

Karlstad University
- Last Updated on: May 23, 2025 by
- Sridhar Kongara
Karlstad University is a world class, state university in Sweden located in the city of Karlstad, founded in 1999, while its roots go back to a teacher training college from the year 1843. The campus has an area of over 90,000 square meters with around 16,000 students, over 1,200 of whom are international students. With business, ecology, cultural studies, information systems and many other disciplines of international significance in the university, it provides good quality of education and research.
Courses Offered
** Fees mentioned here are approximate and are per year, Unless specified otherwise
Why choose this Karlstad University
- Karlstad University has AACSB accreditation, a mark of excellence maintained by only 6% of the world’s business schools.
- As of 2025, the university is among the top 15 in Sweden according to a several education platforms.
- Its business programs are internationally recognized and aligned with the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).
- Karlstad Business School’s research is increasingly impactful in the world academic community.
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A Wide Range of English-Taught Programs
- Karlstad, Sweden, has a number of English-taught Master’s programs spanning business, humanities, science, and engineering.
- The university also offers a Bachelor’s in Music that includes both performance and theory training.
- The courses are designed for international students and are in line with global academic standards.
- Students can study full or part-time, as course structures are flexible.
Great employability rate
- The university consistently outperforms Sweden’s overall rates of employment for graduates.
- Strong industry ties enhance learning and improve job prospects.
- Career support services assist students with developing professional resumes and practicing for interviews.
- Internships and collaborative research experiences help enrich students’ CVs.
Inclusive Student Support
- Furnished housing is offered to international students upon arrival in Karlstad.
- Counselling, guided meditation and structured study sessions are offered through Student Health Services.
- Orientation weeks and events drive social engagement within an active Student Union.
- Swedish academic life is very accessible with a number of ongoing mentorship and support programs for international students.
A Very unique Student City Experience
- One in 10 of Karlstads citizens is a university student making the city vibrant and youthful.
- Karlstad is the perfect balance of nature and urban life with forests surrounding the city and lakes, theatres and restaurants.
- The city is near the main Scandinavian cities Oslo, Stockholm and Gothenburg.
- students have quick access to activities such as ice skating, skiing, hiking, and swimming.
- And other examples of cultural experiences include music festivals, art galleries, theatre performances, and historical museums.
Take first step towards your Study Abroad Journey
Campus Facilities at Karlstad University
Accessible campus
- The campus at Karlstad University is easy to navigate, with buildings and lecture halls located close together.
- The buildings and rooms are part of a code that, once students have adjusted, ensures that classrooms and offices are easy to find.
- Lagerlöfsalen and Frödingsalen are the main venues for lectures, keynotes, and panel discussions.
- The university has interactive maps on their website and on campus signage to help students find their way.
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Education and Research Infrastructure
- Lecture halls are fitted with high-tech audio-visual systems and seating to accommodate large student groups.
- Karlstad Business School includes modern business education classrooms and seminar halls.
- The Ingesund School of Music in Arvika features designated rehearsal rooms, performance halls, and recording studios.
- The campus features collaborative spaces, including labs and workshop areas designated for interdisciplinary projects.
- The library has a wide-ranging digital catalogue, private study rooms and printing facilities for students.
Testing and Laboratory Facilities
- It features a testing room, control room for real-time monitoring and a reception area for prep and review.
- Using the control room, small groups of developers and researchers can see test results first hand.
- These tools include ceiling microphones, web cameras, directed audio recording, and dual-display screens for data analysis.
- The lab facilitates research on user experience, digital interface testing, and technology-focused consumer behaviour.
Workspace and Study Areas
- Dedicated project based learning and discussion space can be found in group rooms all over campus.
- There are quiet zones in the main library to enable reading without distraction or working on assignments.
- Computer labs, which house software and printing services, are distributed among departments.
- Student lounges and open seating areas make ideal spaces to unwind between lectures.
- students can study in study cafes on campus, which combine social life and academic life.
Dining and Common Areas
- Transform becomes the main dining and gathering point for students and faculty members.
- Transform regularly hosts communal meals, coffee breaks and informal network events.
- Many campus cafés and food courts provide inexpensive meals and snacks throughout the day.
- Refrigerators, microwaves and vending machines are provided in common areas for student use.
- Dining spaces are designed for small groups, as well as for large conference-style events and meals.
Student services offered by Karlstad University
Academic Support Services
- Canvas is the university’s primary virtual learning environment for organizing materials and assignments for individual courses.
