Q: Does my home university need to be a formal partner of Bifröst for me to be eligible to enroll in the exchange program?

Yes. Bifröst limits enrollment in its exchange program to its partner institutions' students. If you would like to attend our program but your school is not in partnership with us, we encourage you to contact your international office to let them know of your interest in Bifröst, and you are welcome to let us know as well.

Q: How do I get to Iceland and once there, to Bifröst?

Most students fly to Iceland. Icelandair and IcelandExpress are the main airlines making scheduled flights to Iceland. The former offers more frequent flights out of a number of cities in Europe as well as the US. IcelandExpress is a low-fare airline which sells tickets on a one-way basis. There are scheduled buses to Bifröst daily. However, they are limited so you might have to check in at a hostel for a night or so.

Q: How do I go about securing accommodation at Bifröst?

We arrange on-campus housing for all exchange students. In the application form please select the type of room you would prefer. Most students choose a single room in student apartments (with private bath and shared kitchen) or in traditional dormitories (with shared bath and shared kitchen). Double rooms are also available for couples. Occasionally, exchange students wish to share a room with another student from their home institution and this is also possible if both students request it. Your accommodation request will be processed by the student housing authority and will be confirmed a few weeks before your arrival. You will be asked to pay the first month's rent the first business day after arrival by bank transfer, cash, or credit card.

Q: What is the rent for a typical room on campus?

The table below lists the types of rooms most commonly rented by exchange students, and the monthly prices in effect from 1 September 2008 (click for current exchange rates). Room sizes are approximate. Heat, hot water, electricity, and Internet access is included in the price. All rooms include basic furnishings (bed, desk, chair, clothes closet). All rooms have access to a kitchen which is shared with other rooms and equipped with pots, dishes, etc. Please contact us with any questions or special needs (for example, we also have family apartments for students with children).

Q: How far is the student housing from the university buildings?

 All student housing is within 300 metres (1/4 mile) from the school and lecture buildings. So students can walk to and from their homes to attend classes.

Q: Do I need to bring a laptop with me to Bifröst?

The entire study system at Bifröst is based on students having permanent access to a wireless laptop. In other words, you have to have one! If you do not personally own a laptop and there is no possibility that you can borrow one to bring with you, Bifröst can lend you one for the duration of your stay, for a modest fee.

Q: How many credits do I need to register for at Bifröst?

The general rule is that we expect all our exchange students to participate in courses on an equal footing with our local students. Therefore, 30 ECTS credits are the expected workload for all incoming students in the fall and spring terms. However, exceptions can be made in extenuating circumstances. During the summer term, when courses are taught consecutively, exchange students normally take only one course at a time, but may stay for as long as they wish.

Q: Will I need to pay tuition and/or fees for my stay in Bifröst?

If you are a registered student at one of Bifröst's partner schools tuition will be waived. Fees that you will incur are a deposit for an electronic key (refundable upon its undamaged return), fees for the use of the copy machine (optional), and the fee for borrowing a laptop computer if needed.

Q: Are there any scholarships available to international students coming to Bifröst?

Unfortunately Bifröst University cannot award any kind of scholarships to incoming international students. We suggest you check with organizations in your local communities for available scholarships for study abroad periods. Students coming from within the EU can also apply for a grant from the SOCRATES programme in their home country.

Q: Can I enroll directly in your bachelor's and master's programs?

Yes. More information can be seen at Master's Programmes.

Q: Will I take courses with Icelanders or just with other exchange students?

Exchange students take the same courses as Icelandic students. The only course that is specifically for exchange students is in Icelandic language and culture.  Most of the courses in English are elective courses for Icelandic students in the third year of their bachelor's program.

Q: What kind of facilities are available on the campus? 

The campus village has a population of around 800 people during the school year. Many Icelandic students bring their families with them to live on campus, so in addition to the university buildings there is a kindergarten on the campus. Furthermore there is a small food and book store, a café/pub, a laundry room, a bank machine, and a gym and sauna with hot pools which is open to students and their families free of charge. Students generally go in to the nearby town of Borgarnes once a week to shop at the supermarkets there.

Q: How far is Bifröst from the nearest town/city?

The town of Borgarnes (population 1800) is the nearest  to Bifröst, 30 km away (19 miles). In Borgarnes you'll find most necessary services such as a pharmacy, doctor, larger grocery stores, a swimming pool, video store, banking and auto repair. Reykjavík, the capital, is about 110 km (68 miles) from Bifröst. We recommend that you plan to stay at least one weekend there during your stay in Iceland. It is an exciting city with endless opportunities for dining, cinema, theater, movies, art exhibitions and clubbing.

Q: Do you offer an Icelandic language course for Erasmus students?

Yes. There is one course in Icelandic language each semester. Icelandic culture and language.