Iceland

Organisational autonomy: medium low

The law requires that the executive head’s appointment and dismissal are formally validated by the ministry. The rector’s term of office is stated in the law, as is the procedure for their dismissal. Universities can select part of the external members on their governing bodies, with the rest appointed by the ministry. Guidelines exist in the law for the academic structures of Icelandic universities. Universities are able to establish legal entities but they have to be established or be closed with permission of the ministry and their work has to relate to university missions.

Financial autonomy: medium low

Universities may freely allocate internally the public funding they receive. They may keep surpluses with the approval of the ministry. Public universities are not allowed to borrow money directly. With the exception of the University of Iceland, most university buildings are owned by the government and cannot be sold without its approval. Public universities may not charge tuition fees at any degree level for national and foreign students, but may collect registration fees under a ceiling set by the government.

Academic autonomy: medium high

Universities negotiate with the government on overall student numbers. Universities can only open programmes in the study fields for which they have been accredited. Institutional accreditation is mandatory and carried out by the national agency. At Bachelor level universities face restrictions regarding the language of instruction for certain programmes.

Staffing autonomy: medium high

Universities are autonomous in the recruitment and promotion of senior academic and administrative staff. Salary bands are set through central negotiations between unions and the government. Dismissals are strictly regulated due to the civil servant status of staff.