- A guide on how to use Zoom for online distance learning and group sessions.
- Academic progression and degree planning advice is given to prospective and current students by study and career counsellors.
- Regular workshops and drop-in sessions help students with study skills and time management.
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IT and Technical Support
- Online manuals and FAQs concerning common technical issues and solutions are also available.
- Our integration with Canvas and Zoom supports students from any location—hybrid or online.
Health and Wellbeing Services
- Student Health Services are provided for all registered students, including students at Ingesund College of Music.
- support of general health advisement, psychosocial counselling and wellness activities are provided.
- Students can participate in guided meditation, philosophy-based discussions and mental health workshops.
- Health services are provided to all students at no cost and are completely confidential regardless of nationality.
- For more complex needs, the university also offers advice on medical services in the city of Karlstad.
Special Needs Support for Everyone
- Individual academic support plans are available for students who have disabilities or long-term medical needs.
- Based on documentation, learning materials and the opportunity for additional time on exams may be made available.
- We encourage early contact, as this will allow for accommodations to be in place by the start of the semester.
Support for Career and Life Planning
- The students will also get career counselling in order to help them develop professional objectives as well as to learn about the Swedish labour market.
- The university gives students the tools to help students with CV writing, cover letter preparation and interview training.
- Students can tap into internships and job postings through career portals and university partnerships.
- It regularly hosts career fairs and networking events to connect students to employers.
- Counsellors also assist students who wish to pursue their studies through postgraduate studies in Sweden or abroad
- Individual academic support plans are available for students who have disabilities or long-term medical needs.
- Based on documentation, learning materials and the opportunity for additional time on exams may be made available.
- We encourage early contact, as this will allow for accommodations to be in place by the start of the semester.
Support for Career and Life Planning
- The students will also get career counselling in order to help them develop professional objectives as well as to learn about the Swedish labour market.
- The university gives students the tools to help students with CV writing, cover letter preparation and interview training.
- Students can tap into internships and job postings through career portals and university partnerships.
- It regularly hosts career fairs and networking events to connect students to employers.
- Counsellors also assist students who wish to pursue their studies through postgraduate studies in Sweden or abroad
Student life at Karlstad University
Beginning of Semester and Orientation
- Classes commence after a structured Orientation Week, where all international students are inducted.
- These sessions give important insight into Swedish culture, academic life, and navigating campus.
- In addition to learning the ropes of the university, students also get help registering for classes and accessing university accounts during orientation.
- Staff familiarise students with university platforms, including My Kau, Canvas and digital learning tools.
- This week promotes early friendships, smoothing the way in a new country and academic system.
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Life and Services on Campus Daily
- Personal Kau Cards can be issued to students for access to facilities and borrowing books.
- The Student Union offers academic or personal support and advocacy services.
- The union also gives students year-round access to events, discounts, and a vibrant student community.
A Dynamic Student City
- About one in ten residents of Karlstad are university students, helping to give the city a youthful and welcoming feel.
- Karlstad is a small town with the sightseeing of a big town!
- Music and dancing at a city-and-university run student welcome party kick off the semester.
- There is also excellent public transport, with buses running frequently (every ten minutes) between campus and downtown.
- The city is easy to navigate without a car, thanks to safe cycling and walking trails.
Entertainment, Arts and Nightlife
- Karlstad offers an abundance of concerts, exhibitions and attractions for all tastes.
- Students have access to cafés, art galleries, local theatres and museums such as the Värmland Museum.
- Low-cost meals and international menus are the orders of the day at many restaurants in Karlstad that target the student budget.
- Seasonal events, such as the Spring Ball and Autumn Festival, inject excitement into the academic year.
Sports and Recreation
- Karlstad has a strong sports tradition and students can find events such as WRC Rally Sweden and even elite hockey games.
- Löfbergs Arena — which is named for a local coffee brand — hosts elite-level sports competitions.
- Students have access to gyms, group workouts, and indoor sports courts at the on-campus sports centre.
- In addition, students can join organized teams, casual clubs or intramural leagues.
- Hiking, skating, and water sports are among the outdoor activities possible nearby.
Scholarships Offered by Karlstad University
Karlstad University Global Scholarship
- Eligibility: International fee-paying students applying to Master’s degrees.
