving from developing countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh where English is the only foreign language taught and understood as a medium of instruction.

Iceland's educational system enjoys high ranking among the other known European destinations. According to a valid yet recent survey affiliated with the Program for International Student Assessment ranking, Iceland is regarded as the 16th best country housing the international students responsibly.

Liberal Lifestyle

One reason to choose Iceland as a destination to study abroad is its freedom. The population residing in Iceland is very much liberal and believes in gender equality, sexual and religious tolerance, and individual integrity. In fact, Iceland took the 4th place status in the Social Progress Index 2015. The other toppers include Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. The administration in Iceland supports and secures personal rights, preferences and freedom for both locals and foreigners. Moreover, access to higher education is parallel for both national and international students

Tuition Free Studies and Scholarship Offers 2020

The major reason to choose Iceland as an international study destination is the tuition-free study programs at public universities. This affordable study program can let a foreign student survive in the European destination at low cost. There are many Scholarship and funds available for international students. Moreover, students are allowed to do some part-time job while studying.

Wide Range of Available Courses

Iceland is a destination where both Science and Arts courses are available at every level. The schools of Science and Engineering possess a high-ranked academic foundation and deliver hands-on learning and training. These schools also offer research opportunities to their students. In fact, renewable energy, biomedical engineering, construction materials studies and, project management are widely chosen subjects by international students. The Iceland Academy of the Arts is highly acclaimed which offers miscellaneous functional degree programs in fine arts, music, design and architecture, theatre and dance, and similar disciplines. Iceland is also popular for Film-making courses. As a matter of fact, the country is home to the popular Icelandic Film School. Watch the blockbuster Star Wars- The Force Awakens: creativity that budded from the Iceland Film School. Iceland medical schools also offer comprehensive courses not only in medicine but also in relevant courses like physiotherapy or sports medicine.

Continental lifestyle Experience

The country is a bit expensive, yet one can still survive in low budget. The basic facilities like food, transport and health are available at nominal prices and there are many after study prospects for graduates who want to reside permanently in Iceland. One can enjoy the European lifestyle in this picturesque destination while completing his/her study course

Being a European state, Iceland is definitely expensive for Non-EU citizens, especially for Pakistanis. The currency difference is extraordinary high; therefore, students have to be over-vigilant while planning to study abroad in Iceland. You have to plan a strict budget for both study and living expenses. 

It is said that the minimum amount for an individual living in Iceland is around ISK200, 000 per month. However, this amount does not necessarily define the exact monthly living cost as it all depends upon the lifestyle of the student and in which city of Iceland he/she is residing.

Rough estimates of living costs for a single person in Iceland 2020

Monthly budget for a non-EU student in Iceland to complete his/her graduate program is around ISK 120,000 per month. This estimated budget will cover accommodation costs, groceries, study accessories, travel, and other general necessities. Obviously, a student residing in the bigger cities have to pay a higher cost.

Average Monthly Living Expenses

•             Housing with utilities: ISK 110,000/month =800Euro

•             Food and daily market items: ISK 60,000/month =430 Euro

•             Books and academic accessories:  ISK 50,000/semester =370Euro

•             Local public transport: ISK 5,000/month =37Euro

•             Outdoor activities: ISK 30,000/month =221Euro

According to a current rough estimation, the living cost for a single student in Iceland is around ISK 145,000 to ISK 165,000 per month. As mentioned before, this figure may vary according to the lifestyle and spending of the student.

Accommodation Cost

Universities in Iceland generally provide residential areas nearby the university. Online applications for Dormitories of the fall semester open on 1 June and for the spring semester; the applications are open on 1st October. They are the on-campus dormitories and student flats. These dorms are quickly occupied on first come first basis, therefore apartments or flats are also constructed near the academic institutions as alternative housing provisions for international students. The cost of living and student accommodation is different in different location and also depends upon the provided facilities and some other factors.

Rent for a dorm room or shared flat room ranges from 650-1000 Euro per month. The dorm rooms usually have basic facilities including. They are built near the university and generally close to some grocery stores and public transport points. Private accommodations or flats have Good accommodations for students which include fully furnished, private, studio style rooms. Some also have fully equipped kitchen and bathroom shared with other students. They are sometimes located near downtown. A washing area is also provided to students. The rent ranges around 720Euro per month which increases with the provision of facilities.

Health Insurance

International students from the non-EU/EEA countries must have health insurance from an insurance company in their country. Students, however, can also buy medical insurance from an Icelandic insurance company. Whatever be the company, it is mandatory that the policy will cover a minimum of 2,000,000 ISK valid for the first 6 months of the student stay in Iceland. The cost of insurance is around 15,000 ISK.

Food and Other Market Items

After housing rent, the next major expense that a student has to face is the daily food and grocery expenditure. According to a given expenditure statistical diagram food and other market items take 29.9% of the total budget. In Iceland, generally, a loaf of bread costs around 400 ISK which is equal to 3 Euros. Similarly one liter of milk costs around 160 ISK which is equal to 1 Euro. Likewise, other items include vegetables, dairy items, meat and beverages. Moreover dining out in Iceland can cost you around 1500 ISK and above.

Transport Cost

Iceland has an excellent bus system with swift services around and between major towns and attractions. A monthly ticket for public transport costs around, 11000 ISK while I gallon of petrol costs around 219 ISK approximately 1.6 Euro.

Thus living in Iceland require practical money saving strategies as students have to spend three to four years in this European country to complete their degree courses

International Students can work part-time while they are studying in Iceland; however, most graduate courses are pretty difficult. So universities may recommend that students should concentrate on studies only. Working hours are limited due to visa restrictions. Any employer who wants to hire a foreign national outside of an EFTA-state has to apply for a work permit prior to allow the foreign national to begin work. Applications for work permits along with the required documents must be submitted to the Directorate of Immigration. This application is then sent to the Directorate of Labor if the required conditions are satisfactorily fulfilled. The international students, however, do not work more than 15 hours per week except when working is a part of your academic course or students do jobs during vacations or break.

