Savanna Hoffman
Iceland is a developed country with modern facilities and high living standards, and it welcomes international students every year. The country offers a unique natural environment, a great education system, and a low unemployment rate. International students make up 5% of the student population in Icelandic higher education. In this paragraph, we will explore the opportunities available for international students to work in Iceland.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work permit requirements | International students with EEA/EFTA citizenship do not need a work permit. Non-EEA/EFTA citizens must apply for a work permit and can work up to 15 hours per week during the school year. |
| Work permit options | Temporary Work Permit for Expert Knowledge, Temporary Work Permit for Labor Shortages, and Temporary Work Permit for Students. |
| Post-study work visa | Non-EU/EEA students who have completed their graduation can get their visa extended for 6 months or get a 6-month permit to seek employment by applying to the Directorate of Immigration. |
| Student population | International students comprise 5% of the student population in Icelandic higher education. |
| Tuition fees | Public universities do not charge international students tuition fees, only a registration fee of around ISK 75,000 (approximately 520 euros). Private universities have higher tuition fees, which vary depending on the student's country of origin. |
| Living costs | The average living cost for international students is 800 to 1,200 euros per month, depending on the city and living standards. |
| Accommodation | Most universities have student flats nearby, with costs of around ISK 92,634 (727 euros) per month. Off-campus accommodation can range from ISK 108,073 (848 euros) to ISK 200,695 (1,575 euros). |
| Scholarships | There are partially funded scholarships available for international master's and PhD candidates in specific departments and research areas. |
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What You'll Learn
Work permit requirements for non-EEA/EFTA citizens
International students in Iceland who are non-EEA/EFTA citizens are allowed to work up to 15 hours per week during the school year, but they must apply for a work permit.
Citizens from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and Faroe Islands are required to obtain a work permit to work legally in Iceland. This includes international students who are non-EEA/EFTA citizens. Work permits are always temporary and must be applied for before employment begins. The validity period of a work permit depends on the type of work and residence permit. An employee cannot start working until the work permit is granted.
There are several types of work permits available in Iceland, including:
- Temporary Work Permit for Expert Knowledge
- Temporary Work Permit for Labor Shortages
- Temporary Work Permit for Students
- Temporary Work Permit for Athletes
- Temporary Work Permit for Family Reunification
- Temporary Work Permit for Digital Nomads
To obtain a work permit for non-EEA/EFTA citizens, the following requirements must be met:
- The employer must demonstrate that they were unable to find a suitable candidate locally or within the EEA, EFTA states, and the Faroe Islands with the required education, skills, and expertise.
- A signed employment contract outlining job responsibilities, terms, and pension fund contributions.
- Proof of qualifications and relevant expertise.
- Compliance with local labour laws and regulations.
- The application form must be completed and signed by both the employee and employer.
- For certain jobs requiring legal or technical professional titles, qualifications must be accredited by the relevant Icelandic authorities.
For non-EU/EEA students who have completed their graduation, they can apply for a visa extension or a six-month job-seeking permit by submitting the following documents to the Directorate of Immigration:
- Completed application form
- Copy of passport valid for 90 days after the end of the work permit
- Graduation certificate or other education-related documents
- Proof of insurance
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Work hour restrictions for international students
International students in Iceland are allowed to work while studying. However, the work hour restrictions depend on the student's citizenship status. International students with EEA/EFTA citizenship do not need a work permit and have no work restrictions. On the other hand, non-EEA/EFTA citizens must apply for a work permit and are restricted to working up to 15 hours per week during the school year.
Upon graduation, non-EEA/EFTA students can apply for a six-month visa extension or a six-month permit for job-seeking. This visa allows recent graduates to stay in the country and search for employment opportunities. EU/EEA students can stay for up to three months without a work permit, after which they must register their work and stay in the country. Non-EU/EEA students must apply for a work visa or a student visa extension immediately after completing their studies.
There are three types of Iceland post-study work visas available for non-EU/EEA students:
- Qualified professionals visa: Granted to individuals who can prove they can perform a job better than Icelanders or EEA citizens.
- Temporary shortage of labour visas: Issued when there is a lack of labour in certain fields, allowing foreign nationals to fill these positions.
- Temporary Work Permit for Students: A type of temporary work permit offered by Iceland that is tailored to the needs of international students seeking employment.
Overall, while international students in Iceland are permitted to work, the specific restrictions on their work hours depend on their citizenship status, and a range of visa options are available to facilitate their stay and employment opportunities in the country.
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Post-graduation work visas
International students make up 5% of the student population in Icelandic higher education. Iceland's post-study work visa allows recent graduates to stay in the country and look for work. The requirements for this visa depend on whether the student is from the EU/EEA or not. EU/EEA students can stay for up to three months without a post-study work permit. After three months, they must register their work and stay in the country. Non-EU/EEA students must apply for a work visa or a student visa extension as soon as their studies finish. This can be done via the Directorate of Immigration.
There are three types of post-study work visas for non-EU/EEA students:
- Qualified professionals visa: This visa is granted to people who can prove that they can do their job better than Icelanders or EEA citizens.
