Bifröst University

Welcome to Bifröst University

Bifröst University was founded in Reykjavík in 1918 on the model of Ruskin College. In 1955, the school was moved 110km north of the capital. Bifröst University is the only Liberal Arts university in the country. It was accredited as a university in 1988, first only in Business, eventually offering degrees in Law 2002 and in Social Science since 2005. Bifröst University is a private, self-governing, non-profit institution, which receives around 40% of its income from the Icelandic state, 40% from tuition fees and 20% from other sources. Alumni from include many prominent entrepreneurs and leaders in Icelandic business and politics, including the Prime Minister of the country. Bifröst University also offers a one-year pre-university level preparatory study program for students lacking full university entrance qualifications, as well as various life-long learning programs including successful programs for retail management, for tourism and one for people working in local government. Many undergraduate students spend one or more terms abroad at partner universities in America, Asia, and continental Europe. Bifröst University is an active member of the Icelandic and international research communities and prides itself on recruiting faculty with broad research profiles in the social sciences. The university hosts many independent research centers, for example, Centre for European Studies, Centre for Retail Studies and Research Centre of Cultural Management. Bifröst has to lead many research projects funded by the Icelandic Research Council in addition to projects funded by the EC Research Framework program. Bifröst also has also participated in many academic networks of the COST and ERASMUS programs, as well as the Northern Periphery program.

Bifröst University's Teaching Policy

It is the University’s policy to offer outstanding education, which enables students to acquire extensive knowledge in their field of study, enhances their broadmindedness, and strengthens their creativity. Stress is laid on promoting students’ ability to adapt and exercise professional work methods, to apply theories and concepts in assignment solutions, and strengthening their ability to resolve practical challenges. This way the University aims at providing students with the best possible preparation for participating in democratic society and economy, or for further studies. Bifröst University fulfills the requirements made for studies in the disciplines for which the University has been accredited.

Why Choose Bifröst University?

• Small campus university with a commitment to academic innovation
• Outstanding teachers, personal attention, and frequent assignments
• Excellent study and learning facilities
• Guaranteed on-campus housing for all students