Scholarships for Iceland
Pursue Studies in Icelandic Language or Renewable Energy
Icelandic study is not for everyone. The language is non-traditional and in many cases students are expected to at least be proficient. Students may pursue language and culture studies, environmental, as well as technological and industrial in nature. There are scholarships from all types of sources from private to government.
Study Abroad Organizations
The School for International Training (SIT) is one of the leading study abroad organizations. One of their newest programs is designed to offer students a comprehensive introduction to Iceland’s innovative use of renewable energy. A variety of student majors are qualified for this in-depth summer program entitled, Iceland: Renewable Energy, Technology, and Research Economics. Students may check with their home college for applicable scholarships or check out SIT’s scholarships:
- SIT Fund is an all around program built for students who can prove good academic records and financial need.
- Diversity Fund prefers students who have been traditionally underrepresented in a study abroad program.
- HBCU Scholarships are given to students who are enrolled in a Historically Black College.
Private Organizations
The American-Scandinavian Foundation provides educational fellowships for U.S. graduate students to study in Iceland. Those eligible must have dissertation research to conduct that is applicable to Icelandic studies. Proficiency in the Icelandic language is expected as well as recommendation from a faculty advisor. Fellowships are competitive and cover full costs for travel, expenses and associated tuition costs. Fellows must be able to stay in the country for a full year.
Government Programs
The Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture hosts a number of international students each year at the University of Reykjavik. U.S. students are advised to contact the Icelandic Embassy for notification when the U.S. is welcome to apply for scholarships. The Ministry scholarships cover a full-year of tuition at the University. A proficiency in the Icelandic language is preferred.
Scholarships for U.S. Students or Icelandic Students
The well-known Leifur Eiriksson Foundation provides the following scholarships opportunities for graduate students, either those in the U.S. or those in Iceland wishing to study in the U.S.:
- Leifur Eiriksson Scholarships are available to outstanding graduate scholars in the U.S. seeking study opportunities in Iceland and vice versa. Awards up to $25,000 possible for travel, expenses and associated tuition.
- Robert Kellogg Memorial Scholarships are designed to reward an outstanding grad student at the University of Virginia who is pursuing studies in Iceland or an Icelandic grad student who wants to study at UVA. Kellogg was a celebrated faculty at UVA who pioneered Icelandic Studies at UVA.
College and University Programs
By far one of the most popular and renowned programs is the University of Minnesota Summer Course in Modern Icelandic. This program offers a unique opportunity at an undergraduate level for students to become familiar with the language and literature of Iceland. Graduate students as well as those outside the U of M are also encouraged to apply. The summer course begins at UM and ends up with a short study program at the University of Iceland. Students should apply for scholarships both directly from the U of M and from the Department of German, Scandinavian and Dutch. Awards are granted on the basis of academic merit and financial need.
