The principal language of instruction is Icelandic, a language descended from and, in its written form at least, still very similar to Old Norse.
Textbooks are mainly in English and Icelandic.
Some departments offer a few courses in English and allow foreign students to take their examinations in English during the first semester of study. The grading scale at the University of Iceland ranges from 0 to 10. Course grades are given in increments of 0.5, and averages are computed to two decimal places. In most faculties and departments a combined average of 5, or a minimum grade of 5 in each subject is required to pass. In the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration the lowest passing grade in individual courses is 6.0 or 6.5.