Are you looking for an Iceland student visa? If yes then you are at the right place. If you are thinking about studying in Iceland, you will need to apply for an Iceland student visa first.
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Iceland is an amazing place to study with awesome landscapes, hot springs, and a happening cultural scene. Their universities are all about being creative, smart, and eco-friendly. People are friendly in Iceland. It is super safe, and life is pretty comfy. This makes it a great spot for international students.
In this article, we will learn more about Iceland student visas, eligibility criteria, application process, visa fee, documents required, and more. So, let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
- If you are from EU countries, Norway, Lichtenstein, or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to study in Iceland.
- But if you are from elsewhere, you might need a visa.
- To get a visa, make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months, have enough money for your studies, get accepted into an Icelandic school, stay healthy, and have travel insurance.
- If you are not from the EU/EEA and want to study for more than three months, you will need a residence permit.
- You must pay a fee of ISK 15,000 for a residence permit.
- While studying, you can work for up to 15 hours per week.
- If your visa is rejected, you will get a letter explaining the reason behind it. You can appeal within two weeks and reapply later.
Do You Need an Iceland Student Visa?
If you are from the EU, Norway, Lichtenstein, or Switzerland, you can visit Iceland without any worries and stay as long as you want.
But if you are from somewhere else, you will need a student visa to study in Iceland.
What Are Eligibility Requirements for the Iceland Student Visa?
Here are the eligibility requirements for the Iceland student visa:
- To study in Iceland, you will need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months.
- Make sure you have enough money to pay for your studies or a scholarship that covers your tuition fees.
- You also need to get accepted into a school in Iceland.
- You must be healthy and have a good character.
- You will need travel insurance that covers you while you are studying in Iceland.
How To Apply For an Iceland Student Visa?
When you are ready to apply for an Iceland student visa, here is what you need to do:
- If you are not from the EU or EEA and you want to study in Iceland for more than three months, you will need a residence permit to study because Iceland does not give out regular student visas.
- You need to get accepted into an Icelandic university.
- Once you get the acceptance letter, you must show that you have enough money to live in Iceland.
- Usually, you need about ISK 180,840 every month to cover your living expenses.
What Are The Documents Required For An Iceland Student Visa?
When you are applying for an Iceland student visa, you will need to gather some important documents. Here is what you will need:
- First, fill out and sign the visa application form.
- Then, get a recent passport-sized photo taken.
- Make copies of your valid passport, including the pages with your personal information and any previous visas.
- You will also need copies of a certificate showing you have no criminal record.
- Next, provide proof of your financial means, either in the form of money or a scholarship, enough to cover your expenses while studying.
- Do not forget copies of your travel health insurance and an enrollment letter from the school in Iceland.
- You will also need a certificate proving you have a secure place to live.
- Finally, make sure to keep a receipt of the visa fee payment.
Cost of an Iceland Student Visa
Different countries have different visa cost. For example, the cost of student visas in Poland can vary from that in Argentina.
When you are applying for a residence permit for studies in Iceland, you will need to pay a fee of ISK 15,000. You must apply early before your classes start because the time it takes to process your application can vary.
Once you arrive in Iceland, you might have to go to Registers Iceland and get a Kennitala. It is like an ID number. You need this number to open a bank account and access different services in Iceland.
Can You Work on an Iceland Student Visa?
While you are studying in Iceland, you can work for up to 15 hours per week if you have a residence permit.
This lets you earn some money, practice your language skills, and take care of your expenses.
After you finish your studies, if you find a job related to what you studied, you can apply for a residence permit to work there.
What If Your Iceland Student Visa Is Rejected?
If your visa is not approved, you will get a letter from the Iceland consulate telling you the reason behind it. If you believe they made a mistake, you can appeal within two weeks of receiving the letter.
You can reapply anytime, but make sure to fix the issues from your first application. If you send the same application again, you will probably get rejected again.
Iceland Student Visa Summary
| Criteria | Description |
| Visa | Residence Permit for Studying |
| Eligibility | University Acceptance, Financial Support, Health Insurance |
| Documents | Application Form, Photo, Passport (valid 3+ months), Acceptance Letter, Proof of Funds (ISK 180,840/month), Criminal Record Certificate, Travel Health Insurance, Proof of Accommodation, Visa Fee Payment Receipt |
| Process | 1. Get University Acceptance 2. Show Financial Support 3. Apply & Pay Fee |
| Cost | ISK 15,000 |
| Work Permit | Up to 15 hours/week with a Residence Permit |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you work in Iceland on a student visa?
If you are from the EEA/EFTA, you don’t need a special work permit to work while studying. But if you are not from there, you can apply for a work permit to work up to 15 hours a week during the school year.
2. Is Iceland good for international students?
Iceland is an awesome place for students who want to escape the city and explore nature. It is called the ‘land of fire and ice’ because it has huge glaciers and active volcanoes.
3. Can a student get permanent residency in Iceland?
If you have had a residence permit for at least two years that can lead to a permanent one. Also, you have lived in Iceland for at least four years. This includes two years on a study permit. Based on these conditions, you may apply for permanent residency in Iceland.
4. How much bank statement is required for an Iceland student visa?
To show that you have enough money, you can use a bank statement during your Iceland student visa application process. It should prove you can pay for tuition and living expenses in Iceland. You need at least €500 per month and €5,500 per year on your bank statement to get an Iceland student visa.
5. Is an Iceland student visa easy to get?
Yes. You need to have a passport that is valid for at least 3 months. Please make sure you have enough money to pay for your studies or a scholarship that covers your tuition fees. You must be accepted at an approved university in Iceland. You must also be in good health and have a good character.
Conclusion
If you plan to study in Iceland for more than 3 months, you will need to get a student visa. It is also called a D visa. It is usually valid for three months but can be for up to a year.
Once you are in Iceland, you must apply for a residence permit within 3 months. This will last for a year.
Since Iceland is part of the Schengen Union, with a D visa, you can travel freely in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days every 180 days, as long as your visa is valid.
During your studies, you can work up to 15 hours per week. The visa processing time can take 6 to 12 weeks from the day you apply.
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