Student Counselling Centre

Academic Accommodations 

For whom? 

(Listen) 

Students may apply for academic accommodation by submitting documentation or a formal diagnosis from a licensed or certified professional working with disabilities or other barriers to learning, such as those listed below. Please note that extended exam time is not granted based on test anxiety alone; applicants must provide evidence of an anxiety disorder diagnosis in accordance with the DSM classification system and/or ongoing treatment with a qualified professional. Such documentation may result in a temporary agreement, typically for one or two semesters, or up to a maximum of one year. 

• Visual impairment, including blindness 
• Hearing impairment or deafness 
• Specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia 
• Neurodiversity, e.g. AD(H)D, Tourette syndrome, autism spectrum disorder 
• Physical impairments, including permanent disabilities or temporary mobility limitations due to injury 
• Chronic illness, such as cancer, rheumatic diseases, multiple sclerosis (MS), motor neuron disease (MND), or mental health conditions 

Individual Counselling 

Career guidance counsellors offer individual support and/or follow-up for students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties. Career guidance counsellors may also facilitate the formation of smaller peer support groups when appropriate. 

Academic Accommodations while studying abroad 

Students at Reykjavik University who are planning to apply for an exchange or traineeship abroad through Erasmus+ may apply for additional funding. 

When am I eligible for additional funding? 

1. Inclusion support as a fixed amount 

Top-up to individual support for students and recent graduates with fewer opportunities 

Students who meet the criteria set by the National Agency may apply for inclusion support as a fixed monthly supplement to their mobility grant. For exchange studies or traineeships, the fixed inclusion support is EUR 250 per month. For short-term mobility, the fixed amounts are EUR 100 for 5–14 days and EUR 150 for 15–30 days. A table of grant amounts is available on the website. 

To be eligible, a student must belong to at least one of the following groups: 

• Students who are immigrants or children of immigrants 
• Students with refugee status 
• Students who are currently experiencing, or have previously experienced, serious or long-term illness or mental health challenges 
• Students with physical disabilities, developmental differences, visual or hearing impairments, or learning difficulties 
• Students with children 

The grant is not cumulative if a student belongs to more than one group. However, if a student does not meet the criteria for the fixed inclusion support but can demonstrate a genuine need for additional funding due to fewer opportunities, universities may award inclusion support based on actual costs (see below). 

Declaration 

To confirm eligibility, students must sign a declaration stating that they belong to one or more of the categories listed above. The university may request additional supporting documentation for verification purposes, although not receipts. 

1. Inclusion Support (Actual Costs) for additional expenses 

Inclusion support for participants 
Inclusion support based on actual costs is primarily intended for students who incur additional expenses related to participation due to disability or illness, whether physical or mental. 

To apply, students must request this support by email from the International Office at their home institution after submitting their application for exchange or traineeship. The applicant and the International Office then complete the relevant application form together and submit it, signed, to the National Agency. 

If a student qualifies for the fixed inclusion support and can also demonstrate a genuine need for additional funding, they may receive both types of support. In such cases, it is important to avoid double funding for the same expenses. The fixed amount should cover general travel and living costs, while support based on actual costs is intended for additional expenses (such as an extra seat or travel costs for an accompanying person). 

Dyslexia Assessment 

Students must provide a diagnosis from a qualified specialist based on recognized assessment methods, such as: 

• GRP 14 diagnostic test (the GRP 14H group assessment alone is not sufficient) 
• Aston Index assessment 
• Logos dyslexia assessment 
• ICD-10 diagnostic criteria (used by psychologists) 

Assessments must be carried out by a recognized professional in the relevant field, be individual (not group-based), and not older than the student’s final years of compulsory schooling. 

Please note that a Davis assessment is not sufficient, as it is not recognized as a diagnostic assessment of specific learning difficulties. 

Text-to-Speech and Accessible Learning Materials 

Students with dyslexia and others who are unable to use printed materials have access to text-to-speech software through the Icelandic Audio Library. This service is free of charge. 

