A joint application portal for all universities in Iceland is a progressive task in the field of IT at the university level, which the Minister of higher education presented to the Government last August. The application portal entails that instead of applying for a study on the website of each university, students apply through Ísland.is. The rectors of all the universities in Iceland have been consulted from the outset, and are positive toward the project.

Improved services for students and increased government oversight

The agreement signed today involves cooperation between the parties to the agreement on the development of an information system for use by all those who intend to study at university, as well as by public universities and other universities that have a service agreement with the government in force. The system provides increased opportunities for improved service for students and applicants for studying, which is reflected in, e.g., more detailed information on study availability, enrolment requirements, the structure of study programs, and study arrangements. The system also provides benefits for the authorities, who get an improved view of student applications, which can be used for policy-making and preparing the budget in each case.

The first version of the system is scheduled to be in operation for the academic year beginning in the autumn of 2024.

A collaborative project between Digital Iceland and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

Digital Iceland undertakes the contract to oversee work on the development of the system, including design, software development, and project management. The Ministry of Higher education, Science, and Innovation will be the owner of the system and be responsible for its functionality and characteristics as well as for communication with the universities and other users of the system. A steering group with representatives of the contracting parties will be appointed and will be responsible for ensuring the progress of the project.