FAQs
Here are the answers to the most common questions about exchange studies.
How do I get in contact with the International Office?
You are welcome to come and meet us at our visiting times at the International Office (Building 1B) on Thursdays between 13:00 and 14:30. You are also welcome to email us via exchange@kau.se.
Can I book an individual meeting with the International Office if I have questions about studying abroad?
For more general information we recommend you first attend one of our information meetings on Mondays, you can find exact dates and location in the calendar. You may also meet us in person at the International Office on Thursdays between 13:00 - 14:30. If you still have questions after this, you can book a one to one meeting, via our online booking system, see menu to the right.
How many exchange places are there for Karlstad students at each university?
It varies from semester to semester, depending on how many students the university in question sends to Karlstad University, for example. Usually there are between 1-3 places per university.
What are my chances of getting an exchange place?
If you meet the criteria for studying abroad and applied on time, your chances are very good. The competition is stronger for certain popular exchange places, so you should make sure you include a variety of choices in your application to increase your chances of a placement. We always have a second round for students who do not get a placement in the first round. You will receive further information about this, if you are not placed in the first round.
Can I be an exchange student together with a friend?
Applying for exchange studies together with someone is not allowed, but you can apply to the same university. The placements, however, are allocated on the basis of a merit rating in the placement process.
Can I apply for a study grant from CSN for studying abroad?
Yes, you can normally apply for a CSN study grant for your exchange semester, unless you are studying in Switzerland and are receiving a SEMP scholarship.
What scholarships can I apply for?
The International Office processes scholarships for Erasmus+. Students who are placed within European Erasmus+ will automatically receive a scholarship for their semester abroad. Students placed within the Erasmus+ ICM (outside Europe) will automatically be considered for a scholarship, when they are available. Students will be selected for these scholarship using the same criteria and ranking as the student exchange criteria. More scholarships available for application via Karlstad University.
- Go to scholarships
In addition, there are many other scholarships out there to apply for. We strongly recommend that you search online.
How can I get into contact with former exchange students?
You are welcome to ask the International Office for a list of previous exchange students in your subject area or for the university you are planning to apply to. There are also a number of exchange ambassadors to contact via our website.
I have a disability, is additional financial support available?
If you have a disability and need additional support during your exchange period, you may be eligible for extra financial support if your exchange place is via Erasmus+. The extra financial support ensures that Erasmus+ exchanges will be possible for all students. For further information contact exchange@kau.se.
I have a disability, Is support offered at the exchange university?
If you need extra support during your exchange period, contact us via exchange@kau.se before you apply for an exchange student place in order receive support with your research.
Where can I get help with my visa application?
Visa applications are different for different countries. Read the information from your host university and from the authority issuing visas in the country in question.
What is a Learning agreement?
All exchange students must fill in a Learning agreement before they depart. It is a contract between you, the person responsible for credit transfer here at Karlstad University, and the host university which sets out your course of study for the exchange semester. The document is different depending on whether your exchange programme is within an Erasmus+ or bilateral agreement. You will receive this form at a "Kick off" event at the end of the term before you go.
When do I get my Erasmus+ scholarship?
Erasmus+: You will get the first 70% of your scholarship around one month before the start of your exchange semester as stated in your Grant agreement form. The remaining 30% will be paid out on completion of your exchange semester and once you have submitted final documentation.
How much is the scholarship (Erasmus+)?
The sum varies depending on where you plan to study and how long your exchange semester is, see below.
Student mobility for studies
Amount per month (euro) - 2024 |
Receiving country |
|
Group 1 - 560 Programme Countries with higher living costs |
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden |
|
Group 2 - 510 Programme Countries with medium living costs |
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain |
|
Group 3 - 510 Programme Countries with lower living costs |
Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey |
When and how will the remaining 30% of my Erasmus scholarship be paid out?
On completion of your exchange period, you must hand in your Certificate of Attendance to the International Office. The International Office will send the Certificate of Attendance out towards the end of your semester abroad. You must arrange for the Certificate to be signed by your host university. You are also be required to complete an Online Participant Survey for Erasmus+. When everything is completed and submitted, the remaining sum will be transferred to your bank account.
How do I transfer credits for my exchange semester?
Once you are back from your exchange semester, you have to apply for a transfer of credits if you want your studies abroad to be included in your degree programme. It is not automatic. The International Office will send you an email with instructions and the forms you need. For further questions contact: tillgodorakning@kau.se.