Hallormsstaðaskóli

General information

ONE YEAR IN THE FOREST

A year in the forest

Creative sustainability is a year-long program where students get the opportunity, space and facilities to research and cultivate their own creativity, strengths and practical skills.

ACCOMMODATION

Staying at the school

The 90-year-old school building offers charismatic dormitory rooms for students to dwell in during their studies. Breakfast and lunch are served on all school days as a part of the tuition fees.

60 CREDITS

Theory and practice

The program consists of diverse workshops (30 credits), conceptual work (10 credits), position assessment (10 credits) and a final project (10 credits).

NETWORK

Make connections

Students meet producers and entrepreneurs who work with local ingredients. Experts from various fields support academic foundations, provide professional insight, increase the diversity of the program and create new connections.

RESIDENCE PERMIT

Staying in Iceland

Enrolling students can apply for a residence permit with the government.

FINAL PROJECT

A new generation of professionals

Students follow their own interests and find a channel for their field of interest in a final project based on independent research and development work under the guidance of a supervisor. For many, the final project has evolved into a diverse career opportunity.

Creative sustainability is a year-long 60 credit program and consists of diverse workshops, theory, formative assesment and an independent final project.

 

We offer education in both English and Icelandic languages, providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment for our students.

30 credits - WORKSHOPS

Workshops are based on practical learning under the guidance of experts and professionals and independent project work by students.

Students:

  • get to know a wide range of topics.
  • acquire knowledge of the material science of the materials being worked with.
  • gain understanding and knowledge of devices and tools and their functionality.
  • have the ability to use appropriate tools and equipment.

10 credits - THEORY

The subjects are placed in a larger context and work with theoretical foundations. The philosophy of sustainability is grounded in a theoretical and historical context.

Students:

  • get to know theories, methods and concepts.
  • acquire the ability to apply them, communicate and develop further.
  • receive training in reading academic texts and be able to put them in context with their subjects.
  • acquire skills in taking a critical attitude towards information and methods.

10 credits - FORMATIVE ASSESMENT

Assessment is based on a conversation between students, supervisors and visitors that combines theory and practice.

Students:

  • acquire skills in taking an independent and active part in collaboration and communication of own ideas.
  • receive training in evaluating and communicating a critical view of their own work and the work of others.
  • acquire the ability to participate in critical and professional discussions about sustainability and innovation.
  • have the opportunity to develop and communicate their own approach in conversation.

10 credits - THE FINAL PROJECT

A final project is a student's conceptual work and product based on independent research and development work under the guidance of a supervisor.

Students:

  • receive training in academic work methods and be able to apply them independently in their own work
  • acquire the ability to discuss their subjects in a critical and academic manner.

Assessment

The program is research-oriented and flexible, students take an active part in shaping it and are encouraged to take initiative and experiment.

The assessment is based on active guided assessment during the study period. The framework for assessment is laid out in the school curriculum, but more details on assessment are provided in each lesson plan. Emphasis is placed on active participation, independent project work, discussions and cooperation in groups.

The full academic year begins in the fall and ends with graduation in the spring. The structure of the program is flexible and projects follow the flow of seasons, weather and winds.
 
The schedule varies depending on the subject, but in general, school work is from 9-16 Monday-Thursday and 9-12 on Fridays.

The lesson plan is based on certain subjects that are intertwined. The schedule is subject to change as several factors may affect it. Each course consists of visits, workshops, lectures, discussions, and projects. Each study component aims to prepare the student for the final project. 

FORAGING, UTILIZATION AND PRESERVING

The collection, processing, storage, and utilization possibilities of raw materials from the local environment.

MATERIAL KNOWLEDGE AND UTILIZATION

Recognized processing methods and material knowledge. Special emphasis is placed on underutilized resources.

RECYCLING, UPCYCLING AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

The origin, quantity, and management of the main types of waste, the distribution channels of the materials, unused raw materials, and recycling. The cycle of materials from source to waste or destruction.

CREATION AND PRODUCT

The process from an innovative idea to a finished product.

SUSTAINABILITY

The concept of sustainability, including social, economic, and environmental issues. 

FINAL PROJECT

The students channel their interests and the knowledge they've gained during the school year into their final project. Many projects have developed into products and business opportunities.

The academic year begins in the fall and ends with graduation in the spring. The structure of the program is flexible and projects follow the flow of seasons, weather and winds. The schedule varies depending on the subject, but in general, school work is from 9-16 Monday-Thursday and 9-14 on Fridays.

