The purpose of the Icelandic as Second Language program at Bifröst University is to provide those who do not have Icelandic as their first language opportunity to study the language in order to prepare themselves for University studies in Icelandic. The courses also empower students to use Icelandic in work and play.
The classes in the program span levels A.1.2 to B.2 on the European Language framework. Students take a language assessment test at the beginning of their studies so they start with a class that fits their abilities. Classes are online and designed as part-time so students can study alongside work or other studies, such as the University Gateway. Students take one course at a time.
Students who do not meet general admission requirements for universities and also need preparation in Icelandic as Second Language can take the University Gateway program and the Icelandic program together. If taken together, the programs support each other. Those who do meet general admission requirements for university and only need language preparation can take the program in Icelandic on its own.
Bifröst University applies flipped learning which means that students watch lectures online and attend online classes for discussion and to work on projects. Students are expected to actively participate in classes.
Admission requirements
Those who have abilities in Icelandic as Second Language at level A.1.2. on the European Language framework can start the program.
When applied to the program for the first time students take a language assessment test where their abilities are evaluated according to the European Language framework so they can start with a course that fits their abilities. Applicants might have to wait until a class that fits their abilities is available.
Here you can see the course plan of the Icelandic as Second Language program
Program structure and progression of studies
The program is designed so that those who are at level A.1.2 og A.2.1 when they start should be able to reach level B.1.2 in two years. Students take assessment in order to start a new level so the studies can take shorter or longer. Each level is divided into two six-week courses, and each course equals 5 credits at the upper-secondary school level. Students can expect to spend 15-20 hours a week on each course. Additional courses might be offered, such as Icelandic reading or intensive courses. Typical progression of a student who starts at level A.1.2 would be:
| LEVEL A (first year) | LEVEL B (second year) |
| Haust lota 1 | Haust lota 1 |
| Íslenska sem annað mál A.1.2 | Íslenska sem annað mál B.1.1 fyrri hluti |
| Haust lota 2 | Haust lota 2 |
| Íslenska sem annað mál A.2.1 fyrri hluti | Íslenska sem annað mál B.1.1 seinni hluti |
| Vor lota 1 | Vor lota 1 |
| Íslenska sem annað mál A.2.1 seinni hluti | Íslenska sem annað mál B.1.2 fyrri hluti |
| Vor lota 2 | Vor lota 2 |
| Íslenska sem annað mál A.2.2 fyrri hluti | Íslenska sem annað mál B.1.2 seinni hluti |
| Sumarlota | Sumarlota |
| Íslenska sem annað mál A.2.2 seinni hluti | Akademísk íslenska. B.2 |
Registration fee
The price for each credit unit is ISK 3.750, so each 5 credit class costs ISK 18.750. When application is approved the student pays a confirmation fee of ISK 37.750, for 10 credits. The remainder of the registration fee will be billed after the deadline is due for changes in course registration.
Opportunities for further studies at the completion of the University Gateway program
A student who has passed assessment for Icelandic abilities at level B.1.2 can start undergraduate programs at Bifröst University if he meets general admission requirements. Those who do not meet general admission requirements for university can take the University Gateway program.