Signed an agreement on the establishment of a university group

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland (UI), Hólmfríður Sveinsdóttir, Rector of the University of Hólar (HH), and Logi Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and University, today signed an agreement on the establishment of a university assembly with the participation of the two schools.

The Group will formally be launched next year, which is intended to improve the competitiveness of the two universities, as well as enhancing the quality of learning, research and support services as well as to increase the relationship with business and communities throughout the country.

The university group will operate under the name of the University of Iceland. This is stated in a statement from the Government of Iceland.

Leading university in Icelandic society and specialized university in the countryside

According to the agreement, the university group is intended to strengthen the UI as a leading university in Icelandic society and HH, which will be the University of Iceland in Hólar, as a specialized university in the countryside.

The agreement also intends to integrate degrees, increase services for students and teachers, improve teaching methods and increase research collaboration.

A unique opportunity to promote university work in the countryside

Loga Einarsson, the Minister of Culture, Innovation and University, has been informed that Icelanders are a small nation, but with increased cohesion and a clear vision, it is possible to create a university environment that meets international standards, where professional width, community service and research co-operation are in the forefront.

« This group creates a unique opportunity to promote university work in the countryside, and it is a key issue in ensuring equal access to university education, strengthening local community and strengthening innovation across the country. »

Jón Atla Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, has been informed that this was a major step. Not only in supporting both universities, but also in the urgent task of strengthening the entire university work in Iceland.

« This is especially true of the integration of the country in international competition. This first step will contribute to increased diversity in the educational offerings, the development of subjects and research with a focus on the needs of the business community and society. »

According to Hólmfríður Sveinsdóttir, Rector of the University of Hólar, the university assembly is known to be widely known abroad and was established to strengthen university activities nationally and not least in the dispersed areas.

« The establishment of the University Group of the University of Iceland is therefore one of Iceland’s most important regional development projects today, » said Hólmfríður, who said that the university group will increase opportunities for innovation in close collaboration with strong industries in the North West and the country.

More schools are added to the Group

The two universities, together with the government, agree that the establishment of a university group is a promising way to integrate and strengthen the Icelandic university system. The agreement will emphasize that the Group is a desirable price for more universities and research institutes. The intention is to get more into the group to strengthen it and at the same time an Icelandic university system.

Efforts will be made that each member of the Group maintains its uniqueness, as well as a focus on the development of the necessary infrastructure to strengthen the Group in growing international competition for capital, students and staff.

The Group’s organizational structure takes into account the UI’s organization. It will be one university director and one university council, but a collaborative council will be appointed to make important decisions related to the cooperation of the University of Employment. The current rector’s office of the University of Hólar changes to the office of President of the University of Iceland in Hólar.

It is assumed that the Group work with a joint ID number and budget number from January 1, 2026, and from that time all staff and students of membership universities belong to the Group.

Will work all over the country

The announcement states that it is necessary to prepare the legislative amendments for the establishment of the Group, but the university group will operate joint administration and support services and will operate around the country but will have the main stations in Reykjavik and Skagafjörður.

In connection with hiring work, for example, in the Group’s administration and support services, it will be an attempt to increase the number of jobs located in Skagafjörður.

The structure of facilities at Hólar is expected, including housing for teaching and research in aquaculture and fish biology and horse science. In addition, there will be the development of infrastructure and facilities for research on Sauðárkrókur.

The establishment of the University of Iceland Research Center will relocate its headquarters in Skagafjörður, which will lead the work of Setra all over the country with a dozen scientists and funding for research in a strong connection with society and the business community, which states in the announcement.