 

  • The dormitory opens up on Monday August 26th 2024
  • Beginning of autumn semester Tuesday, August 27th, 2024
  • Christmas break starts Friday, December 13th, 2024
  • The school's office is closed from December 22nd, 2024 to January 2nd, 2025
  • Beginning of spring semester Monday, January 6th, 2025
  • Easter break starts Friday, April 11th, and classes resume on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2024
  • Classes end Friday, May 16th, 2024

The school building has a charismatic dormitory with access to a kitchen, laundry facilities and cozy sitting areas. The rooms either have a view to Lagarfljót or up to the forest and mountains.  

 

Dormitory

Students can choose between single and double rooms, and the price depends on the size of the rooms. Dormitory residents have access to laundry facilities at the school.

The price range for a room is from ISK 40.000. to 55.000 per person per month.

Food

Part of the school fees is food, and all students are unconditionally registered in the school's canteen, where breakfast and lunch are served on all school days and dinner from Monday to Thursday.

Surroundings

Hallormsstaður Forest is considered the largest forest in Iceland. Here you will find about 40 km of hiking trails and marked trails that can be enjoyed in good shelter from the weather and winds. The forest is also ideal for tree and plant inspection and the collection of useful wild herbs, berries and mushrooms.

The Lagarfljót is another main landmark in the area, where the largest waterfall in East Iceland and one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland flows. Around the Fljótið you can find many relaxing spots where you can dream and follow the famous Lagarfljót snake.

Austurland is a geographically diverse region that offers many beautiful hiking trails and fun outdoor recreation areas. Here is a short walk to amazing wilderness and a selection of beautiful waterfalls, fjords and fjords nearby.

Services in the area

Hotel Hallormsstaður and a restaurant are open during the summer, just a few minutes' walk from the school.

Gas station open year-round.

Inside the forest, there is a café at the gas station, open during the summer and until October.

A 20-minute drive to Egilsstaðir, where there are shops and other services. Students are offered a bus ride to Egilsstaðir on Fridays.

A 10-minute drive to Vallanes, where there is a café and organic farming.

10-20 minutes in the direction of Fljotsdal:

  • Skriðuklaustur - museum and Klausturkaffi with a lunch buffet.
  • Óbyggðasetur - museum and dining.
  • Snæfellstofa (Information Center).
  • Hengifoss food truck - handmade ice cream from Sauðagull and Hengifoss, waffles, and meat soup

Tuition fees 2022 - 2023 for full-year studies are ISK 300,000 per semester.

Payment arrangements

Tuition fees are 600.000 ISK. for a full-year program, of which a confirmation fee of ISK 50.000 which is irreversible. School fees are paid in two installments in August and February, unless otherwise specified. A confirmation fee of ISK 50.000 is paid for the first semester of study and ISK 300.000 part of school fees which amount to ISK 350.000, in the second semester the balance of the full-year study is paid or ISK 250.000. When paying school fees, the student agrees to abide by the school's rules. Tuition fees cannot be refunded after the course has started.

Canteen

Part of the tuition fees is food, and all students are unconditionally registered in the school's canteen, where breakfast and lunch are served on all school days and dinner from Monday to Thursday.

Dormitory

Applicants can choose between single and double rooms, and the price depends on the size of the rooms. Students have access to laundry facilities at the school.
Price range is from ISK 40.000. to 55.000 per person per month. 

Price example for full study in a single room:

Tuition fees and food 300.000 kr per semester of studies
Single room 160.000 kr. 40.000 kr. x 4 months = one semester
Housing benefits -120.000 kr. calculator at hms.is aim at ISK 40,000 and no income and assets
Jöfnunarstyrkur grant -177.000 kr amount for 2021 - 2022
Education grant -130.000 kr. amount fom vr read more
Total 8.250 kr. per month * tuition fees, housing and food per month (4 months do 33.000 kr.)

* price without municipal subsidies or other subsidies. We also encourage you to apply for a travel grant from trade unions.

Development project on research-based learning in Creative Sustainability 2022 - 2023

Hallormsstaðarskóli provides the participants of the project with waived school fees in return for active participation and presence in the program. The person concerned pays ISK 37.500 for the canteen only. per month and stay in a dormitory room where the rent is from ISK 40.000 - 55.000. in a month. You can apply for housing benefits, which can range from ISK 30.000 - 35.706. per month if considering no assets and income during the period.

We encourage our students to seek out for grants at organisations, companies and unions.

 

Each country has their own system, foreign students should apply for grants in their own country.

 

External scholarships

There are a number of external organizations that offer scholarships for international students who want to study in Iceland. Some of these organizations include the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Erasmus+ program, and the Fulbright program. You can find more information about these scholarships on their respective websites.