Students must be registered with the Icelandic Audio Library (formerly the National Library for the Blind), which provides confirmation of diagnosis. Students will then receive a download link and voice access key. Enquiries should be sent to afgreidsla@blind.is.  

Course materials can be accessed in digital formats through: 

• The Icelandic Audio Library, which collaborates with international digital libraries. First-time users must apply for access. Contact: Hafþór Ragnarsson (hafthor@hbs.is)    
• The Student Bookstore, which offers e-books for sale and rent (see their website for instructions )   
• Online retailers such as Heimkaup and Amazon  

We also recommend Atlas Primer, a speech-enabled learning platform designed to increase flexibility in the learning environment (see their website for further information). 

Midterm Assessments and Final Exams 

Midterm assessments 

Students are responsible for informing their instructor of any specific learning difficulties. Academic accommodations primarily apply to final exams. Extended exam time is not guaranteed in midterm assessments, as they are often scheduled during class time. 

Final Exams 

Information about exam arrangements, including the location of designated exam rooms and other relevant accommodations are available to students in their student portal. If you require further information, please email namsradgjof@ru.is.  

Applying for Academic Accommodations 

( Listen)

Students apply by attaching supporting documentation (a certificate or formal diagnosis) to their application and submitting it through the request system by clicking the button below. 

Apply for Academic Accommodations in Studies 

The Student Counselling Centre at Reykjavik University assesses applications for academic accommodations in accordance with the University’s current rules and regulations on academic accommodations. 

Students whose conditions are considered temporary and can be treated, managed, or improved must apply for academic accommodation on a semester-by-semester basis or for the academic year. If a student’s condition is permanent, they apply for academic accommodation at the start of their studies and remain registered with accommodation throughout their period of study at Reykjavik University. 

The choice of the Study Program 

It is important to take one’s own interests into account when making decisions about study programs and future careers.  

Assessment tools to support study choices 

Things to keep in mind   

Is it time to put on “my strengths lenses”? 

For individuals at the stage where they are choosing a suitable field of study, it can be very helpful to understand their own strengths. According to research, strengths are our natural talents expressed through behavior, emotions, and thinking patterns, enabling everyone to approach tasks effectively and achieve successful outcomes. 

Studies show that only one-third of people are aware of their strengths. Strengths are natural abilities that manifest in behavior, emotions, and thoughts, allowing individuals to perform tasks in the most effective way and achieve the best possible results. 

To gain a better understanding of your strengths, it can be useful to reflect on the following questions: 

• What are my strengths?   
• What comes naturally to me?   
• What gives me positive energy?   

To answer these questions, it may help to recall moments when you were fully engaged in the present and felt energized. When aiming to maximize your strengths, it is beneficial to experience this kind of “flow”, where your full attention is focused on the task at hand. 

It is also important to keep in mind that people naturally tend to focus more on negative aspects or weaknesses rather than on their positive qualities or strengths. This tendency is known as, “The negativity bias”. It is therefore important to pause and reflect on what is working well and what is not. 

Bendill 

Bendill is the name of four different assessments that evaluate career interests across different age groups. The results are presented visually. Bendill promotes self-awareness and supports the exploration of study and career options. Career guidance counsellors at Reykjavik University are certified to administer and interpret the assessment. 

• Bendill III is designed for the needs of adults who are primarily interested in university studies. 
• Bendill IV is designed for the needs of adults who have been active in the labor market. 

Further Information 

The assessment is administered by a career guidance counsellor and takes approximately one hour. Bendill is an online interest inventory, and results are available immediately. The fee is ISK 6,000 and must be paid at the service desk before the session. Please bring your own laptop to complete the assessment; if this is not possible, please inform us in advance so that alternative arrangements can be made.  

If you are interested in taking Bendill, please contact career guidance counselling at Reykjavik University at namsradgjof@ru.is or book an appointment through our online booking system. 

