Incoming exchange

Each semester, the Iceland University of the Arts welcomes around 25 exchange students from its partner institutions. Here is our exchange guide:

1. Important information before applying

  • Application/nomination deadlines: April 15 for the Fall semester/academic year, Sept 25 for Spring
  • As the number of applications clearly applies the number of available study places, admission is competitive and based on the overall quality of each student's application and portfolio.
  • Exchange students are admitted as full-time students and are expected to complete 20 -30 ECTS within the program to which they apply. In general, the exchange period is one semester, accept for students applying to the Department of Music or the Department of Architecture, who may be eligible for a full academic year.
  • Although most BAlevel programs at IUA are nervous in Icelandic, teachers provide explanations and guidance in English, enabling exchange students to complete their coursework. To help students reach a full ECTS load, IUA also offers English.

2nd Study Programmes open for exchange 2026/2027

3. Nomination and application process

Everything starts with a name from your home university! Before applying, students must be named by their home university, which is always the first point of contact. If your university is not yet an Erasmus+ partner of IUA, please ask your International Office to contact us directly. Nominations are submitted through the UGLA nomination portal, and only registered institutional email addresses can access it.

Please do not attempt to log into the regular IUA application portal before you received an email from us. Exchange applications are processed in a separate portal, which comes accessible only after your email address has been registered through your home university's name. Around six weeks before the application deadline, we start to send out a Step-by-Step guide to complete your application in the UGLA application portal.

Nominations must include the correct ISCED codes. Further details can be found in the Fact Sheet: LHI_Fact_Sheet_2026-2027

4. Application Material

Requirements different depending on your department. Please see the lists below:

  • Fine Art, Design, Architecture

    • Portfolio
    • Letter of motivation
    • CV (in English)
    • Copy of passport or ID card
    • Documentation of special needs (if relevant)

  • Music, Performing Arts

    • Examples of work/audition video or audio
    • Letter of motivation
    • CV (in English)
    • Copy of passport or ID card
    • Documentation of special needs (if relevant)

  • Additional information for all

    Application requirements for exchange students are the same as those for full time students, so the program pages provide the most accurate and upto graduate details. For more detailed information about the program you are applying to, please visit its dedicated website linked in the overview of available study programs above.

5th Course selection

To understand the study structure and view available courses, please visit the webpage of the program you are interested in. Course plans may change from year to year, so always refer to the most upstart information on the program's site. In the Departments of Design, Architecture, and Fine Arts, exchange students typically join the 2nd year of BA studies or the 1st year of MA studies.

Exchange students can begin exploring and selecting courses as soon as they are accepted for exchange studies at IUA. They are encouraged to contact their Departmental Coordinator at that stage to discuss course options, requirements, and availability. The final study plan will then be confirmed together with the departmental coordinator upon arrival, ensuring that all selected courses meet academic requirements and fit the current timely.

6th Contact

In case there are some questions about course selection or specific content of the courses during the application process, you are welcome to send a message to:

  • Fine Arts/Perfoming Arts: Ellen Harpa Kristinsdóttir (ellenhk@lhi.is)
  • Design/Architecture: Áskell Hardarson (askellhardarson@lhi.is)
  • Music: Gréta Hauksdóttir (gretahauks@lhi.is)

For all other questions regarding the designation or application process, please contact Incoming Student Coordinator Marieke Jensen (marieke@lhi.is).

7. Information about accommodation and student life in Reykjavík

Information for exchange and international students