Reykjavík is the second largest scientific and educational institution in Iceland. It is owned by Icelandic businesses and industry and firmly acknowledged as part of the international community of scholars. The University‘s mission statement clearly states its will to become a truly international community of scholars. The University‘s mission statement clearly states its will to become a truly international university in 2010. We support and encourage international relations in all areas of our work by utilizing existing opportunities for students, faculty and staff. We even take an extra step creating new opportunities, by for instance creating a special fund for international students and requiring our master‘s students to spend a semester abroad.

Reykjavík University has been quite active in the Erasmus programme since we started to participate in 2001. We were the first university in Iceland to grant a special diploma supplement label. The number of outgoing and incoming Erasmus students is constantly growing and has more than doubled since 2005. The University intends to increase its participation in Erasmus intensive programs, curriculum development and Research Networks. That is part of our strategy for 2007-2010, were internationalization is number one. We also emphasize quality and dissemination and use of results.

Reykjavík University has a clearly defined and strongly enforced policy against discrimination of any kind (race, place of origin, gender, religion and disability).  It is based on Icelandic legislation (the  Constitution, the Administrative Procedures Act and other laws concerning discrimination) and international human rights conventions and declarations. By this we ensure that everyone receives fair treatment by Reykjavík University.

The specific aims of Reykjavík University are:

• In the year 2010, 20% of our students complete part of their studies abroad using agreements with foreign universities. The Erasmus program makes this possible being the most important program we use. Reykjavík University puts emphasis on maintaining and increasing its relations with Erasmus partners and they have often lead to research projects.
  
• To attract foreign Erasmus exchange students, faculty and staff at all levels of the University‘s programs of instruction. Besides the Erasmus program, in 2010 we want to have 15% of our students from abroad and 15% of our faculty also.
  
• Each School of Reykjavík University is supposed to deliver 30ECTS credits in English each semester, this being mandatory in 2010. Until then we ensure quality courses in English and other languages for Erasmus exchange students coming to Reykjavík University.
  
• To use ECTS credits.
  
• To encourage and facilitate our staff and faculty in Erasmus exchanges. In action it means flexibility, help with organization and help with extra cost. Furthermore we encourage our faculty and staff to make use of and put into practice the experience they gain through participation in Erasmus programs.
  
• To increase the participation of Reykjavík University in other Erasmus and LLP actions and programmes.
  
• To ensure that the overall strategy of the university and international affairs go together, we have a special Advisory board for international strategy with representatives from each School.