If learning a unique European language while experiencing one of the world’s most fascinating cultures sounds like a dream summer, the Iceland Summer School Scholarship 2026 is an opportunity worth serious attention. Hosted by the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies in partnership with the University of Iceland’s Faculty of Humanities, this prestigious international summer programme invites students and language enthusiasts from across the world to immerse themselves in modern Icelandic language, history, and society.
Running from June 30 to July 24, 2026, this highly selective summer school offers a structured academic and cultural experience designed to give participants both language proficiency and deep cultural understanding within a short, intensive period.
Program Introduction
The International Summer School in Modern Icelandic Language and Culture is a globally recognized academic programme that combines language training with cultural exploration. Participants will gain direct exposure to Icelandic society, literature, history, and modern life while building practical language skills in a focused learning environment.
Two programme formats are available for 2026:
- On-campus programme in Iceland with 80 hours of intensive instruction and cultural excursions
- Online programme with 40 hours of structured virtual instruction and cultural lectures
Both options offer an academically rigorous experience with small class sizes, expert instructors, and a certificate from the University of Iceland upon successful completion.
What this Iceland Summer School Scholarship is Offering?
Participants receive access to a structured and immersive academic experience designed for both beginners and intermediate learners.
Academic learning and certification
- Intensive Icelandic language training delivered by expert instructors
- Cultural lectures covering history, literature, society, and geology
- Placement testing to ensure proper language level grouping
- Official certificate of participation and university transcript
- University credits: 10 ECTS credits for on-campus programmes, and 5 ECTS credits for online programme.
On-campus programme benefits
- 80 hours of classroom instruction and lectures
- Access to university facilities, computer labs, and campus resources
- Museum visits and manuscript exhibitions
- City sightseeing tour and multiple cultural excursions
- Day trips to historic and geological sites across Iceland
Online programme benefits
- 40 hours of structured instruction and cultural sessions
- Flexible scheduling suitable for multiple time zones
- Digital learning materials provided free of charge
- Small online class groups for personalized attention.
All participants receive electronic course materials free of cost and benefit from a highly interactive international learning environment.
Who this programme is for?
This opportunity is ideal for academically motivated individuals with a genuine interest in Icelandic language and culture. Eligible applicants include:
- University students of language, literature, or related disciplines
- Applicants who have completed at least one year of university studies
- Individuals planning to enroll in university in the same academic year
- Non-residents of Iceland
- Learners with beginner or intermediate knowledge of Icelandic
- Anyone passionate about Nordic culture, linguistics, or cultural studies
The programme is highly competitive, with approximately 35–40 seats available for the on-campus programme and around 8 seats for the online format.
Application Process: https://www.arnastofnun.is/en/international-summer-school-modern-icelandic-language-culture
When to apply
Applications for the Iceland Summer School Scholarship 2026 must be submitted before the annual deadline.
The last date to apply for the Iceland Summer School Scholarship 2026 in Modern Icelandic Language and Culture is February 15, 2026