Study Engineering & Technology in Iceland from Philippines
Reference institution: Arab Open University (Cairo, Egypt)
Planning to study engineering and applied technology in Iceland from Philippines? The University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands), the University of Akureyri and Reykjavík University offer strong programmes across engineering & technology. Some master's courses are taught in English — but for an Icelandic-taught programme, and for daily life, the step students most often underestimate is Icelandic itself.
Arab Open University — based in Cairo, Egypt — lists programmes associated with engineering & technology (fields such as Arts & Humanities, Natural Sciences, Engineering & Technology). Your degree background matters for admission, but Icelandic proficiency is assessed separately.
The Icelandic-language requirement
Iceland offers a number of English-taught programmes, especially at master's level — those may not require Icelandic for admission. Icelandic-taught programmes typically ask for roughly B1–B2, which maps to Icelandic B1 or Icelandic B2, and the University of Iceland runs its own Icelandic entrance assessment for such programmes. Either way you'll need Icelandic for paperwork, part-time work and everyday life. Confirm the exact requirement with the specific university and programme.
For engineering and applied technology, a solid B1–B2 lets you follow an Icelandic-taught programme, write assignments and integrate — aim a level above the minimum if you can.
Using an Icelandic degree back in Philippines
In Philippines, recognition of a foreign degree goes through Commission on Higher Education (CHED) — Office of Programs and Standards Development (https://ched.gov.ph). CHED issues the Certificate of Equivalency for foreign degrees; regulated professions also go through the PRC.
A common concern for students from Philippines — "recognition for PRC board exams/licensure; credential assessment" — is worth planning early, alongside the language requirement. Students from Philippines commonly search for: CHED recognition, certificate of equivalency, credential evaluation, work abroad from Philippines.
Practise for Icelandic B1 — honestly
AlmiIcelandic lets you practise the four skills — Reading (Lestur), Listening (Hlustun), Writing (Ritun) and Speaking (Tal) — at Icelandic B1 and the surrounding levels. AlmiIcelandic gives you an honest readiness estimate — a per-skill band (Clear or Borderline) against each exam's real criteria — never an invented official Directorate of Education or Ministry result.
Reading and Listening practice is free; AI feedback on Writing and Speaking and the full timed mock unlock with a 7-day free trial ($12/month after, cancel anytime).
Thinking about staying after your studies?
If you plan to remain in Iceland after graduating, the language also matters for residency and, later, citizenship. Passing Ríkisborgarapróf, the Icelandic-language test at A2, is the language requirement for Icelandic citizenship — it is overseen by the Ministry of Justice and delivered by the Directorate of Education and School Services (Miðstöð menntunar og skólaþjónustu). There are also residency and other conditions for naturalisation, and the rules change, so we don't state a fixed number of years or a fixed step — always confirm the current requirement with Útlendingastofnun (the Directorate of Immigration). We help you prepare fairly; we never claim to help anyone shortcut or beat the process.
Practise Icelandic with honest readiness.
Start your 7-day free trial$12/month after the trial · cancel anytime · 25% of AlmiIcelandic proceeds fund the Shamool Foundation's social mission.
Questions
- Do I need Icelandic to study Engineering & Technology in Iceland?
- For Icelandic-taught programmes, usually around B1–B2. Many English-taught master's waive it for admission, but you'll still need Icelandic day-to-day. Confirm with the university.
- Will an Icelandic degree be recognised in Philippines?
- Recognition of a foreign degree in Philippines goes through Commission on Higher Education (CHED) — Office of Programs and Standards Development. CHED issues the Certificate of Equivalency for foreign degrees; regulated professions also go through the PRC. Confirm the current process on the official site (https://ched.gov.ph).
- Which level should I aim for?
- Most Icelandic-taught higher education sits around Icelandic B1 to Icelandic B2, and the University of Iceland has its own entrance assessment. Regulated fields and professional practice may need more. AlmiIcelandic shows an honest per-skill readiness band, not an official score.
- Is the readiness estimate my real result?
- No. It's a practice estimate against the real criteria to guide your prep. Only the official assessment issues a real result.