nemendasamtökin

Nemendasamtökin is the Icelandic federation of student unions, acting as the national umbrella organization for student associations involved in tertiary education in Iceland. Its central purpose is to represent and coordinate the interests of students, provide a forum for collective action, and engage in policy dialogue with government bodies, universities, and other stakeholders. The federation lobbies for issues affecting students—such as access to higher education, funding and student loans, affordable housing, and student welfare—and coordinates campaigns and information services across member unions. Governance is typically based on a general assembly or congress that elects an executive board and various committees to oversee programs, campaigns, publications, and communications. Member unions include student councils and associations from Iceland’s universities and colleges, which nominate delegates to participate in federation decisions. Nemendasamtökin aims to maintain neutrality in political ideology, while promoting collaboration among students, higher education institutions, and policymakers to improve the quality and fairness of Icelandic higher education. Historically, the organization has been active in national debates on education policy and student living conditions, serving as a unified voice for student interests. See also: Education in Iceland; Higher education in Iceland.