- Amount: Up to 100% tuition fee, living expenses are not covered
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SOM Scholar for the World SI Scholarship
- Target Group: Students who have work experience from selected countries with leadership potential
- Amount: Full tuition +living allowance SEk 12,000 per month, insurance and travel Grant
Female students of eligible countries
- Requirements: applying for master’s level programs in STEM.
- Amount: Fully funded (tuition, monthly stipend, travel grant, insurance)
Erasmus+ Scholarship for Exchange Studies (Europe)
- Events: Comenius: To school, to college, or to university in Europe.
- Quantity: Depends on which country students are going to (510-560€)
Erasmus+ Traineeship Scholarship
- Eligibility: All students doing an international field studies or traineeship lasting at least two months
- Amount: Dependent on duration/destination, €550 to €650/month
Internships and Placements at Karlstad University
Internships for International Students
- The internships are available for students who want to do part of their education abroad.
- For example, students can do hands-on placements or gather thesis data abroad in a relevant field of study.
- Students find their own placements, although program leaders are available to assist when necessary.
- Large multinational companies, NGOs and academic institutions frequently advertise placements on portals such as ErasmusIntern. org.
- Any placement abroad must be approved and registered with university supervisor for academic credit.
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Erasmus+ Traineeships Abroad
- Eligible students are those who serve at least 2 months of traineeship in a country that has joined the Erasmus+ program.
- Financial support from Erasmus+ varies from 550 to 650€ monthly depending on destination country.
- Extra help is given to those with disabilities, children, or using green travel options.
- During placements, UT insurance from Kammarkollegiet covers registered students.
- Users must fill out an application form and obtain supervisor approval in order to have a user account.
The Practicalities & Support
- Students normally need to find accommodation themselves, although host organizations may provide some support or ideas.
- Visa requirements, vaccinations, and student funding certificates should be addressed early on in the process.
- The university issues official documentation for visa and residence applications abroad.
- Karlstad prepares students to know their rights and responsibilities when they fly overseas for internships.
- Project supervisors and the International Office maintain contact throughout the placement for coordination.
Internship and Career Prospects at Karlstad University
- In fact, Karlstad University itself has the opportunity for students from Ukraine and other eligible groups to apply for internships.
- The Swedish Public Employment Service also coordinates internship opportunities within the university.
- Candidates apply for internal roles according to Swedish government agency hiring practices.
Entry Requirements at Karlstad University
Undergraduate(Bachelor’s) Program
- The applicant should have completed an education equivalent to Swedish upper secondary school.
- Only full documentation submitted from the high school will be accepted; conditional admission will not be considered for admission.
- students must be able to prove an equivalent of Swedish upper secondary course English 6.
- TOEFL iBT score minimum of 90 or IELTS no band lower than 5.5 with an overall minimum of 6.5
- Program that are taught in Swedish also need Swedish 3 or equivalent language requirements.
Master’s program (Postgraduate program)
- Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree of an internationally recognized university.
- Final year undergraduates are eligible to apply, but they must submit all necessary documentation by the deadline.
- The following tests are accepted: IELTS (minimum overall 6.5) or TOEFL iBT 90
- Certain program may have further prerequisites regarding prior academic qualification.
Independence, Language and Course of English
- Students are required to complete upper secondary education with whole academic transcriptions.
- Removal of conditions applies as all qualifications need to be final and verifiable.
- A test of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) meeting requirements of English 6.
- Many national qualifications are accepted as proof of English skills by University Admissions Sweden.
- There may also be specific subject entry requirements required for some courses.
Documents Required for Application
- Depending on the program level, applicants must provide their high school or bachelor’s transcripts.
- Demonstration of proficiency in English through test scores that are valid and recognized is required.
- For identity verifica-on and processing a residence permit, we require a copy of students valid passport.
- International applicants must provide insurance documentation and a health clearance.
- Depending on the program, students might need letters of motivation, portfolios, or prerequisite qualifications for admission.
More Information for All Applicants
- Program-specific requirements are mentioned for each program on the university website.
- All applications should be done though the University Admissions Sweden portal.
- Students are advised to apply as soon as possible to avail of housing and scholarship opportunities.
- Predicted grades will not be accepted and applications after the above deadlines or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Rankings and Awards Karlstad University
Global University Rankings
- Karlstad University 1001 rank THE World University Rankings 2024
- Its Times Higher Education subject ranking in Business, Economics and Education is #801–1000.
- QS World University Rankings by Subject is also in the range of #501–550 for its strongest areas.
- Karlstad ranked #1494 worldwide ranked the US News Best Global Universities, as of 2025.
