Admissions

MSc Sustainable Energy Science

• Open to students from diverse fields, examples include: Natural Resources, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Architecture, Interdisciplinary Studies, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Business, Management
• Applicants must have completed calculus to ensure readiness for technical coursework. Suitable courses include Business Calculus, Engineering Calculus, or General Calculus, focusing on concepts like differentiation, integration, and real-world applications. Students missing these prerequisites should complete them before starting the program to excel in the interdisciplinary challenges of sustainable energy science.
• Minimum GPA Requirements: Icelandic Scale: 7.0/10 US Scale: 2.80/4.00

MSc Sustainable Energy Engineering

• Open to students with a degree in engineering, examples include: Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Mining, Petroleum, Operations, Geological, Mechatronics, Biochemical Energy
• Applicants are expected to have a foundational understanding of thermodynamics and some experience with programming (such as C++, Python, or similar). If your background lacks these areas, you may be able to complete the necessary prerequisites alongside your degree.
• To graduate with a master's degree in engineering and become a chartered engineer in Iceland, students must fulfil the requirements set forth by the Ministry of Industries and Innovation. See here for more information.
• Minimum GPA Requirements: Icelandic Scale: 7.0/10 US Scale: 2.80/4.00

MSc Electric Power Engineering

• Open to students with a degree in Electrical Engineering or related fields. A background in power systems is recommended
• Applicants are expected to have a foundational understanding of circuit analysis and some experience with programming (such as C++, Python, or similar). If your background lacks these areas, you may be able to complete the necessary prerequisites alongside your degree.
• To graduate with a master's degree in engineering and become a chartered engineer in Iceland, students must fulfil the requirements set forth by the Ministry of Industries and Innovation. See here for more information.
• Minimum GPA Requirements: Icelandic Scale: 7.0/10 US Scale: 2.80/4.00

Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency. Accepted certificates include:

• Minimum English language scores: TOEFL: 577 (PBT) or 91 (IBT) or above OR IELTS: 6.5 or above.
• The DAAD language certificate accepted (B2)
• Cambridge Certificate (B2).

English Proficiency Waivers

• The applicant’s first language is English.
• Applicant has completed a higher education degree (minimum of 3 years full-time) in English (confirmation certificate required).
• Applicants from Iceland, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are exempt.

To complete your application, please submit the following documents. All documents must be received before the application deadline. If you completed your undergraduate degree at RU and plan to continue your studies directly, a CV and personal statement are only required, as your records are already in the system.

Certified Copy of Academic Record

• Submit confirmed copies of your academic records, such as transcripts from your university and copies of your bachelor's or master's degree. An officially recognized and completed bachelor's degree is required for acceptance into the MSc program. Applicants currently completing a bachelor’s degree may apply, provided the degree will be completed before the start of the program.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Include details of your educational and professional history, along with any additional information that supports your application.

Personal Statement

• Provide a brief essay (up to 300 words) describing your future plans and how the MSc at the Iceland School of Energy at RU will help you achieve them.

Two Letters of Recommendation

• Submit two letters from individuals who know you well in an academic, professional, or community setting. These may include teachers, employers, or mentors. Recommenders should send letters directly to ise@ru.is.

We will not begin reviewing your application until all required documents have been submitted.

• Priority Application: October 1 - November 30 (Extended response time)
• Regular Application: December 1 - January 31
• Late Applications: February 1 - April 30 (Available only for those who do not require a visa to enter Iceland. Check here to see if you need a visa.)

• Priority Application: October 1 - November 30 (Extended response time)
• Regular Application: December 1 - April 30

ISE offers more than a traditional master´s degree. Our students are part of an international, interdisciplinary community. They benefit from:

• Small, discussion-based classes
• Regular site visits and fieldwork
• Direct access to industry leaders and researcher
• Courses taught by lectures and experts from around the world
• Strong ties to Iceland´s energy industry

To confirm your enrollment, a confirmation fee must be paid. This fee is credited toward your first tuition payment. 

Confirmation Payment Amounts

• Confirmation Fee: 65,000 ISK
• Student Residence Permit Fee: +16.000 ISK
  • You can opt for the university to cover the residence permit fee by adding 16,000 ISK to their confirmation payment. This amount will help non-EU/EEA citizens avoid extra transfer fees, with any excess applied to their initial tuition installment.

If you decide it's not the right time to attend the Iceland School of Energy after making the confirmation payment, you have two options:

1. Defer Enrollment: The payment can be applied to secure a place for the following year.
2. Renounce Acceptance: Formally cancel your spot in the program.

In both cases, the confirmation fee is non-refundable.

Residence Permit for Students

If you are a non-EU/EFTA citizen, you need to apply for a residence permit before arriving in Iceland. We will provide you information and support along the way on the process. To ensure timely processing, your application and supporting documents must be submitted by:

• June 1 for the fall semester
• November 1 for the spring semester

For detailed information and requirements, refer to the following links:

• Application
• Requirements
• Supporting Documents
• Residence Permit Granted
• Rights and Obligations

Contact the Directorate of Immigration

• Address: Dalvegur 18, 201 Kópavogur, Iceland
• Tel: +354-444-0900
• Email: utl@utl.is

Right to Renewal After Graduation

• Students who have completed their university studies in Iceland may renew their residence permit for up to three years after graduation, allowing them time to seek employment in their field of expertise.

Citizens of the European Union and European Economic Area planning to stay in Iceland for more than three months are required to obtain a residence permit. This permit can generally be applied for after arriving in Iceland.

Students staying longer than one term (3-4 months) must register as students at Registers Iceland by presenting their passports and other necessary documents.

For more details, visit Registers Iceland - Moving to Iceland

Registers Iceland

• Address: Borgartún 21, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
• Tel: +354-515-5300

• Fulbright Student Grants
  • Offers five full grants for US students, including a nine-month living stipend, $1,000 travel allowance, health insurance, and a baggage allowance. Available for all fields of study.
• Leifur Eiríksson Foundation Scholarships
  • Supports US citizens or residents for graduate research or study in Iceland and Icelandic citizens or residents to study in the US.
• The American-Scandinavian Foundation
  • Offers fellowships (up to $23,000) and grants (up to $5,000) for research or study in Scandinavia for up to one year. Available for all fields.
• Robert Kellogg Memorial Scholarship (University of Virginia)
  • Funds one scholar annually from the University of Virginia or Iceland for research or study in Iceland or at UVA. Open to all disciplines.

These scholarships are available for a range of international study opportunities:

• Fulbright Student Grants: Supports study for US students in various fields.
• Leifur Eiríksson Foundation Scholarships: Facilitates graduate research exchange between the US and Iceland.
• The American-Scandinavian Foundation: Awards fellowships and grants for research or study in Scandinavian countries.
• Robert Kellogg Memorial Scholarship: Available for UVA or Icelandic scholars in all disciplines.