IAA Academic Calendar

The Iceland Academy of the Arts, located in Reykjavík, Iceland, operates on a semester-based academic calendar typical of many European universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the fall semester, which generally begins in late August or early September and runs through December, and the spring semester, which starts in early January and concludes in May. This structure allows for a significant winter break around the holiday season and a longer summer break from June to August, aligning with Iceland’s cultural and seasonal rhythms. Unique to the institution, there may be intensive short courses or workshops integrated into the calendar, reflecting its focus on artistic and creative disciplines.

• Fall Semester Start: Late August 2025 (typically around August 25–30), marking the beginning of classes and orientation for new students.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 15–January 5), coinciding with Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Early January 2026 (around January 6–10), following the winter break.
• Exam Periods: Mid-December 2025 for fall semester and mid-to-late May 2026 for spring semester, often spanning 2–3 weeks each.
• Commencement: Late May or early June 2026, celebrating graduating students with ceremonies and exhibitions of artistic work.

• Application Opening: Early November 2024 (around November 1), when applications for the 2025–2026 academic year typically become available.
• Regular Decision Deadline: Mid-February 2025 (approximately February 15), the primary deadline for most undergraduate programs, including portfolio submissions for arts disciplines.
• Decision Notification: Late March to early April 2025, when applicants are informed of admission decisions.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: Early May 2025 (around May 1), requiring accepted students to confirm their intent to enroll.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: Mid-April 2025 (approximately April 15), especially critical for international students seeking scholarships or funding.

The academic calendar at the Iceland Academy of the Arts aligns closely with other Icelandic and Nordic educational institutions, particularly in its observance of extended winter and summer breaks influenced by national holidays like Christmas and Iceland’s Independence Day in June. This structure offers flexibility for international students, providing ample time for travel or cultural immersion during breaks. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for academic terms and admissions deadlines may vary slightly year to year, as specific calendars for 2025–2026 are not yet publicly available. The above dates are estimates based on typical patterns for the region and the university’s historical scheduling. Applicants are encouraged to monitor official announcements for precise information and prepare for potential adjustments due to the institution’s focus on project-based learning and exhibitions.