Higher fees for Icelandic studies conflict with state language policy

Students from outside the European Economic Area will pay 1.3 million to 1.45 million Icelandic krónur for an academic year in the Icelandic as a Second Language programme at the University of Iceland, mbl.is reports. The programme’s director says the increase conflicts with the state’s language policy.

Brynja Þorgeirsdóttir, a lecturer in the university’s Department of Icelandic and Cultural Studies, said the changes would affect the programme more than any other. It is the university’s largest programme, and about 65 to 70 per cent of its new students come from outside the EEA and the European Free Trade Association.

Þorgeirsdóttir said she had seen considerable concern among students. Many, she said, could not afford the four million to five million krónur in fees for a three-year bachelor’s degree. Students already enrolled in the programme will not be affected.

The increased fees will apply to new students from the next academic year. A bill recently passed by the government means the state will no longer pay for the education of students from outside the EEA. Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education Logi Einarsson said students with temporary residence permits would not be exempt from the fees.

Þorgeirsdóttir said the increase runs counter to the government’s stated aim of encouraging immigrants to learn Icelandic. Many students are well educated and want to use their qualifications in Icelandic society, she said, adding that learning the language benefits both them and the wider community.

Iceland’s language policy calls for access to Icelandic as a second language education to be ensured. The Icelandic Language Council sets the policy and operates under government authority.