Criteria for exchange studies

Here you can read about the criteria for exchange programmes, short-term and virtual mobilities.

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:

  1. Order of priority of institutions in the application
  2. 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.

Exemption

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.

 

Basic criteria for Short-Term Mobility

Short-Term Physical Mobility (less than 1 month) and Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs)

In order to eligible for Karlstad University's short-term exchange places, students should:

  • Be enrolled in a degree programme at Karlstad University, or have completed at least one semester (30 ECTS) at Karlstad University immediately before the start of the mobility period.
  • At the time of application, be registered as a Karlstad University student and be admitted to full-time studies (30 ECTS per semester). Programmes offered on a part-time basis are exempt from this requirement.
  • 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
  • Have a good command of English and the language in which tuition is offered (if not English)
  • Meet any specific admission requirements set by the host institution for the selected course.

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.

Assessment Criteria

Selection is normally carried out by the faculty.
If the selection process is managed by the International Office, applications will be assessed based on:

  • How well the studies fit the student's academic field and programme.
  • Lottery

Placement decisions cannot be appealed.

Exemption

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 short-term mobility.

 

Basic criteria for Virtual Mobility

Participation in Online Courses and Learning Activities at a Partner University

In order to eligible for for virtual mobility through Eunice and Karlstad University's exchange agreements, students should:

  • Be registered as a student at Karlstad University and have a valid KAU ID.
  • Meet the specific admission requirements for the chosen course.
  • Have a good command of English and the language in which tuition is offered (if not English).
  • Be registered as a student at Karlstad University at the time of application.

Assessment Criteria

In cases of competition, selection will be based on the following criteria:

  • Number of ECTS credits completed at Karlstad University.
  • The student's overall average grade from courses completed at Karlstad University.
  • Lottery

Applications submitted after the deadline will be ranked based on the date they are received.

Placement decisions cannot be appealed.

Exemption

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 virtual mobility.