As part of our mandate to promote Icelandic language and culture, the Icelandic Association of Washington DC is bringing back our scholarship program. This time we are offering two scholarships to study Icelandic at the University Centre of the Westfjords in Ísafjörður.
About the Program
This is a three-week total immersion beginners program A1-A2 in Icelandic, starting July 27 running through August 14, 2025. It is highly recommended to complete the basic survival course in Icelandic online. https://icelandiconline.com/. This is an easy course that you can do at your own pace. Please visit the website for the University Centre of the Westfjords for more information about applications to their program and any prerequisites.
https://www.uw.is/en/events/islenskunamskeid-byrjendur-a1-a2-1
https://www.uw.is/en/study/icelandic-courses/beginners-a1
What is included in our scholarship program?
- Tuition Cost is ISK 95,000 equating to $675 at the current exchange rate.
- Partially subsidized airfare for up to $500 per student from Dulles to Keflavik, Iceland (IAD-KEF) via Icelandair.
What is not included?
The student is responsible for arranging their own travel, lodging and meals, including ground transportation to and from airports, and to Ísafjördur. The University of Westfjords does not provide meals.
Who can apply?
Current members and their immediate family, 18 years old or older.
How do I apply?
Please submit an essay of no less than 500 words telling us about yourself and why you think you should receive this scholarship. We would like to hear about why you are interested in learning Icelandic, what your personal connection to Iceland is, how you are affiliated with the association, and what Icelandic Association activities you have participated in.
In addition to the standard contact information, please also include the following information.
- Full name (First MI Last)
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Telephone (best number to reach you)
Applicants must submit their own application to the program and complete necessary prerequisites before the scholarship is paid to the university.
Application Deadline
Send your application to scholarships@icelanddc.com by May 15, 2025.
Practicalities
Getting to Ísafjördur
You are responsible for getting from Reykjavik Airport to Ísafjördur. Daily flights are available. You can also choose to take a bus, or if you are old enough and have sufficient driver privileges you can rent a car.
Staying in Ísafjördur
You will need to find your own housing during the stay. In addition to traditional hotels and guesthouses which can cost up to $3,000 for three weeks there are a limited number of rooms available at the University’s Student Housing that cost around $1,200 for the period.
Eating out every day during your stay can be expensive so we recommend shopping for your own food at local grocery stores.Students can expect to spend about $140 every 2-3 days or so on food. Fast food lunch can cost you $20-$40 per meal.
Visas
US Citizens do not require a visa to enter Iceland as tourists for a stay of fewer than 90 days. The total stay within the Schengen area must not exceed 90 days in any period of 180 days.
Please note, that US Citizens must have a passport that is valid for 3 months beyond their intended stay in Iceland.
Detailed information can be found on the website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration: https://island.is/en/o/directorate-of-immigration
Disclaimer
The Icelandic Association of Washington DC is in no way affiliated with the University Centre of the Westfjords or its program, and offers this scholarship as a public service to its membership. Scholarship applicants will assume all risk and responsibility for their participation in this program and their visit to Iceland, including any travel related expenses, risks, injuries or accidents. The Icelandic Association is not responsible for lost items, missed flights or ground transportation from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik and Ísafjörður and back.
Following completion of the course, scholarship winners are required to present an essay or series of articles, or other engaging media, discussing their experience along with photographs that may be published by the association on its website. Scholarship applicants also agree to allow the publication of their name and picture publicly to announce the scholarship.