stúdentspróf

Stúdentspróf, commonly translated as the matriculation examination, is the Icelandic qualification awarded at the end of upper secondary education. It is the principal route for admission to Icelandic universities and serves as a general credential for further study and, in many cases, employment.

The exam is taken after completing a three-year upper secondary program (framhaldsskóli), and it is administered under the oversight of Icelandic education authorities. The examination is organized to assess a student’s breadth of knowledge and readiness for higher education, and it typically includes a combination of written tests in a set of compulsory and elective subjects. Common core subjects include Icelandic language and literature, English, and mathematics, with additional examinations in science or social science subjects. Students choose elective subjects in line with their track and university aspirations, and some subjects may involve oral components or project work.

Grading for stúdentspróf uses a standardized scale, and earning the certificate requires a successful performance across the required subjects. The results determine university eligibility, with certain study programs sometimes imposing minimum grade requirements or subject-specific prerequisites.

Historically, the stúdentspróf has been a central feature of Icelandic secondary education since the 19th century, evolving through reforms to standardize curricula and assessment. Today it remains the main qualification for higher education in Iceland, though there are alternative pathways into tertiary study, including vocational programs and international routes.