Overview of the General Education System

Iceland’s education system has developed alongside a strong national literacy, storytelling, and cultural preservation tradition. Literacy has long been a valued skill in Icelandic society, dating back to the medieval period. Early scribes' recording of the Norse sagas reflects this deep historical respect for education and literature.

In the early 20th century, the country formalized its educational policies by introducing compulsory education in 1910 for children between 10 and 14. In 1946, this requirement was extended to include all children aged 6 to 16, which reflects a national move toward universal basic education.

Today, Iceland’s education system is structured into four primary levels. The pre-primary education, compulsory education, upper secondary education, and higher education. The system is primarily publicly funded, with very few private schools. The central government holds overall responsibility for all education levels.

Iceland sets policy through the Ministry of Education and Children and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. These ministries prepare national curricula, set educational goals, promote innovation, and ensure quality standards. Local municipalities are responsible for running pre-primary and compulsory schools in their area. This division allows for shared governance while maintaining national oversight.

Pre-primary education is considered the first stage of schooling in Iceland, but it is not mandatory. The Preschool Act No. 90/2008 defines the legislative framework for early childhood education. While the law does not specify a minimum age, municipalities are required to provide preschool services. Over 95% of children aged 2 to 3 are enrolled in preschools, which reflects strong access and public demand. Preschool education includes special education services and psychological support, coordinated between municipalities and the Ministry of Education and Children.

Compulsory education follows a single-structure model called grunnskóli, which combines primary and lower secondary education. Following compulsory education, students enter upper secondary education (framhaldsskóli), which is not mandatory but is guaranteed by law to all who complete compulsory schooling. Students are generally between the ages of 16 and 20.

There are four types of upper secondary schools: grammar schools, industrial-vocational schools, comprehensive schools, and specialized vocational schools. These schools offer general academic programs, vocational training, or a blend of both. The most common structure is a three-year academic track that ends in a matriculation exam, which qualifies students for university admission. Vocational programs vary in length and specialization, with many also offering matriculation pathways.

As of 2022, Iceland's gross secondary school enrollment rate was 113%, which includes older students or those who took longer to finish their studies. According to World Bank data, primary school enrollment rates also remain high, with the gross primary school enrollment rate at 98.51% in the same year. Iceland also maintains a very high rate of literacy. According to the U.S. Career Institute, the adult literacy rate is 99%, which is a reflection of the country’s long-standing commitment to education and access to learning.

Compulsory education in Iceland is defined by a single-structure system that combines primary and lower secondary levels. This unified system is known as grunnskóli and is embedded in the Compulsory School Act No. 91/2008. Education is mandatory for children aged 6 to 16, which covers ten years of uninterrupted schooling. The same school generally serves students across all ten grades, simplifying the transition between educational stages.

Local municipalities are responsible for operating and administering compulsory schools. They oversee staff employment, facilities, and student services, while the Ministry of Education and Children ensures alignment with national standards and curriculum. The curriculum is designed to be inclusive and aims to meet the needs of all learners, including those with disabilities and exceptional academic abilities.

Although compulsory education is comprehensive and publicly funded, schools have the autonomy to implement pedagogical strategies suited to their communities. During this period, all students have the right to free education, textbooks, and learning materials. Special education services are also mandated, and pupils receive support tailored to their needs. The system emphasizes the importance of equality, participation, and holistic development.

Higher education in Iceland is regulated by the Higher Education Act No. 63/2006 and monitored by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. The ministry is responsible for granting accreditation to higher education institutions (HEIs). They also set learning outcome standards, and oversee external quality assurance processes. These functions are guided by the National Qualification Framework for Iceland No. 80/2007, which aligns with the Bologna Process.

Eight accredited institutions offer higher education in Iceland, the majority of which are public and state-funded. Three are privately operated but receive state support. The institutions differ in focus and size. Some specialize in areas like agriculture, the arts, or education, while others provide a wide range of academic and professional programs. The University of Iceland is the largest, offering eleven faculties that include medicine, law, social sciences, engineering, and theology.

Entry into higher education requires a matriculation certificate, earned upon completion of upper secondary school. However, some institutions may admit applicants without this credential if they have sufficient work experience or have completed equivalent studies abroad.

Each university is responsible for its own curricula, research agenda, and internal assessments. External quality control is carried out through national reviews coordinated by the Quality Board for Icelandic Higher Education, which oversees both institutional and subject-level evaluations.

Iceland's higher education system is structured around a three-cycle model, which aligns with the European standard known as the Bologna Process. The first cycle consists of Bachelor’s degrees, including Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). These programs require between 180 to 240 ECTS credits and usually take three to four years to complete. Graduates of the Bachelor of Education program are specifically qualified to teach at the compulsory school level, providing a pathway for those interested in an educational career.

Moving to the second cycle, the Candidatus degrees, known as Kandidatsgráða, require four to six years of study. These degrees are tailored to prepare students for specific professional fields and ensure that graduates have the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the workforce effectively.

The third cycle in Iceland's education system encompasses Master's degrees, such as Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.). These programs require two years of postgraduate study and culminate in a research thesis. It also allows students to delve deeply into their chosen area of study and contribute to academic knowledge.

Finally, for those pursuing the highest level of academic achievement, Doctoral degrees (Ph.D.) are offered by institutions like the University of Iceland. These degrees require extensive research and the defense of a doctoral dissertation, which represents a significant contribution to the field of study. Additionally, postgraduate certificates are available, which can be obtained after one year of advanced study in certain disciplines.