Reykjavík University (RU) hosted a special ceremony on Thursday, the 11th of September, to honour scholarship recipients from industry-related funds and to award the university’s annual first-year scholarships. This marks the first time RU has held such an event, celebrating the students´ achievement while strengthening ties with industry partners. 

President of Reykjavík University, Dr Ragnhildur Helgadóttir, presented the first-year scholarships to students who had achieved outstanding results in their matriculation exams. She was joined by Dr Bryndís Björk Ásgeirsdóttir, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, and Dr Ólafur Eysteinn Sigurjónsson, Dean of the School of Technology and Vice Rector of Research, Innovation, and Industry Collaboration.

In addition, scholarships were granted from three industry-related funds operated in collaboration with RU, further demonstrating the university’s strong and active partnerships with the business community. 

Ásthildur Gunnarsdóttir, Director of Communications at RU, emphasised the significance of these collaborations:

At Reykjavík University, we are immensely proud of our strong and active connections with Icelandic industry. The scholarships awarded today reflect the important support and encouragement that this collaboration provides to our students.

Scholarships awarded:

Síminn - Community Fund: 

Five scholarships were awarded for the academic year 2025–2026. The fund supports women and non-binary students in technical fields, aiming to increase diversity in technology and engineering. The selection is based not only on academic performance but also on extracurricular engagement, such as sports, volunteering, and community activities. 

United Contractors’ Study Fund: 

Four scholarships were awarded this year to students pursuing graduate studies. The fund provides support equivalent to one semester’s tuition for students in engineering, technology, and computer science at RU. It is intended for those completing a BSc degree and continuing to MSc or PhD studies, either at RU or abroad. Consideration is also given to applicants’ initiative, ambition, and contributions to the RU community. 

Landsbankinn-Encouragement Fund: 

Two students received scholarships for the academic year 2025–2026. The fund supports students whose first language is not Icelandic and who have demonstrated strong academic performance. Its purpose is to ensure equal access to education at RU. 

Sirra Guðjónsdóttir, HR Director at Landsbankinn, highlighted the impact of the collaboration: 

The collaboration and awarding of scholarships began in 2023 and has already demonstrated its value. By supporting students at the start of their university studies, the fund has created real opportunities for those whose first language is not Icelandic.