Why study at RU?
A global university in the heart of Iceland's capital
Reykjavik University is a vibrant, student-centred university with an international faculty and students originating from all over the world. The core activities of the University are teaching and research with strong ties with industry and society, emphasizing interdisciplinary work, international context, innovation and service excellence. The RU culture is crafted by personal relations and respect for society and the environment.
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Strong international ranking position
Reykjavik University is ranked 301- 350th in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking, making RU the highest-ranked university in Iceland. For the third consecutive year, RU ranks highest of all universities for citations, which is an estimate of universities' research influence.
Hands-on learning
Reykjavik University is a small university with about 3500 students. Classes are small and interactive, and the atmosphere is informal. RU emphasises hands-on learning that prepares students for the challenges they will meet after graduation. This means working with other students and completing actual, real-world assignments and projects, often in collaboration with companies and institutions.
Focus on research
Reykjavik University has a clear and progressive research strategy, and students have varied opportunities to take part in research projects. RU's scientists are active participants in the international research community, and the faculty's research activity is measured by international standards. Research is carried out in centres hosted by academic departments. More about research at RU.
Modern Campus
Set in one of the most beautiful areas of Reykjavik, the newly built campus offers students modern, first-rate facilities. All of RU's operations take place under a single roof, where you'll find, for example, classrooms, a library, a gym, a cafeteria, well-equipped study areas and student rooms for group work.
Student Housing
RU student housing is a few minutes' walk from the University building. Students can apply for a reasonable price for single rooms, single apartments, apartments for couples, or family apartments. The accommodation is in great demand, so allocation is not guaranteed.
Reykjavik and Iceland
Iceland is ranked number one on the Global Peace Index. It is also one of the highest-ranked countries in the world in terms of health care, equality, education, and internet availability. Iceland is a large but sparsely populated country with just around 360,000 inhabitants. Reykjavik has great opportunities for outdoor activities, engaging in various hobbies, and boasts a lively art scene. Reykjavik is also known for its many geothermally heated outdoor swimming pools. Almost all the energy for heat and electricity in Iceland comes from renewable resources.
Enjoying nature
Many visitors are drawn to Iceland each year to experience the island's unique nature, its volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, black sands and unspoiled wilderness. The winters are dark, but summers have endless hours of daylight.
English proficiency
In Iceland, nearly everyone speaks English. International students should not have any problems communicating with Icelanders.
Applying for courses
Please see our application guide for more information.