Criteria for exchange studies
Basic criteria for exchange studies
In order to eligible for a Karlstad University exchange place, administered by the International Office, students should:
- Have studied at least two semesters (of 30 ECTS each) at Karlstad University immediately before the start of the exchange period
- At the time of application, be registered as a Karlstad University student and be admitted to full-time studies (full-time study equates to 30 ECTS per semester)
- Have passed at least 75% of their courses. The percentage is based on completed semesters at Karlstad University
- Be able to transfer credits from their studies abroad to a degree at Karlstad University
- Study at least one semester full-time at the receiving higher education institution
- Follow the semester periods of the receiving institution and ensure that these can be incorporated into their normal studies at Karlstad University
- Have a good command of English and the language in which tuition is offered (if not English)
If students fail to fulfil one or more of these criteria, they may submit an application for exemption (see menu to the right) to the International Office together with their application for exchange studies.
Selection
If there are more qualified applicants than available exchange places, students are ranked based on a combined merit rating. Placements are final and no changes are allowed.
Students who are not offered a place after the initial allocation may select up to five new options in a second round, based on remaining available places. Places declined by students in the first round will not be reallocated in the second round.
Students may only apply for one semester per application round, and placement decisions cannot be appealed.
Assessment Criteria
In cases of competition, the following criteria are used to calculate the student’s merit rating:
- Number of completed credits at Karlstad University
- Grades from completed courses at Karlstad University
- Participation in mentoring activities for international students
- Inclusion points
If students receive the same merit rating, the following tie-breaking criteria apply:
- Order of priority of institutions in the application
- Lottery
Merit Rating Calculation
ECTS credits Rating
0-30 1
31-60 2
61-90 3
≥91 4
ECTS credits VG/4/5/AB/BA* Rating
15-30 0.5
31-45 1
46-60 1.5
61-75 2
76-90 2.5
91-105 3
106-120 3.5
121< 4
* grade VG/4/5/AB/BA in completed course
Master’s Students
Students admitted to a master’s programme at Karlstad University who hold a bachelor’s degree from another university are awarded 4 additional merit points, since prior studies from other universities are not otherwise included in the merit rating.
Mentoring activities
Students who participated in the host student activities for international students and included this in their application receive 1 additional merit point in the selection process.
Inclusion Points
Students who meet the criteria for the Erasmus Inclusive Top-Up, due to circumstances that present barriers to their studies (students with a documented long-term disability, with minor children or with a refugee status in Sweden) are awarded 2 additional merit points, regardless of whether the application is for an Erasmus or bilateral exchange.
Previous Exchange Participation
- Students who have previously completed an exchange semester through Karlstad University may apply again but will be given lower priority than first-time applicants
- Students who accept an exchange place but later withdraw without valid reasons (e.g. documented medical reasons) will be given lower priority in the next application round
Students can only apply for one semester in each application round and decisions about placement cannot be appealed.