Founded in 1911, the University of Iceland is the country's oldest and largest institution of higher education. Located in Reykjavík, it has evolved from a small civil servants' school with 45 students to a comprehensive modern research university serving about 14,000 students1. The university plays a crucial role in Icelandic society, having been instrumental in the construction of the Icelandic nation-state and its cultural development.
14,000
Total enrollment
66%
Female students
400+
International partnerships
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UNESCO Category Institute (Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute)
The University of Iceland provides comprehensive career development support through its extensive network of international partnerships and specialized programs. The institution's strong emphasis on research and practical training creates valuable pathways for professional advancement. Through partnerships with over 400 universities worldwide, students gain access to diverse international experiences and exchange opportunities. The university's unique specializations in areas such as Icelandic language, medieval studies, and environmental sciences, combined with its strong research infrastructure and industry connections, provide students with distinctive career opportunities in both academic and professional sectors
400+
Partner universities
60+
Research institutes
These are the expert instructors who will be teaching you throughout the course. With a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, they’re here to guide, inspire, and support you every step of the way. Get to know the people who will help you reach your learning goals and make the most of your journey.
1 Course
Distinguished Geophysicist and Volcanic Research Pioneer
Dr. Freysteinn Sigmundsson serves as Research Professor at the Nordic Volcanological Center within the Institute of Earth Sciences at the University of Iceland, where he has established himself as a leading authority in volcano geodesy and tectonic processes. After completing his Ph.D. in geophysics from the University of Colorado in 1992, following his BS and MS degrees from the University of Iceland, he has made significant contributions to understanding volcanic and tectonic processes, particularly through his work on magma movements and the Earth's response to climate change. His research impact is evidenced by over 90 scientific publications and his influential book "Iceland Geodynamics, Crustal Deformation and Divergent Plate Tectonics" (Springer, 2006). As coordinator of the European FUTUREVOLC project (2012-2016) and point of contact for the Icelandic Volcanoes permanent geohazard supersite, he has led groundbreaking initiatives in volcanic monitoring and hazard evaluation
1 Course
Distinguished Volcanologist and Environmental Impact Researcher
Dr. Evgenia Ilyinskaya serves as Associate Professor at the Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics, University of Leeds, where she specializes in volcanic gases and aerosol particles research. After completing her Ph.D. in Volcanology from the University of Cambridge and B.Sc. in Geology from Royal Holloway, University of London, she has established herself as a leading authority in monitoring volcanic activity and its environmental impacts. Her career includes pioneering work at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, where she implemented volcanic gas measurements as a monitoring tool, and significant contributions at the British Geological Survey. Her research spans active volcanoes across Iceland, Central America, Hawaii, Antarctica, and Japan, focusing on sampling and analyzing volcanic emissions. As lead compiler of the Catalogue of Icelandic Volcanoes and principal investigator of the 'Unseen but not unfelt' project at Masaya volcano in Nicaragua, she continues to advance the field of volcanology while teaching undergraduate courses ranging from introductory chemistry to specialized volcanic processes at Leeds.