Public Service Interpreting in Iceland
A community-curated guide by Iranian-Icelandic Community
About the Programme
The University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands) offers a Public Service Interpreting programme (Samfélagstúlkun) which enables you to work as a certified interpreter in government offices, healthcare, and courts. Important note: This programme is only offered every second year at the most, and is subject to a sufficient number of students.
Two Enrolment Options
Option A — Minor towards a BA degree: https://english.hi.is/community-interpreting/minor Detailed curriculum: https://ugla.hi.is/kennsluskra/index.php?tab=nam&chapter=namsleid&id=820027_20266&kennsluar=2026 Option B — Diploma: The exact same courses as Option A, only the form of graduation is different — you graduate with a diploma, not a BA degree: https://english.hi.is/public-service-interpreting/diploma Detailed curriculum: https://ugla.hi.is/kennsluskra/index.php?tab=nam&chapter=namsleid&id=820176_20266&kennsluar=2026 (Press the + sign to expand detailed information on the curriculum pages.)
Entry Requirements
For both options you will need: 1. An Icelandic stúdentspróf or an equivalent exam (see Article 17): https://english.hi.is/regulation-admission-requirements-undergraduate-study-university-iceland/no-3312022#33 2. Icelandic proficiency, a minimum level of B2 (CEFR): https://english.hi.is/study/apply/icelandic-proficiency-requirements Entrance exam for Icelandic: https://english.hi.is/study/apply/icelandic-proficiency-requirements/entrance-exam-icelandic Check your Icelandic level informally using the CEFR self-assessment grid: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-2-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-self-assessment-grid
Application Deadlines
Icelandic citizens: June 5th Foreign residents of Iceland with an Icelandic ID (kennitala): February 1st for most subjects Exception — applying for a Major in Icelandic as a second language: May 20th In all cases you will also need to arrange an informal meeting with the programme director, no later than the first week of June. At this meeting you will talk about your languages and other things that need preparation before your studies can begin. You arrange the meeting by emailing the director after submitting your application, using your new University email. Full deadline information: https://english.hi.is/study/apply/application-deadline
Application Process
Application portal: https://ugla.hi.is/namsumsoknir/index.php Overview of the application process: https://english.hi.is/study/apply Preparing your application: https://english.hi.is/study/apply/preparing-your-application How to apply step by step: https://english.hi.is/study/apply/how-apply-step-step
Contact
Programme Director: Birna Ragnheiðardóttir Imsland Email: bi@hi.is University of Iceland: https://english.hi.is Icelandic Interpreters' Association: https://www.tulkun.is