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Skoða vefinn á ÍslenskuB.Arch in Architecture
B.Arch–a degree in architecture prepares students to participate in shaping society with aesthetics, equality, sustainability, and critical thinking as guiding principles.
Information is provided in Icelandic for study programs that have Icelandic as the primary language of instruction.
About the programme
B.Arch-studying architecture is a 180-unit course for those who want to take part in the shaping of society with aesthetics, equality, sustainability and critical thinking as a guiding principle. Students develop their own artistic sensitivity, personal approach and technical competence, whether in speech, writing or space. They learn to take an active part in the shaping of what exists, whether in a city or in nature, and working with others is an important part of that, as architecture is by its very nature teamwork. They learn to be active and critical members of society who are aware of the ethical and environmental consequences of their actions and are given tools in their hands to change for the better through architecture.
Study structure
The program is three years divided into two fifteen-week semesters for 180 ECTS. The program consists of workshops (114 ECTS), academic courses (56 ECTS) and technical courses (10 ECTS).
- The first year of study focuses on experiments with space and form. The basic concepts and working methods of architecture are introduced with an emphasis on hand drawing and modeling.
- The second academic year focuses on the city. Students learn to analyze a neighborhood and design a building in the urban landscape at the same time as they learn basic computer programs.
- The third year of study focuses on the countryside and interaction with nature and encourages the transformation of existing buildings. Students write a final thesis in the fall semester, while the spring semester is devoted to the final project.
After graduation
After completing three years of study, students graduate with a B.Arch degree in architecture, which enables them to apply for postgraduate studies in the field and subsequently gain full professional qualifications as architects. A B.Arch degree in architecture is useful for a variety of projects and jobs related to the environment, society and other creative disciplines.
Application and admission process
- The electronic application is filled out in the application portal.
- Note: you must fill in all fields marked with a star and attach the requested documents, pay the application fee and confirm the application.
- A certified copy of the diploma (a photocopy is not valid) with a stamp from the relevant school and a scanned curriculum vitae and attached to the electronic application.
- If supporting documents are not in order, the applicant will receive a mail and the option to correct the application.
- The applicant receives confirmation that the electronic application is valid.
- If the number of applicants meeting the admission requirements for the study programme falls below the minimum threshold, the programme will not be offered for the upcoming academic year. Applicants will be informed of this decision as soon as possible, and any confirmation fees paid will be refunded.
Open for applications
January 14th, 2026
Application deadline
April 13th, 2026
Applications answered
May / June 2026
Price list
Special instructions for the Department of Architecture
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1. Folder/Portfolio
RequiredApplicants shall collect samples af works their together in folder/portfolio other whether á material or electronic forms.
The works should reflect the student's personal vision, shed light on his main topics of interest, and from them it should be possible to read what talent the applicant has for original creation and presentation of his ideas.
It is not necessary that all the works are completed or that they are implemented to the utmost, on the contrary, it is important that there are also any kind of sketches, drawings, photographs or text. All works in the folder/portfolio must be the author's work of the applicant, if a work has been done in group work or collaboration, it is necessary to state this.
The applicant himself has to assess what fits within the portfolio, but it is important that it reflects his abilities, skills and vision of the profession through creative work. Content outside the folder, such as links or references to other documents, is considered additional content and is not guaranteed to be viewed.
Submission deadline for material or electronic folder is April 13th, 2026If it is a physical folder, it should be delivered or sent by mail to the LHÍ office:
Iceland University of the Arts, Faculty of Architecture
Stakkahlíð 1
105 Reykjavik
If a folder is sent by mail, the postmark must be dated at the latest April 13, 2026. The folder should be sent by traceable mail and the envelope should be marked with Application architecture.
We ask that you carefully read the instructions below regarding folder labeling:
Please note that it is necessary to indicate in the starred field in the application portal that a material folder/portfolio will be returned.
If you are applying to more study programs or departments, you must submit an application and a portfolio for each study program/department.
Folder meaning:-
If your folder is physical, you need to include a sheet of paper clearly stating your full name and social security number.
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If your folder is electronic, you need to save the file with your full name and ID number.
If a folder/portfolio is posted
If the folder/portfolio is sent by post, the postmark must be dated at the latest April 13, 2026.
The folder/portfolio should be sent by trackable mail and the envelope should be marked with both the sender and the application number.Address of the Department of Architecture
Iceland University of the Arts, Faculty of Architecture
Stakkahlíð 1, 105 Reykjavík -
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2. Cover letter
RequiredApplicants explain the reason for applying to the relevant study program.
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3. Admission process
An admissions committee is appointed for each program.The committee is made up of two to three experts in the relevant field, who choose from among the applicants.The admission process is as follows:- Applications evaluated by the admissions committee. Applicants who pass the admissions committee's assessment are included in a sample group and are invited to an interview.
- Interview. The applicant's interest in the prospective study, his attitude and attitude towards the profession are examined
NOTE:- The admissions committee is authorized to request a special project from the applicant if it is deemed necessary.
- All applicants will be sent an electronic response to applications in May/June.
- Applicants who have received a school placement must pay a confirmation fee of ISK 75.000, which is sent to their home bank.
- The results of the admissions committees are final and it is not obligatory to give a detailed explanation for the refusal of school accommodation.
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4. Admission requirements
RequiredIt is assumed that the applicants have completed a matriculation exam or similar studies.
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5. Exemptions due to intake
The University of the Arts is authorized to grant admission to the school to those applicants who possess knowledge and experience that is considered adequate preparation for a bachelor's degree program at the school.
The applicant must have completed no less than 105 credits from the old system of the secondary school level or 150 credits from the new system.
In order to get an exemption for approval of a school stay, an applicant who does not meet the requirements for education (matriculation certificate or similar program) must demonstrate excellent competence, knowledge and vision of the profession with a submitted portfolio.