The Icelandic Parliament Althingi has adopted several legislative changes affecting higher education, research, and internationalisation in the country. The Act on Public Support for Science and Innovation has been adopted, establishing a simplified framework for competitive public funding in research and innovation. The reform consolidates six funds into four: research, innovation, strategic priorities, and infrastructure. ACA member Rannís will remain the central administrative body.  

Secondly, amendments to legislation on public universities enable the creation of university consortia. This allows higher education institutions to cooperate under shared governance while maintaining their autonomy. The first consortium will take effect on 1 July 2026, bringing together the University of Iceland and Hólar University College. Developed over several years, the initiative aims to strengthen collaboration in research, teaching, and support services, and to expand interdisciplinary opportunities nationwide.  

In the final days of the parliamentary session, Althingi also approved legislation allowing public universities to charge tuition fees to students from outside the EEA, Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Switzerland. Tuition levels have not yet been determined, but a significant decline in applications from non‑EEA students is anticipated. Further amendments to residence permit legislation tighten conditions for family reunification, now limited to spouses and children, excluding parents over 67. Post‑graduation residence permits for job seeking have been shortened from three years to 18 months, and stricter academic progress requirements will apply to permit renewals.