Automatic translation by Google Translate.We cannot guarantee that it is accurate.
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.
PROGRAMME 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
- Applications are submitted electronically through the application portal
- Note: All required fields must be completed, requested documents uploaded, the application fee paid, and the application confirmed.
- Certified copies of diplomas (photocopies are not accepted), stamped by the issuing institution, along with a scanned academic transcript, must be uploaded.
- If supporting documents are incomplete, applicants will be notified by email and given an opportunity to amend their application.
- Applicants will receive confirmation once 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
Applicants notified
May / June 2026
Price list
Special instructions for the Department of Architecture
-
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 markings:-
If your folder is physical, you need to include a sheet of paper clearly stating your full name and social security number.
-
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 -
-
2. Cover letter
RequiredApplicants explain the reason for applying to the relevant study program.
-
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 are offered a place on the school campus are required to pay a registration fee to confirm their place on the school campus. See information about registration fee.
- Starting in the fall of 2026, tuition fees will be charged to applicants from countries outside the EEA, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Switzerland. More information about tuition fees.
- The results of the admissions committees are final and it is not obligatory to give a detailed explanation for the refusal of school accommodation.
-
4. Admission requirements
RequiredGeneral admission requirements are a matriculation examination, a final exam from an upper secondary school at the third qualification level,
equivalent to a degree from a foreign upper secondary school or a minimum of 60 ECTS credits from
recognized university. Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of diplomas and certified copies of
of the curriculum vitae.Admission to the school may be granted to applicants who possess knowledge and experience.
which is considered sufficient preparation for a bachelor's degree at the school. See more details on "Exceptions for Admission"Admissions committees evaluate applications based on submitted documents as well as interviews and/or entrance exams.
the relevant fields. The Dean of the Faculty appoints an admissions committee for each study programme in consultation with
department heads and admissions committees work according to procedures that are presented to applicants. -
5. Admission Exemptions
Admission to the school may be granted to applicants who possess knowledge and experience.
which is considered sufficient preparation for a bachelor's degree at the school.Applicants who do not meet the general admission requirements may apply for an exemption if they
completed, for example, numerous credits at the secondary school level, completed other final exams such as at the 4th grade.
level of proficiency or have other preparation that can prepare the person for study at
university level in the relevant study programme. Applications for exemption from general
admission requirements are assessed by professionals within the relevant department. The result of the assessment of
exemption applications is final. When assessing applications, interacting factors are taken into account, including
taking into account grades in secondary school studies, education in the arts, further education,
work experience and participation in community service. Each case is examined separately and may interact
these factors may have affected the outcome. Applicants are encouraged to explain all of this
which they believe can be used to support their application for exemption from general admission requirements
advancement.Admissions committees evaluate applications based on submitted documents as well as interviews and/or entrance exams.
the relevant fields. The Dean of the Faculty appoints an admissions committee for each study programme in consultation with
department heads and admissions committees work according to procedures that are presented to applicants.