Studying at Karlstad University
ORIENTATION DAYS FOR ALL INCOMING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS BEFORE THE SEMESTER STARTS
All incoming international students, both exchange and non-exchange students, are welcome to start the semester with the orientation days at Karlstad University one week before the semester starts. During these days, you will get important practical information about studying at Karlstad University and also information about the Swedish society. We recommend all international students to join the orientation days.
CREATE A USER ACCOUNT
All students at Karlstad University need a student user account. This is your key to My page, where you can access your student e-mail, student computers, wireless network and other services, such as registration. Incoming non-exchange students access their accounts via the website for University Admissions in Sweden or eduID. Students who lack a user account at these sites activate their student account by personally visiting the IT support service at Karlstad University. Please find more information below.
REGISTER FOR YOUR COURSE OR PROGRAMME
When you register for a study programme or course, you accept the admission. If you do not register, you risk losing your place. Registration is normally open from one week before the course starts.
For incoming non-exchange students, web registration is not possible, and therefore we recommend you to join the orientation days for registration. If you have questions about registration, please contact the course administrator for the course you are going to study, or send an e-mail to admission@kau.se. Please note that you will not be able to start your studies if you do not register in time.
APPLY FOR A KAU CARD
The KAU card is a personal card, designed to increase security at the university and to facilitate daily life for the card owner.
BUY OR BORROW COURSE LITERATURE AND APPLY FOR A LIBRARY CARD
It is essential that you buy or borrow course literature since examination is based on required readings. A library card is required for borrowing books from the university library.
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE STUDENT UNION
Karlstad Student Union is the hub of student life and the united student voice. Among other tasks, the Union offers you help in case you encounter problems during your study time. It can be problems with a course, examination, essay, housing, or other issues that are connected to your student life. Student Union members can take advantage of many discounts and other offerings. Please find more information below.
ATTEND THE COURSE INTRODUCTION
Attendance is required for the course introduction. If you fail to attend, you run the risk of forfeiting your place.
START YOUR STUDIES
Different kind of questions will most probably appear during your studies at Karlstad University. Below you find a briefing on who you can contact to get help on different kind of matters:
- Admissions office: questions about application procedures, eligibility, fees, insurance, scholarships, accommodation, residence permit and orientation days.
- Study and career counsellor: questions about educational and professional career choices, examinations, parallel studies, student leave, exemptions and credit transfers.
- Faculty administrator: questions related to the course you are taking, such as registration or study related instructions on for example literature, teachers and schedule.
RULES ABOUT EXAMINATION
Most courses conclude with a written exam. There are also other examination formats such as take-home exams, laboratory assignments, seminars and hand-in assignments. You must always sign up on My page for a written exam in advance.
Cheating is a breach of regulations that Karlstad University takes very seriously. Every year students are warned or suspended for attempts to deceive the examiner.
IN CASE YOU FAIL AN EXAMINATION
You will be able to register for a retake in case you fail an exam. In some cases you may have to contact a study counsellor go get help with an individual study plan. Please note that failing exams may affect your situation in general, such as for example residence permit, accommodation or scholarships. Make sure you understand the rules about these issues before you start your studies.
IN CASE YOU NEED A CERTIFICATE OF ENROLMENT
Please send an e-mail with your request to admission@kau.se and collect a certificate of enrolment at the Admissions Office when we have answered your request.
APPLY FOR A DEGREE
Online applications for degree certificates are done on our website via My page.Please find more information below.