Ugla, the University's inner web, is one of the most important tools for your studies at the University. Access to Ugla is also your access to
- your university email (username@hi.is),
- computers in the computer labs,
- and the learning management system Canvas.
To get your username and password as an international student you will first have to:
- Have your application accepted in the application portal.
- Pay the registration fee.
- Have a kennitala (Icelandic ID number).
- EEA/EFTA students studying only one semester exempted.
Once you have all three you can come to the University Centre Service Desk with your ID to get a username and password.
If you are unsure of how to get your kennitala as an international student, please read the instructions for Registration and Student Permit carefully.
Keep in mind
- Getting the kennitala is usually a slow process and many students will not have it until after teaching has already started. If that applies to you, please let all your professors know. You are welcome to attend your classes just as other students while you wait.
- Students registering with Registers Iceland get a notification from Registers Iceland when the kennitala is ready. It does not appear in the university’s systems until the next day.
- Students applying for a student residence permit who have finished their process with the Directorate of Immigration can contact the University Centre Service Desk to check if the kennitala has been issued.
- Have your application accepted in the application portal.
- Pay the registration fee.
Once those steps are completed you will be able to activate your username and password through the Application portal under the tab "Applications - Overview".
The username and password will only be displayed once in the application portal so you will need to write them down.
Once you have been issued a username you will have to wait for 2 hours until it is activated in the university systems.
You can find your email on the front page of Ugla or through outlook.hi.is.
You will need to set up Multi-factor authentication once you log in to your account it contributes to the increased security of all students and employees of the University of Iceland.
What is the difference between the Application Portal and Ugla?
The Application Portal is for applications and there you receive communications regarding your application to study at the University. Icelandic citizens (applicants that have applied with a kennitala) can also issue their username and password for Ugla there once the registration fee has been paid.
Ugla is the University's inner web for staff and students.
Both have "ugla" in the URL which can be confusing.
Changing the password
If the password is not forgotten or lost then you can change it through Ugla under: My Ugla → Settings → Change password. You can also click on your profile picture and select "Change password".
Issues with login
If there are issues with logging in then we recommend going over our help page for solutions.
Important information about passwords and attachments
Never give out your password
- Never give out your password on sites that you don't know. If the login page or process is anything different than what you're used to, that's an indication that something isn't right.
- Never send your password by email, phone or through messages.
Attachments and links
- Never open attachments from unknown sources.
- Never open attachments from known sources that do not seem to be directly related to work and you are not expecting an attachment from unless you investigate further e.g. by sending a message back as to whether the person was actually sending you this attachment. It happens that spammers use the email addresses of people you know to try to get you to open attachments that may contain viruses.