Languages in Iceland

Icelandic learning for residents of Iceland is offered through recognized education providers, employer or institutional courses, university programs and online services. The Ministry of Education and Children, Rannís, the Directorate of Labour, the Directorate of Immigration, the Ministry of Justice and the University of Iceland have different responsibilities across funding, employment support, immigration-related requirements, examinations and higher education. Public support is generally directed to an eligible provider, company or institution rather than paid automatically to every learner. The main access criterion for supported local-language learning is usually registered legal residence in Iceland, and the relevant funding window and provider conditions must be checked before enrolment. The funding window recorded for September 2026 was closed, with the next window expected around October 2026. Icelandic language ability is commonly described with the European Language Portfolio framework, known as CEFR. Everyday A2 ability generally covers simple conversations, short texts and familiar situations. A permanent residence application can require at least 150 lessons in Icelandic at a recognized institution with at least 85% attendance, or an accepted Icelandic language assessment; exceptions include some people over 65 who have lived in Iceland for at least seven years and people with medically documented inability to learn the language. Icelandic citizenship requires a language test with listening, reading, writing and speaking parts at A2 level, subject to exceptions such as certain applicants aged 65 or older with seven years of residence, serious physical or psychological reasons, or relevant Icelandic schooling. Jobseekers receiving approved unemployment benefits can attend two on-site Icelandic courses per year without course fees, provided they meet the attendance and active-participation requirements. A course place or start date is not guaranteed. An alternative study grant can cover up to 80,000 ISK per year for a job-related self-selected course. Workplace courses may take place during working hours, but fees and wage arrangements depend on the provider and employment agreement. The University of Iceland offers Icelandic programs for different purposes. Its Practical Diploma lasts one year and carries 60 ECTS, with classroom or distance options, an A1 entry requirement and written and oral admission testing. Academic Icelandic is a two-year part-time program worth 60 ECTS. The BA program carries 120 or 180 ECTS and can admit learners from A2 or above; typical progress is around B1 after the first year, B2 after the second and B2 to C1 or higher after the third, depending on the program and learner. International applicants and people living in Iceland may face different application deadlines, including the recorded deadlines of 1 February and 20 May for the Practical Diploma. Icelandic Online provides five free self-study courses and two tutor-led distance courses for a moderate fee, with access by computer or mobile device. Icelandic Online Börn offers seven free difficulty levels for preschool and early primary-school learners. MEMM provides school-related language and inclusion support but is only a limited part of the broader language-learning system. Foreign-language learning is more fragmented: the University of Iceland Language Centre provides formal and university-linked courses, including free courses for University of Iceland students with limited places, but no single nationwide foreign-language course or examination system is established. Course duration can range from short formats to one-to-three-year programs, and fees, entry levels, attendance rules and delivery format must be checked with the specific provider.