Incoming exchange

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.

Information for 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.

IUA does not accept applications through email or regular post.

International coordinators nominate through IUA application portal here.

Nominations must include correct ISCED codes to be accepted, fact sheet below for more information:

LHÍ – FACT SHEET 2024-25

Please note that the following programmes do not accept exchange students every semester:

BA Contemporary Dance Practices (Not open for applications spring semester 2025 & autumn 2025)
BA Theatre (Not open for applications spring semester 2025)
BA Performance Making (Not open for applications spring semester 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

Application deadlines: Autumn semester & *full year: April 15

Spring semester: September 15

Please note that *only applicants in music and architecture:

-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).

Please note that all students must discuss the study programme with their departmental coordinator upon arrival.

Department of Performing Arts

BA Contemporary Dance Practices (Not open for applications autumn 2023, autumn and spring 2024 & autumn 2025)
BA Theatre (Not open for applications spring semester 2023)
BA Performance Making (Not open for applications autumn and spring 2024 & 2025)