Each semester the Iceland University of the Arts welcomes around 35 exchange students from partner institutions.
As the number of applications exceeds the number of available study places, the selection of students is based on the quality of their applications and portfolios.
Exchange students are admitted as full-time students and are expected to complete 20-30 ECTS, within the programme they have applied for, during their exchange semester.
The IUA only accepts exchange students for the period of one semester, with the exception of students applying to the Department of Music. Please find below the list of study programmes that are open to exchange students.
How to apply?
IUA only accepts applications through the UGLA application portal.
Only registered email addresses from partner institutions are accepted in the nomination portal.
Only registered email addresses from partner institutions are accepted in the nomination portal.
IUA does not accept applications through email or regular post.
Please note that the following programmes do not accept exchange students every semester:
BA Contemporary Dance Practices (Not open for applications autumn semester 2022, autumn 2023, spring & autumn 2025)
BA Theatre (Not open for applications spring semester 2022, spring semester 2023)
BA Performance Making (Not open for applications spring & autumn semester 2022, spring & autumn 2025)
BA Theatre (Not open for applications spring semester 2022, spring semester 2023)
BA Performance Making (Not open for applications spring & autumn semester 2022, spring & autumn 2025)
Prepare the following before starting your online application:
Fine Art, Design, Architecture:
Portfolio
Letter of Motivation
CV in English
Photocopy of passport / ID Card
Documents confirming special needs, if needed
Music, Performing Arts:
Examples of work / Audition Recording or Video
Letter of Motivation
CV in English
Photocopy of passport / ID Card
Documents confirming special needs, if needed
Please note that only applicants in music:
-can only apply for a whole academic year through the spring deadline. Applicants for all other programmes applying for spring semester must apply through the autumn deadline.
-can apply for the whole academic year. Applicants for all other programmes can only apply for a single semester.
Please note:
IUA does not accept applications through email or regular post.
The following study programmes are able to host exchange students:
To view the study structure and available courses, please visit the website of each programme. Please note that course plans can be subject to change.
In the departments for Design, Architecture and Fine Arts exchange students participate in 2nd year (BA students) and 1st year (MA students).
In the departments for Design, Architecture and Fine Arts exchange students participate in 2nd year (BA students) and 1st year (MA students).
Please note that all students must discuss the study programme with their departmental coordinator upon arrival.
Department of Design and Architecture
Department of Fine Art
Department of Music
BA Creative Music Communication
BA Composition
MA Compostition
MMus New Audiences and Innovative Practice (NAIP)
BA Composition
MA Compostition
MMus New Audiences and Innovative Practice (NAIP)
Department of Performing Arts
BA Contemporary Dance Practices (Not open for applications autumn 2023, spring & autumn 2025)
BA Theatre (Not open for applications spring semester 2023)
BA Performance Making (Not open for applications spring & autumn 2025)
BA Theatre (Not open for applications spring semester 2023)
BA Performance Making (Not open for applications spring & autumn 2025)