UNAK application portal
Applying to UNAK?
Applications to the University of Akureyri are submitted online through the UNAK application portal. All applicants must first create an account.
Create an account
- Go to the UNAK application portal.
- Create an account using one of the following methods:
Applicants with an Icelandic ID number (kennitala)
- Log in using electronic ID (rafræn skilríki).
- Important: Use an email address that will remain active throughout the application and enrolment process.
Applicants without an Icelandic ID number
- Create an account using your email address.
- Important: Complete all fields carefully and ensure the information matches your supporting documents.
Applicants with an Icelandic ID number but without electronic ID
- Create an account using your email address and contact nemskra@unak.is with your ID number.
How to apply? Step by step
The start page contains useful information about the application process.
- To apply for a programme, select “New Application – Study Programmes”
- You can search for programmes by: programme name, study level or academic field
- Note: It is not possible to search by field of specialisation.
- Programmes open for application are marked with a green “Apply” button.
- If there is no green button, applications are not currently open.
- To view further details, click “More Info”.
- When you click “Apply”, the application form will open in a new tab:
- Read all instructions carefully
- Complete all fields
- Pay particular attention to required fields marked with an asterisk (*)
- Remember to include all required supporting documents with your application.
- If there is no option to upload required documents, you can email them to nemskra@unak.is
- At the bottom of the form, choose one of the following:
- Save application to complete it later
- Submit application to send it for processing
- Cancel to withdraw your application (unsaved information will be lost)
Application fee (international applicants)
Applicants with citizenship outside the EEA/EFTA must pay a €50 application fee before their application is processed.
A card payment window will appear after clicking “Submit application”.
Tracking your application
You can monitor your application under “Application Overview”.
This section shows:
- application status
- submitted documents
- messages from the Student Registry
- If additional information is required: a message will appear in the portal and you will also receive an email notification
You can cancel your application at the bottom of the “Application Overview” page. Cancelled applications will not be processed.
After your application has been reviewed
If your application is accepted:
- an acceptance letter will appear in “Application Overview”
- you can pay the registration fee in the same place
- Important: If the registration fee is not paid within the stated deadline, your place will be considered declined.
If your application is rejected:
- a rejection letter will be available in “Application Overview”
Is your application valid?
Your application is not valid if you have not submitted all the necessary accompanying documents:
- CV (curriculum vitae)
- Statement of your objectives and expectations regarding the studies
- Transcript of records
- Copy of passport
- Two letters of reference
What is a certified transcript?
A certified transcript is a hard copy document issued by the educational institution on its official paper, signed and certified by the institution with the institution’s stamp in colour, or otherwise certified by an accredited, official authority.
Key dates & deadlines
What is the application deadline?
Application deadlines for degree-seeking students:
- 1 March NON-EU/EEA residents applying for Polar Law
- 1 April NON-EU/EEA residents (other programmes)
- 5 June EU/EEA residents
When will I know whether or not I will be admitted to the University?
Applications will be responded to:
- At the start of May for NON-EU/EEA CITIZENS - May vary between different Study Programmes
- At the latest around mid-July for EU/EEA CITIZENS
Responding time for applications for study programmes taught at the University Center of the Westfjords may vary. For information regarding applications send e-mail to applications@uw.is
You confirm your admission by paying the registration fee.
- The registration fee is non-refundable
Admission Requirements
What are the admission requirements for HA?
Please familiarise yourself with information on the language of instruction.
Icelandic matriculation examination (stúdentspróf: school leaving examination after three years of secondary school) or equivalent or at least 60 ECTS from a recognized University.
Students who apply for admission to graduate programmes must have completed a BA or BSc degree or comparable three-year university studies with a first-class grade (7.25).
The admission requirements differ between Schools.
What is the language of instruction?
The principal language of instruction is Icelandic. Students need to demonstrate knowledge of the language of instruction. Both Schools offer some courses in English and some Faculties allow international students to take their examinations in English during the first semester of study. This is, however, always subject to the approval of each School and individual instructors.
See more information here
Fees & payments
Do I have to pay an application fee?
Citizens of countries outside EEA/EFTA (exempting the Faroe Islands and Greenland) are required to pay a fee of 50 EUR for the handling and processing of their applications. The fee is charged as part of the online application process. The handling and processing fee is not refundable.
How much is the registration fee?
Students at UNAK pay an annual registration fee of ISK 100,000.- but not school fees. There are no scholarships available.
New students pay the registration fee in Ugla´s application portal. Ugla is the name of the student system at UNAK. Students pay the registration fee through Ugla following their annual registration.
The registration fee must be paid by, July 4th. Please note that payment deadlines can vary between different study programmes. After July 4th the registration fee will be ISK 86,250.-
By paying the fee, the applicant confirms his place at UNAK the following school year. If you have not paid the registration fee on August 4th you are considered to have turned down your place at UNAK the following school year and have to apply again in the next year if you wish to study at UNAK.
Are there any scholarships available?
No, there are no scholarships available.
Before you start
Do I have to take classes in person at the University of Akureyri?
Yes, except for undergraduate studies in Business. Námslota (meaning study sessions) take place in Akureyri. Námslota is held regularly throughout the school year, but their number and length vary between Study Programmes. Námslota is held one, two or three times per semester and can last two to five days at a time. Students are required to attend the sessions and be active during them.