- Temporary Work Permit for Expert Knowledge: This is a temporary permit that can be renewed once. It is available when there is a labour shortage in certain fields.
- Temporary Work Permit for Labor Shortages: This is for when there is a lack of workers in specific fields in Iceland, which opens up employment opportunities for foreign nationals.
To apply for the visa, students will need to provide:
- A completed application form
- A copy of their passport, valid for 90 days extra from the date of the end of their work permit
- Their graduation certificate or other documents justifying their education
- Proof of insurance with the required coverage
The cost of living in Iceland is between 800 and 1200 euros per month, but this depends on the city and the individual's lifestyle. International students are allowed to work 22 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during holidays. The average wage is 120 ISK per hour, or 2 euros per hour. After five years in the country, international students can apply for permanent residence.
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Iceland's labour market test
Iceland's labour market is characterised by high union density, a strong willingness to work, and a long workweek. The country's unemployment rate is consistently below the EU27 average, standing at 3.4% as of May 2024. Iceland's strong economy is largely attributed to its thriving tourism industry, which attracted nearly 2.2 million tourists in 2023.
In terms of the labour market test, Iceland offers various work permits, including temporary permits for expert knowledge, labour shortages, family reunification, and students. To obtain a work permit for non-EEA/EFTA nationals, employers must meet specific criteria. They must provide a formal job offer, demonstrate that the role cannot be filled by EEA/EFTA nationals, and submit the required application documents to the Directorate of Immigration. This involves submitting an employment contract outlining job responsibilities and terms, as well as proof of qualifications and relevant expertise.
For international students, Iceland provides opportunities to work while studying. Those with EEA/EFTA citizenship can work without a permit and enjoy greater flexibility in their working hours. Non-EEA/EFTA citizens, on the other hand, need to apply for a work permit and are restricted to working up to 15 hours per week during the school year. After graduation, non-EU/EEA students can extend their visa for six months or obtain a six-month permit for job-seeking by applying to the Directorate of Immigration.
Iceland also offers a post-study work visa, allowing recent graduates to seek employment opportunities in the country. EU/EEA students can stay for up to three months without a work permit, while non-EU/EEA students must apply for a work visa or a student visa extension immediately after completing their studies. One of the visa options for non-EU/EEA students is the Qualified Professionals Visa, granted to individuals who can demonstrate superior qualifications or skills compared to Icelandic or EEA citizens.
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Cost of living for international students
The cost of living for international students in Iceland can be quite high, especially when it comes to food and accommodation. The Nordic countries are known for being expensive, and Iceland is no exception. As most international students find themselves in Reykjavik, the costs will reflect the cost of living in the capital.
Accommodation
On-campus accommodation, or 'corridors' as they are known in Iceland, typically costs around ISK 92,634 ($727) per month. Off-campus accommodation is usually more expensive, with prices ranging from ISK 108,073 ($848) to ISK 200,695 ($1,575) per month. A one-bedroom apartment in Reykjavik can cost around ISK 200,000 ($1,650) per month.
Food
The cost of food in Iceland is also high, especially when dining out. A typical meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages around ISK 1,650 (INR 3,000). Monthly grocery expenses for students cooking at home can vary widely depending on diet and consumption habits but generally align with Iceland's overall high cost of living. Expect to budget around ISK 30,000 to ISK 50,000 (INR 17,400 to INR 29,000) per month for groceries, including essential food items like dairy, bread, rice, meat, and vegetables.
Utilities
Utilities are typically not included in the rent in Iceland. Renters must pay separately for electricity, heating, water, and internet. The cost of these utilities can vary depending on the apartment's size and the inhabitants' consumption habits. For a standard 85m^2 apartment, the monthly heating, electricity, and gas fee is around ISK 13,800 (INR 8,300).
Education
While tuition fees for degree programs in Iceland can vary, public universities are free for students to attend, with only a registration fee of €100-250. English is taught as a second language in schools, so language barriers are not an issue.
Income
International students are allowed to work in Iceland while studying. Those with EEA/EFTA citizenship do not need a work permit and do not have work restrictions. Non-EEA/EFTA citizens must apply for a work permit and are allowed to work up to 15 hours per week during the school year. International student visas permit students to work up to 22.5 hours per week during the academic year and full time during holidays. Students can expect to earn between ISK 20,000 and ISK 30,000 (INR 12,000 to INR 18,000) per month for basic jobs in supermarkets, stores, and restaurants.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students are allowed to work in Iceland.
International students are allowed to work 22 hours per week. On holidays, students can work up to 40 hours per week.
It depends. International students with EEA/EFTA citizenship do not need a work permit. Non-EEA/EFTA citizens must apply for a work permit and can work up to 15 hours per week during the school year.
The average living cost for international students in Iceland is 800 to 1200 Euros per month, but it can vary depending on the city and the student's lifestyle.
International students must provide proof of funding, school certificates or diplomas, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of language proficiency. Some universities may also require IELTS or TOEFL scores.
