International Students in Iceland

Face Admission Revocation Due to Immigration Delays

Letter from International Students:

A group of international students accepted to the University of Iceland for the 2025 academic year is facing admission cancellation because of residence permit delays at Útlendingastofnun (UTL).

Despite submitting complete applications by the June 1 deadline, many permits remain unprocessed. The University has informed students that if they cannot arrive by early September, their admissions will be revoked — even though the delays are entirely outside the students’ control.

Consequences:

Loss of significant personal savings, tuition deposits, and associated fees.

Severe emotional distress and mental health decline.

Disruption of academic and professional futures.

Student Demands:

Guarantee admission until permits are processed.

Public acknowledgment of the financial and emotional harm caused.

Implementation of preventive policies for future cohorts.

“We came to Iceland believing in its fairness and humanity. Instead, we are being punished for delays we did not cause. We are asking for justice, not charity,” said ohe group is urging media, human rights organizations, and the public to pressure both the University of Iceland and UTL to resolve the crisis immediately.

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