Icelandic upper secondary schools offer education in a credit or class system, which provides preparation for further studies or vocational qualifications.
Education in upper secondary school is not mandatory, but everyone has the right to schooling until the age of 18.
Open for applications:
Enrollment for spring semester 2026 : 1. november - 1. december 2025
How to apply
Log in with electronic credentials (student or guardian).
The applicant starts by accepting data collection, which includes obtaining personal information from the national registry.
Applications are made for two schools and two programs within each school. However, there is also the option for 10th grade students to add a third school to the application.
Attach supporting documents with the application if necessary. Examples of supporting documents include:
Certificates or specific information about specific learning difficulties.
Educational history from foreign schools and special schools. Such documents may also be sent directly to the relevant school by mail or by requesting the primary school to send them.
Do not send primary school records or assessment documents with the applications.
When primary schools conclude in the spring, students' school grades (final certificates) are transferred electronically to the schools they applied to.
Eligibility
Those who have completed primary school education, primary school exams, obtained equivalent foundational education, or are 16 years old can start studying in upper secondary school.
We strongly encourage students to check the admission requirements of the schools they are interested in before applying. The admission requirements can be found on the respective school´s website.
What happens next?
After the enrollment closes, it is not possible to change the application.
Upper secondary schools select students based on the criteria set by the respective school.
Confirmation of school placement
The secondary school that accepts your application will send you:
Confirmation of enrollment
A payment slip for enrollment fees with a specified payment deadline
If you do not pay the fee on time, it will be considered that you do not accept the offered school placement, thereby forfeiting your right to school placement for the relevant term.
If you do not receive a school placement
New applicants (nýnemi): If you do not receive a place in any of the upper secondary schools you apply to, the Directorate of Education and School Services (MMS) will arrange a school placement for you.
Other applicants: If you are under 18 years old, you have the right to a school placement. You can request assistance from MMS by contacting innritun@midstodmenntunar.is.
Do you need further assitance?
If you have any questions, please send us an email to: innritun@midstodmenntunar.is
Service provider
Directorate of Education and School Services