Matriculation exam programme

The matriculation exam programme is preparation for studying at a university level, however it does not ensure admittance to all university programmes either here in Iceland or abroad.

Certain schools have their own policies regarding requirements for admittance and in some instances applicants must take an entrance examination, for instance the faculty of medicine. Students applying to art universities must turn in a portfolio. It is necessary that students who plan on applying to a particular school or programme familiarise themselves with the requirements so that they may best prepare themselves.

The new law on secondary school education states that core credits in the matriculation programme are now 45 credits in Icelandic, English and mathematics. Schools and students decide themselves how to organise the rest of their credits and what programmes will be on offer. Any schools that are offering new programmes must advertise.

The programme is intended to give students a solid foundation and basic knowledge in academics with the emphasis on foreign language learning, such as English, Danish, and at least 2 other languages. The programme prepares students for continuing at a university level, especially programmes requiring good knowledge and skills. The programme duration is 4 years and 140 credits. The credits are divided as such: 98 credits in the core subject, 30 credits in specialised courses, and 12 credits in the electives. Students may choose between a few areas of specialisation such as languages, tourism, and ancient and modern languages. Programmes vary between schools and information regarding courses on offer is on the website of each school.