 

Students with an Icelandic ID number have an opportunity to apply for grants in Iceland

The program is eligible for grants from the Student Education Fund, you can apply for a compensatory grant and housing benefits. Most trade unions and various companies and organizations also provide education and travel grants, and many municipalities offer grants for education away from home.

  • Student loans from the Student Education Fund: the program is loanable from the Student Education Fund, all information can be found on the website menntasjodur.is  
  • Jöfnunarstyrkur: only applies to full-time students. The grant amount varies between years, the grant is paid out after the end of the program in January for the fall semester and June for the spring semester. More information:  Menntasjóður. Property number is 217 5074
  • Housing benefit: applies only to full-time students. Housing benefits are paid out monthly and the amount depends on various variables, see more information at  hms.is
  • Unions: you can apply for education grants and travel grants from most unions. Each applicant must check with their union.
    • An example of allocation rules from VR is based on a maximum of ISK 130.000. per year for studies. If neither a work-related grant nor a travel grant has been applied for in the VR vocational training fund for three consecutive years, you can apply for a grant of up to ISK 390.000. for one continuous study. You can only apply for the grant once. Payments to the fund must have been received for a minimum of 30 months out of the last 36 months before the date of application
  • Local authorities: many local authorities offer grants for education away from home. Check with your municipality.
  • Various companies and organizations: you can apply for various grants from companies and organizations.

Applications for studies at Hallormsstadskóli are made electronically HERE. All applicants will be contacted and applications answered as soon as possible.

 

Accompanying documents and admission requirements:

  • Enrollment ends before school starts in the fall - at the end of August each year.
  • A certified copy of your leaving certificate or previous academic record must be submitted.
  • A CV and photo must be submitted.
  • An essay must be written about areas of interest and goals for studying Sustainability and Creativity.
  • Students must have reached the age of 18 at the start of their studies.
  • The applicant must have completed a matriculation examination, vocational examination or similar study at the 3rd qualification level in order to be able to enroll in the 4th qualification level*.
  • An exemption from these conditions must be specifically requested. This applies, among other things, to foreign applicants, applicants who have completed secondary education abroad and applicants with long work experience without formal education.

*Studying at the 4th qualification level is classified as an additional study at a secondary school and is the equivalent of the first qualification level at a university - a diploma program at the university level. Study programs at the 4th qualification level are organized as a continuation of the study completion of the 3rd qualification level. The program includes increased professional specialization and/or deepening in relation to development and innovation.

Studying at the 4th qualification level is classified as an additional study at a secondary school and is the equivalent of the first qualification level at a university and a diploma program at university level. The program includes increased professional specialization and/or deepening in relation to research, product development and innovation.

After completing their studies, students can use their studies in various ways, for example as entrepreneurs in social innovation, sustainable production of products or services for the market.

Examples final projects of past students:

We are excited to announce an open call for applications for our school!

 

We do not have a specific deadline for applications as we prefer to give all interested candidates the opportunity to apply.

 

We believe that education is a lifelong journey and welcome all those who share our passion for learning to apply.

Rest assured, we will carefully review all applications and notify successful candidates as soon as possible.

To apply, simply fill out our online application form which is available on our website. We encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience to ensure that we can review it in a timely manner.

 

If you have any questions about the application process or our school, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

 

When arriving from abroad, you have two options for reaching Egilsstaðir:

  1. Via Keflavík Airport - Air Iceland Connect :

    • You can choose to fly into Keflavík Airport and then take the Air Iceland Connect flight to Reykjavík Domestic Airport.
    • From Keflavík Airport, there's an airport bus that will take you to the BSÍ Bus Terminal.
    • From BSÍ, you can reach Reykjavík Domestic Airport by walking a distance of 1.5 kilometers or by using taxi services.
    • The flight from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir takes approximately one hour.
  2. Via Smiryl Line Island Ferry to Seyðisfjörður:

    • If you arrive in Iceland through the Smyril Line, there's a bus connecting Seyðisfjörður and Egilsstaðir.

If you are traveling from Akureyri to Egilsstaðir, you can take a bus. More information is available at Strætó 56 .

Please note that there is no public transportation from Egilsstaðir to Hallormsstaður.

  1. You can pre-order a taxi to take you from the airport to the school.
  2. Transportation arrangements can be made by the school staff if agreed upon in advance.

 

It's advisable to plan your transportation in advance and coordinate with the school if necessary.

You are one click away from a life changing journey

- create opportunities and open new paths in life!

Logo_hvitt_200x200_x1.png
Hallormsstaðaskóli 
Phone +354471 1761 
kt. 640169-0959
Hallormsstadur
701 Mulathing
Iceland
© 2024, Hallormsstaðaskóli

Join our mailing list

Sign up - let´s stay in touch. 

IS  /  EN