The Fulbright U.S. Student Program and the Fulbright Commission in Iceland offer one cost-shared grant, with the Icelandic Ministry of Culture, for modern Icelandic studies at the University of Iceland.
The grantee spends mid-August to mid-May in Reykjavik on language training plus Icelandic literature, linguistics and history, in a program run by the Árni Magnússon Institute. The 2027–28 round closed on 6 October 2026; the next opens in spring 2027.
Benefits & funding
- US$2,100 a month for up to 9 months (can shorten slightly, generally not below 8)
- Tuition and registration fees; the university’s application fee is not covered
- US$1,000 travel grant and US$300 baggage allowance
- Accident and sickness cover
- No support for dependents
Eligibility
- US citizens or nationals at the deadline; permanent residents and dual US–Icelandic citizens are not eligible
- A bachelor’s degree by the grant start; not open to anyone who holds or will hold a PhD by the deadline
- Not open to anyone who lived abroad five or more of the six years before the deadline
- Basic Icelandic meeting the entry level for the BA in Icelandic as a Second Language (about Icelandic Online 1 and 2)
- Only for those starting the program, not already enrolled; up to a year’s past residence in Iceland is allowed
- Under 35 and no prior Iceland residence are preferred, not required
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
“Applicants who currently hold or will hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) by the national application deadline. … Anyone who has resided abroad for five or more years in the six-year period preceding the national application deadline.” Eligibility
Eligible nationalities
USA
Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Bachelor
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Application process
- 1Apply in the Fulbright online application, choosing this award, by the national deadline (6 October 2026 for 2027–28).
- 2Apply separately to the University of Iceland by 1 February; an acceptance letter is needed before the grant starts.
Program timeline
6 October 2026
2027–28 application closed
initial notification
End of January 2027
University of Iceland application due
1 February 2027
final decisions, on a rolling basis
March–June 2027
Mid-August 2027
grant starts (ends mid-May 2028)