An academic experience that is truly immersive can be found at Fróðskaparsetur Føroya (University of the Faroe Islands) in the Faroe Islands. The territory is an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark and not a full member of the EU, so its funding landscape is different to the rest of Scandinavia.
For the academic year 2026-2027, international students are advised to focus on Nordic mobility networks and niche summer programmes.
1. Nordic Mobility Grants (Nordplus & Nordlys)
For students from the Nordic and Baltic countries, this scholarship is the main source of funding for their studies in the Faroe Islands.
- The Award: Provides a monthly stipend (approximately €250 per month) and a travel grant to help with living expenses in Tórshavn.
- • You must be enrolled at a university within the Nordplus/Nordlys network (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania) to be eligible.
- The “Erasmus+” Exception: Most Nordic exchanges have shifted under the Erasmus+ umbrella. However, as the University of the Faroe Islands is not currently part of the Erasmus programme, students who move there usually rely on the Nordplus funding track instead.
- Application Window: Typically, December 10 – February 1 for the following academic year.
2. Scholarship for the Faroese Summer School
The Faroese University has a good reputation for its summer course in Faroese language and culture, which draws students from all over the world.
- The Award: Includes the fee for the 3-week intensive course.
- Eligibility: Open to university students and professionals interested in Nordic studies or linguistics.
- 2026 Cycle: The application deadline for the summer 2026 session is usually in late March or early April 2026.
- Focus: This is a great “foot in the door” for those who want to do a full degree in the islands at a later stage.
3. Financial Aid (Local & Merit)
“Full-ride” scholarships for international undergraduates are rare. But there are merit-based scholarships.
- • University Merit Scholarships
- The Award: Provides up to $1,200 per year in assistance.
- • Target: Students with high potential already in the university.
- Deadline: Annually, usually July 31.
- • Faroese Student Grant (Studnistuðul)
- This is mainly for Faroese citizens or residents. However, if you are an international student and have lived/worked for a certain period in the Faroe Islands or Denmark, you might be eligible for these monthly grants.
4. Focused funding for research
Funding for PhD and master’s researchers is often tied to specific scientific projects.
- Faroese Research Council (Granskingarráðið):
- The Award: Supports research projects with a contribution to Faroese society within the fields of marine biology, energy and health.
- Status: We typically solicit proposals in early spring each year.
- Jarðfeingi: Faroese Geological Survey
- Often provides stipends or support for students working on geology and sustainable energy in the North Atlantic.
How to get scholarship for study in Faroe Islands 2026
- The “Atlantic Niche” Pitch: In your motivation letter, emphasise why the Faroe Islands are the only place where you can conduct your study. Subjects like small island sustainability, West Nordic geopolitics and North Atlantic marine ecology are very popular.
- Network Early: The University of the Faroe Islands is small (~1,000 students), so you can often reach out directly to a faculty coordinator for “unadvertised” support or project-based stipends.
- Check your “Home” Network If you’re at a Scandinavian university, your international office is your best resource for the Nordplus grant.
- Language Factor: Many Master’s programmes are taught in English, but showing an interest in learning Faroese (through the summer school) helps your profile for local grants.
Conclusion: An Ocean of Opportunity
Studying in the Faroe Islands means not just academic achievement but also becoming part of a tight-knit community in one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.
Action Plan 2026:
- Summer Students: Applications for the Language & Culture course are due April 2026.
- Nordic students: Check if your university is eligible for an exchange in 2027 through Nordplus before December 2026.
- Researchers should watch the Faroese Research Council website for calls for project-based funding in early 2027.
