Preliminary University Studies

Do you want to enter a university program in Iceland but haven't finished college or secondary school education, or does your dream job require a college degree?

Keilir Academy in Iceland offers Preliminary Studies for a university education taught in English. The format of the education is distance learning and takes about two years. Graduating from the programme provides access to a number of different faculties at the University of Iceland. Keilir has been offering Preliminary University Studies in Icelandic since 2007 with over 1.500 students completing the program so far.

We offer you a route in Science and Engineering field. The Preliminary University Studies will provide you with a certification of completion of upper secondary education in Iceland, develop your academic skills for further education, strengthen your English and Icelandic language, increase employability opportunities and prepare you for a degree in the field of Science and Engineering at the University of Iceland.

Online Application

  • Study start and requirements

    No start date has been set for the program, but we hope to be able to offer the courses in late 2019.

    Acceptance into our program requires the following criteria to be met:

    • Applicants need to have finished at least 117 units (feiningar) in the Icelandic college system, or similar from a school abroad 
    • Applicants have preferable reached 23 years in age
    • Work experience can be evaluated if an applicant is a few units short of the minimum units required
    • General knowledge of the English language

    Click here to send in an application

  • Background

    The main objective of the Preliminary Studies programme is to prepare students, who have a vocational training and/or sufficient practical experience in industry, with the knowledge and competency necessary for further studies at university level. This program builds on the success of the Icelandic version of the Preliminary University Studies programme (Háskólabrú), which Keilir has been offering since 2007. Keilir has graduated more than 1500 students from the programme and the majority of them have gone on to study at university level.

  • Schedule

    Further information on the structure of the programme and each subject can be found here below. A reading list for new students can also be found here.

  • Course Structure

    The study takes about seven semesters and is structured so that students are able to keep a job during their studies. Keilir offers a study programme in one line of specification:

    • Engineering and Science field

    An on-site meeting (a weekend session) is held once for each course. This involves students coming to Keilir and meeting up with their teacher for two whole days, Friday and Saturday, from 9:00 to 16:00.

    It's very important that students attend the weekend session. The program is taught through lectures and assessed through different projects/assignments. Each subject ends with a final exam or a final project. 

  • Overview of Courses

    Autumn Semester 1 Credits Spring Semester 1 Credits
    Study and induction week 1 Math 1 6
    Information technology 6 English 1 6
    Icelandic 1 6 Math 2 6
        Icelandic 2 6
           
    Summer Semester 1 Credits Autumn Semester 2 Credits
    English 2 6 Icelandic traditions and culture 6
    Information technology and statistics 6 Chemistry 1 6
        Chemistry 2 6
           
    Spring Semester 2 Credits Summer Semester 2 Credits
    Math 3 6 Biology 1 6
    Physics 1 6 Biology 2 6
    Physics 2 6    
           
    Autumn Semester 3 Credits    
    Math 4 6    
    Icelandic 3 6    
           
    Total college units in Engineering and Science field: 109   

  • Tuition fees and financing

    The tuition fee for each course is 22.500 ISK*. The total tuition fees for the programme is 412.500 ISK**. The fees are paid for each semester at a time. Note that the program doesn't qualify under governmental student financial support in Iceland (LÍN). 

    * Excluding Nám og störf 7.500 ISK
    ** The price list is subject to change

    Regarding financing for students.

    It is not possible to get a student loan, because it is not a full-time study. But if you are an employee you should contact your union and check your rights for a scholarship.

  • Computers and Software

    Students have to bring their laptops to the weekend sessions. If needed, Office 2016 or Office for Mac are provided at school. 

  • Student Handbook

    Here you can find general information on facilities, school fees, protocols, services, computing and anything else related to your studies at Keilir. 

  • Student Counselling

    Student counsellors are available from Monday – Friday from 9:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00.

    Their job is to assist students with everything concerning the studies. That includes organizing, study techniques and special support for students with learning disabilities. Regarding learning disabilities, formal confirmation of diagnosis is needed. 

    If further information is needed contact namsradgjafi@keilir.net 

  • Transport and Accommodation

    There is public transportation available within the Reykjanesbær area, as well as a favorable price traveling with regular public transportation between Reykjanesbær and Reykjavík. 

    Here you can find further information about transportation between Reykjavík and Reykjanesbær.

    When attending the weekend sessions you can find sleeping accommodation here in Reykjanesbær. If you want to stay at Ásbrú, close to Keilir, you can get a favorable price at Start hostel. 

  • Contact Information

    If you need further information regarding the Preliminary Studies programme please contact unibridge@keilir.net