- It has been evaluated 2025 times through EduRank with a rank of #16 in Sweden and #1442 in the world, indicating a global research topic in the top 50% of results.
European & regional rankings
- Karlstad is positioned at 489 in Europe University Rankings 2024 and #=147 in Northern Europe.
- According to Study, it ranks 429th in Europe overall. eu, solidifying itself among the higher education institutions across Europe.
- In THE young University Rankings, Karlstad ranks in the #201–250 bands among institutions.
- It is consistently well across Sweden, across subjects like Cultural Studies, Computer Science, and Ecology.
- Its consistently strong showing in European university rankings is testament to steady momentum in teaching and international outreach.
Sustainability and Impact Rankings
- Karlstad: No. 1041–1060 (QS Sustainability Rankings) – highlighting environmental and social responsibility.
- University’s green promotion policy and Erasmus+ green top-up funding to support sustainable forms of travel
- Research and educational projects continue to make the university aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Policies to encourage a green campus, recycling and environmental studies programs extend Karlstad’s standing in these rankings.
Praise and Awards from Institutional Recognition
- Karlstad Business School is an AACSB-accredited business school, putting it in the top 6% of the globally.
- The university is a signatory of the UN’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).
- In 2017 the Computer Science department researchers won the Best Paper Award at the ISD (Information Systems Development) conference.
- Karlstad’s strong commitment and contribution to high-quality research and high quality teaching has received acknowledgement in national education reviews.
- And its global collaborations and student-exchange agreements have been lauded for fostering international collaboration in education.
Rankings by Research and by Subject Area
- THE Subject Rankings 2024 ranks Karlstad among the 500–600 best in the world within the field of Business and Economics and the field of Education Studies.
- It is listed in band 801–1000 globally in Engineering while STEM is seeing growth.
- EduRank 2025 lists it within the top 50% amongst over 100 research fields.
- There are high research outputs particularly in the areas of Environmental Sciences, Media and Communication and Political Science.
- As the university regularly engages in applied research, it is well regarded among its academic and industry partners.
Admission Ratio
- Karlstad University has an acceptance rate of approx. 45% to 55% for international students.
- Additionally, programs in English are highly competitive and are given to students with a strong academic and language background.
- To qualify, each applicant must provide strong evidence of eligibility, including proof of English proficiency and a record of their educational history.
- Certain master’s programs (typically in Business and Technology) have prerequisite academics and only a few available seats.
- The university has a commitment to academic quality that guarantees admitted students will be well prepared for success.
General Overview
- Karlstad University does not list a static acceptance rate on its own website or in public records.
- But, third-party education platforms have put the acceptance rate at between 25% and 34%.
- This tends to indicate that admission to Karlstad University is moderately competitive.
- Selective admission practices vary according to the specific program applied to and the number of seats available and applicants.
- Business, Computer Science and Engineering programs are usually more competitive than others.
Undergraduate Admissions
- International students who are not from the EU/EEA face greater competition for bachelor’s programs.
- Undergraduate applicants: 30% to 35%.
- There are no conditional offers, and applicants are required to meet strict entry requirements and submit verified documents.
- Bachelor programs taught in English, for example in Artificial Intelligence, are very popular with applicants.
- National policies may produce a slightly lower admissions threshold for EU/EEA applicants.
Postgraduate Admissions
- Master’s programs at Karlstad University are more selective.
- The approximate admission rate for worldwide master’s candidates is referred to as approximately 25% to 30%.
- We priority applicants with relevant academic qualifications, high GPA, and demonstrated English test scores.
- The number of students accepted per program each year will vary, as they depend on the capacity of their course and local funding, but it can be fewer than 30.
- The two important factors that increase the chance of admission are; applying early and submitting complete documentation.
Factors that Impact students Admission Chances
- Like other professional programs and schools, demand for programs can vary year to year, increasing or decreasing the competitiveness and acceptance rate.
- Scholarship applicants have even tighter selectivity, particularly for Karlstad Global or SI scholarships.
- If they follow program-specific prerequisites, like prior academic training in a given subject, that makes a big difference.
- Tuition-based programs will have limited availability for Non-EU/EEA students.
- More students who apply through early deadlines and meet all requirements tend to get accepted.
Final Insights
- However, in an open yet still academic selectiveness, the university accepts international students as well.
- Students are advised to apply early as well as prepare good applications, and meet the academic and language requirements.
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