Visa Types

Iceland Student Visa Insights

Apply to study in Iceland as an international student, extend your study permit and find out about working while You study or after you graduate.

Iceland Flag

Key Points for Iceland Study Visa >>>

Do you need a visa to travel to Iceland?

To visit Iceland, Indians will need a Schengen visa.

Iceland visa application is made online or offline?

You need to complete the visa application form online and also fill out the offline form completely (handwritten forms are not accepted). Once you’ve filled out the forms, you can print them and bring the printed copies to the VFS Global Visa Application Centre.

Do I need to give biometrics?

Yes, Biometrics are required to obtain a visa.

Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?

No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Iceland visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.

What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a study visa?

The maximum length of stay permitted on a student visa in Iceland is typically for the duration of the academic program.

What kind of visa will we acquire from Iceland?

It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.

Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)

CATEGORY

VISA FEE IN EURO

Adult Visa

90

Children Between 6 – 12 Years

45

 

Note:

  • Visa fees and service charges need to be paid in cash or by card.
  • Keep in mind that each application is checked separately, and there’s no guarantee that a visa will be issued. Also, visa fees and service fees cannot be refunded.
 

Step-by-step guide

Let us walk you through the process

  • First, figure out the visa type you need and make sure you're eligible to apply. Then, find out which documents you need to submit with your application, how long it might take, and the fees to pay.
  • Make sure your application follows the guidelines for your specific visa category. If your documents aren't in English, consider getting them translated before you apply.

  • Starting January 15, 2020, you should complete your visa application at http://visa.government.is/. After applying, print and sign the cover letter, and bring it along with supporting documents to the Visa Application Centre: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/isl/attend-centre. Remember to use the fully filled Visa Application form (Handwritten forms are not allowed starting from March 1, 2020).
  • If you need help with your Schengen visa application, VFS can assist you. If you don't require assistance, please fill out the visa application at http://visa.government.is/ before visiting the visa application centre. This will speed up the submission process.

  • After completing your visa form, you should schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to have your fingerprints and photo captured, which is referred to as 'biometric information.'
  • Upon booking your appointment, you will get an email confirming your appointment along with the appointment letter.
  • For families or groups, each member needs to schedule their individual appointments.

  • After submitting your application, you'll need to pay the visa application fee. If you download the form to print and take it to the Visa Application Centre, you can make the payment during your appointment.
  • The visa fee is payable at the Visa Application Centre.

  • You'll get an email when the decision is at the Visa Application Centre. For SMS updates or no easy email access, check for SMS tracking at your centre.
  • Also, track your visa online with Reference Number and last name from the invoice.

  • Once your visa application decision is made, you can collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre or choose to have it delivered by courier for an extra fee.
  • To collect your passport in person, bring the receipt from the Visa Application Centre and a government ID. If allowed, a representative can collect on your behalf with a letter of authorization, their government ID, and your receipt.
  • Check with the Visa Application Centre during opening hours for available document collection options.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

When applying for a student visa (Long term D visa) to Iceland from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:

  1. Visa Application Form: Completely filled and signed visa application form.
  2. Passport: A valid passport with at least two blank pages and validity extending beyond the intended period of stay.
  3. Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs adhering to the specifications outlined by the embassy.
  4. Acceptance Letter: An official acceptance letter from an accredited educational institution in Iceland, confirming your enrollment in a recognized study program.
  5. Proof of Financial Means: Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs during your stay in Iceland. This can include bank statements, scholarship letters, or affidavits of financial support.
  6. Travel Itinerary: Proof of round-trip flight reservations.
  7. Accommodation Proof: Confirmation of accommodation arrangements in Iceland, such as a rental agreement or a letter from the university dormitory.
  8. Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage that is valid in Iceland for the entire duration of your stay.
  9. Language Proficiency: Depending on your study program’s language of instruction, you might need to provide proof of language proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL scores).
  10. Police Clearance Certificate: Some countries require a police clearance certificate to ensure that the applicant has no criminal record.
  11. Medical Examination: Depending on the duration of your stay, you might need to undergo a medical examination to prove that you are in good health.
  12. Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written statement explaining your study plans, the reasons for choosing Iceland, and how the study program aligns with your career goals.
  13. Biometric Data: In some cases, you might need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) at a Visa Application Center.
  14. Visa Fee: Payment of the applicable visa fee, usually in the form of a bank draft or online payment.
  15. Previous Education Documents: Transcripts, diplomas, certificates, and other educational documents required by the educational institution for admission.
  16. Proof of Ties to India: Documents showing strong ties to India, such as property ownership, family relationships, or a job offer, to demonstrate your intention to return after studies.
  17. Declaration of Legal Status: If you are not a citizen of India but are applying from there, you might need to provide proof of your legal residence in India.

Important points:

  • Iceland is in the EEA, so if you’re from the EU, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, you can easily come to Iceland and stay as long as you want. But if you’re not from these places, you’ll likely need a visa to study in Iceland.
  • If you’re not from the European Economic Area or EFTA and want to study in Iceland for over three months, you need a valid student residence permit.
  • Most students are given residence permits for either six months, which is one semester, or for a year at a time if they’re pursuing a doctorate. It’s up to the applicant to make sure they apply to renew their permit at least four weeks before it runs out.

VISA APPLICATION FORMS

Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.

Application Form For a Long-Term Visa

Application Form For Residence Permit For Student

To ensure your residence permit is processed before the fall semester starts, apply by June 1st. For the spring semester, submit your application no later than November 1st.

 

VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES :

The process for applying for a Iceland study visa (Long term D type) from India typically involves the following steps:

  1. Check Visa Requirements: Visit the official website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration or the Icelandic consulate in India to understand the specific requirements for a long-term study visa (Type D).
  2. Choose a Study Program: Apply and get accepted into a recognized educational institution in Iceland for a study program that meets the requirements for a long-term study visa.
  3. Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents required for your visa application. These might include: A valid passport, Passport-sized photographs, Completed visa application form, Acceptance letter from the Icelandic educational institution, Proof of sufficient funds and etc.
  4. Appointment Booking: Schedule an appointment at the Icelandic consulate or visa application center in India. Some consulates require appointments to be booked online.
  5. Visa Application Submission: Attend your appointment and submit your visa application form and all required documents. You might also need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) during this visit.
  6. Pay Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee. The fee amount can vary based on your nationality and the duration of your intended stay.
  7. Interview: Be prepared for an interview during your consulate visit, where you might be asked about your study plans, financial situation, and other relevant details.
  8. Wait for Processing: After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for the processing period. Processing times can vary.
  9. Collect Visa: If your visa application is approved, you’ll be notified about how and when to collect your visa from the consulate.

Note:

  • Iceland is in the EEA, so if you’re from the EU, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, you can easily come to Iceland and stay as long as you want. But if you’re not from these places, you’ll likely need a visa to study in Iceland.
  • If you’re not from the European Economic Area or EFTA and want to study in Iceland for over three months, you need a valid student residence permit.
  • Most students are given residence permits for either six months, which is one semester, or for a year at a time if they’re pursuing a doctorate. It’s up to the applicant to make sure they apply to renew their permit at least four weeks before it runs out.

For more information about Residence permit for Student: Click here