For Students

Medical Schools in Iceland

Iceland, a North Island nation, is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, underground hot springs, and Northern Lights. However, what many people may not know is that Iceland also provides excellent opportunities for studying medicine. In this article, we will take a closer look at studying medicine including the best Medical Schools in Iceland, fees, how to get accepted and required documents.

Features of studying medicine in Iceland

Iceland boasts a strong public healthcare system that provides comprehensive health services to all of its citizens. This system, coupled with the country’s focus on research and development, has made Iceland an attractive destination for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine.

Here are some of the reasons why medical schools in Iceland for international students is an excellent choice:

High-quality education:

Icelandic universities offer high-quality medical education with a focus on research and innovation.

Reasonable tuition fees:

Compared to other countries, studying medicine fees in Iceland are relatively affordable. Additionally, there are many scholarship opportunities available to international students.

Good quality of life:

Iceland is a safe and welcoming country with excellent healthcare services and a high standard of living.

Research opportunities:

Iceland is home to many research institutions, including the Icelandic Institute of Natural History and the Icelandic Cancer Society, providing students with many opportunities to participate in advanced research.

See Also: Studying Medicine in Austria

Best Medical Schools in Iceland:

There are two main universities in Iceland that offer degrees in medicine: the University of Iceland and Akureyri University. Both universities offer a six-year medical program, which includes three years of theoretical studies and three years of clinical courses.

Below is a table of the best universities for medical studies in Iceland, ranked according to the QS World University Rankings.

University	QS World Rankings
University of Iceland	350
Akureyri University	Not available.

University of Iceland

The University of Iceland is the oldest and largest university in Iceland, offering a wide range of programs including a medical degree. The university’s Faculty of Health Sciences offers a six-year medical program that includes both theoretical and clinical education. The program is taught in Icelandic, but international students can attend courses taught in English.

The medical curriculum at the University of Iceland includes subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology. The program also includes clinical rotations, which take place in hospitals throughout Iceland. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects and work with renowned researchers in various fields of medicine.

University of Akureyri

The University of Akureyri is a young university founded in 1987, located in northern Iceland. The university offers a six-year medical program similar to the one offered at the University of Iceland. However, the medical program at the University of Akureyri is taught entirely in Icelandic.

The medical curriculum at the University of Akureyri includes subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and medical ethics. The program also includes clinical rotations, which take place in hospitals in northern Iceland.

Cost of studying medicine in Iceland

The cost of studying medicine in Iceland for international students varies depending on several factors, including the university, program, and student lifestyle. The following are some costs to consider when studying medicine in Iceland as an international student:

Tuition fees

The tuition fee for the medical program at the University of Iceland is around 1,290,000 Icelandic krona (ISK) per year, which is approximately $10,000 USD. The tuition fee for the medical program at the University of Akureyri is around 975,000 ISK per year, which is approximately $7,500 USD. However, it is worth noting that there are scholarship opportunities available for international students to help cover these costs.

Living expenses

The cost of living in Iceland is relatively high compared to other European countries. International students can expect to pay around 80,000 to 100,000 ISK per month for accommodation, facilities, food, and other expenses. However, these costs may vary depending on the student’s lifestyle and the city they live in.

Health insurance

All international students in Iceland are required to have health insurance. The cost of health insurance varies depending on the provider and level of coverage, but students can expect to pay around 1500-2000 ISK per month.

Travel Costs:

International students will need to budget for the cost of travel to and from Iceland, as well as any domestic travel for clinical rotations and other educational activities.

In general, international students should expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 USD per month to cover their living expenses in Iceland, in addition to tuition fees and other costs. However, these costs may vary depending on the student’s lifestyle and the city they live in. It is essential to research and budget carefully before deciding to study medicine in Iceland as an international student.

Getting Accepted into Medical Universities in Iceland:

To gain acceptance into one of the medical universities in Iceland, international students must follow certain steps and provide specific documents. Here’s what you need to do:

Start by researching the medical programs offered by the University of Iceland and Akureyri University. Consider factors such as the university’s location, curriculum, language of instruction, and cost.

Once you’ve selected the university, check the admission requirements for the medical program. This usually includes a high school diploma or equivalent, proof of English proficiency, and any additional requirements specific to the university or program.

Most universities in Iceland have an online application system. You’ll need to create an account and complete the application form, providing personal and academic information, and uploading the required documents.

Required documents include:

High school diploma or equivalent
Academic transcripts from previous institutions
Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS score)
Passport or national ID card
Letters of recommendation (if required)
Personal statement or essay (if required)

There are usually non-refundable application fees that you will need to pay when submitting your application. The fees vary depending on the university and program.

After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for the university to review your application and make a decision on acceptance. This may take several weeks or months, depending on the university and program.

Once you are accepted into a medical program in Iceland, you will need to apply for a student visa and a residence permit. The university will provide you with instructions on how to do this.

In short, to be accepted into one of Iceland’s medical universities as an international student, you need to select a university, check the admission requirements, apply online, submit the required documents, pay the application fee, and wait for the acceptance decision. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and submit all required documents to increase your chances of acceptance.

In conclusion, studying medicine in Iceland is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Iceland offers high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and many research opportunities. The University of Iceland and Akureyri University are the two main universities in Iceland that offer medical programs, and both provide students with comprehensive medical education.