Work permits for Pakistani students of Iceland 2020

International students in Iceland can get a temporary work permit in accordance with Article 13 of Act No. 97/2002 on Foreign Nationals Right to Work. The conditions for issuance of a work permit of iceland include:

• The international student must have a contract of employment with an employer,

• The full-time work of the international student does not exceed 40% with the exception of jobs performed during school vacations and/or any vocational training

• The international student must possess a student residence permit under the legal foreigners Act.

Necessary documents and other requirements to get a student work permit.

1. Photocopy of the application form for a temporary work permit for students.

2. A contract of Employment between the international student and the employer

3. The contract should include Information about the job and Information about any pension fund to be paid to the employee.

4. The international student’s terms of employment must be compliant with the current wage.

5. If the international student is doing a regular job with a professional title or a legally protected business, then the application form must be attested from Icelandic authorities that the prospective foreign student possesses the required certification to take the job

6. If an international student wants to apply for an extension of a student work permit, he/she shall reapply with the same documentation.

7.  International students applying for a student’s work permit should submit all the required documents stated in the list of The Directorate of Labor, otherwise, the process will get delayed or it might be rejected. It is possible that The Directorate of Labor asks to submit some additional documents if they are necessary.

Students who are interested in working in Iceland near their accommodation require full pace energy to co-ordinate with the Icelandic lifestyle. For hardworking and dedicated students, Iceland provides competitive wages, complete training, full support and exclusive fringe benefits.

Working in Iceland

In Iceland, an employee cannot work more than 13 hours per day. There is no set rule for a minimum fixed wage. The Federation of General and Special Workers in Iceland has set its own minimum wage figures. Average Iceland hourly pay ranges from £7.5 per hour like for Salesman to £10 per hour like for supervisors. The current average figures are 280,000 ISK per month for a full-time position. However average wages in the country is estimated at 310,000 ISK net per month. This is approximately equal to 2900 USD. This figure, thus, puts Iceland among the highest salary offering country in Europe

Jobs for students 2020 in Iceland for Pakistani Students 

International students are generally fluent in English. Therefore, these students can teach English in various places. They can also work at restaurants or bars. Such type of language proficiency also helps a student to work in the tourism industry. For some summer experience, students can also work on a farm. Many colleges and universities render internships to the students as a part of their program. Students can also earn through internships and continue their studies. Students can work at an amusement park, grocery store, mall, restaurants, gas station, or even work online. Fishing industries in Iceland also provide many working opportunities for foreign students.

International students can reside permanently in Iceland through the naturalization process. This process allows legal residents who have spent 7 continuous years in Iceland to become a citizen. However, if a Pakistani or other foreigner is married to an Iceland citizen, then the person can become a citizen within 3 years. Various study abroad students apply for Iceland citizenship after completion of their studies.

Graduates Searching Employments in Iceland

To search jobs in Iceland, it is necessary that the prospect holds a residence permit. The graduates from Icelandic Universities, who have completed their study program in Iceland, can renew their residence permit for six (6) more months. During this duration, the graduate can hunt employment in his/her field of study

1. To apply for another residence permit the graduate has to submit an online application. This application should be carefully filled and signed.

2. Iceland University graduation certificate or degree is submitted with its photocopy

3. Photocopy of a valid passport with at least 90 days validity beyond the period of validity of the residence permit is mandatory. This includes photocopies of the passport’s personal information page and the applicant’s signature page.

4. Application for the work permit and original employment agreement, signed by the applicant as well as the employer is mandatory

5. In some cases, Power of Attorney signed by two (2) witnesses has to be submitted

6. The applicant also has to submit the additional supporting documents with his/her application. Incomplete or objected documents may result in delays or refusal in the processing of the application.

7. For becoming a permanent resident of Iceland, foreigners must take at least 150 hours of Icelandic language courses. Applicants can study Icelandic without attending any course and take a status test to prove the basic understanding of the language.

When to Apply For a Residence Permit

Students should apply before the residence permit for the duration of education expires. The international candidates generally apply for a residence permit in their last education year. The applicant has to apply for renewal of his/her residence permit at least four weeks before the validity of the permit expires. After that, the applicant is permitted to stay in Iceland and the application for renewal is under process by the Directorate of Immigration. With a residence permit which is valid only for further six months; applicants can explore employment opportunities in the country. It is, however, essential to provide adequate Icelandic language proficiency at least up to the B1 level of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Moreover, every international applicant, especially from outside Europe, has to show his/her financial stability to the government. The applicant also needs authorized health insurance. Furthermore, the person should have no criminal record in the past. Your study abroad consultants can guide you about it before or after your completion of studies

Once the student or graduate gets a stable job in Iceland, he/she can consider getting a permanent residence permit. In fact, your prospective employer has to prove that you are needed for the job. Also, foreigners have to sign a work contract before applying for the permit. According to the policy, an applicant must have stayed in Iceland for four (4) years on grounds of a work /residence permit to get a permanent residence permit. Foreigners can get the permanent residence permit on following grounds

• Skilled Workers

• Athletes

• Family reunification

• Humanitarian views

• Students, with restrictions

Permanent Residence Permit

A permanent residence permit is granted to foreigners who met the following conditions

• Has a residence permit that is valid;

• Have sufficient income, own personal money or possess reliable means of support;

• Able to reside in a lawful manner;

• Have previously attended a course in the Icelandic language for at least 150 hours or have passed a status test in the Icelandic language.

After completion of seven continuous Iceland stay years, the candidate can apply for an Iceland citizenship.