The VIA Strengths Survey 

Taking a strengths assessment, such as VIA, can be helpful in identifying your personal strengths. The survey measures 24-character strengths and is a scientifically validated tool. To date, more than 35 million people have completed the survey in over 190 countries. It is based on six core categories: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. 

The survey consists of 120 statements to which participants respond. It is conducted in English, and the results identify 24 universal character strengths, which can be categorized as top strengths, intermediate strengths, or lesser-used strengths. 

You can take the survey free of charge here. 

Group Counselling Services 

Are you looking for a calm space where you can receive practical guidance and support in your studies? 

Every Tuesday during the spring semester from 12:00–13:00, The Student Counselling Centre at Reykjavik University offers an open support session where practical tools are introduced to support time management, organization, gaining a better overview of studies, reducing stress, and improving concentration. 

The sessions are designed for students with ADHD; however, all students who relate to similar challenges are welcome to attend. No formal diagnosis is required, and there is no obligation to attend regularly—you may join sessions as it suits you, whether once, a few times, or every week. 

Sessions take place in room Ú102 (next to the library) every Tuesday during the spring semester from 12:00–13:00. 

Educational Material 

Here you will find a range of resources designed to support students in achieving the best possible outcomes in their university studies. 

University studies can be demanding, and students often encounter various challenges throughout their academic journey. 

Higher education often requires students to adapt their study approaches, making it important for each individual to become aware of their study habits. Most students have developed certain ways of working, either consciously or unconsciously. It is advisable to continue using study methods that have proven effective; however, in some cases, adjustments are necessary. The beginning of university studies provides a valuable opportunity to review and improve study habits. It is important to take gradual steps and avoid trying to implement too many changes at once. 

Study skills are an important tool that helps students acquire new knowledge more effectively. Good study skills provide structure and help students manage their time more efficiently. Effective organization, goal setting, and a positive mindset form the foundation of strong study skills. 

In the sections below, you will find a variety of resources aimed at helping students succeed in their university studies, whether by improving time management, applying effective reading strategies, or enhancing overall well-being. Some are only available in Icelandic but if you want to know more, please feel free to book an appointment with a counsellor for a deeper conversation in English about the material. 

Available in English 

• Breaking Free from Perfectionism 
• What You Do Matters 

Available in Icelandic 

• Effective Study Strategies 
• Time Management and Goal Setting  
• Using Your Strengths in Your Studies  
• How to Land Your Dream Job – CVs and Cover Letters  
• Supporting Your Well-being in Your Studies  
• Anxiety in Studies  
• Don’t Burn Out – Tips for Managing Workload and Stress 
• Happiness Boost – Feeling Low and Want to Recharge? 
• Below the Surface – Building Effective Interpersonal Communication 

Educational Material

Here you can find various resources aimed at helping students achieve the best possible results in their university studies. University studies can be quite demanding, and students often encounter various obstacles during their time in school.

University studies often call for changes in study methods, so it is important for each individual to be aware of their own study habits. Most people have developed certain work methods, consciously or unconsciously. It is, of course, sensible to continue using the study methods that have proven effective, but in some cases, certain changes may be necessary. At the start of university studies, there is an opportunity to review study habits and improve what can be done better. It is important to take small steps and not attempt too many changes at once.

Study techniques are a kind of tool that makes it easier for students to acquire new knowledge. Good study techniques provide students with structure and are a means of saving time. Good organisation, goal setting, and a positive mindset form the foundation of effective study techniques.

In the subcategories below, you can find various educational materials aimed at helping students achieve the best possible results in their university studies—whether it relates to organising their time better, using effective reading tools, or working on improving their well-being.

Student Wellbeing

• Breaking Free from Perfectionism (PDF)
• What You Do Matters (PDF)
• What You Think Matters (PDF)
• Breaking Free From Procrastination (PDF)
• Coping with Anxiety (PDF)
• Coping with Grief and Loss (PDF)
• Coping with Low Mood and Depression (PDF)