Education regulations

As a student at Karlstad University, you have both rights and obligations. The regulations are there to ensure that the education meets high standards and that teaching and examinations comply with applicable laws. The regulations also serve to ensure a safe and healthy work and study environment for everyone present on our campuses and in our digital environments. The following is a summary of our regulations for undergraduate and Master’s courses and study programmes. You can also find a link to the full document.

As a university student, it is important that you understand and comply with the applicable rules and regulations. This involves following rules and guidelines on information security and examinations, contributing to an inclusive environment, and using university facilities and equipment with care.

Information and guidance

As a student, you should be treated in a professional manner and in accordance with the laws that apply to us as a university and government agency, such as the service obligation under the Administrative Procedure Act. This means that we provide guidance and assistance on matters related to education and are available through physical meetings, phone and online. Matters should be handled efficiently and in a legal secure way. If needed, we can offer information in English or provide an interpreter.

Admission

The terms for admission to higher education vary depending on the study programme or course. The university’s admission regulations outline the admission process, entry requirements, the selection process and how to appeal an admission decision.  

You can apply for credit transfer from previous studies or recognition of prior learning. The rules for this process is governed by the Higher Education Ordinance and university guidelines. You can re-register for a course if it is still offered, but you must do so within a certain time period before the course starts.

Course and programme syllabuses and reading lists

Course and programme syllabuses include learning outcomes, content, credits and examination formats, among other things.  Course and programme syllabuses are approved by the faculty boards and must be published before the application period opens. Programme syllabuses describe the scope and entry requirements of the programme.

Reading lists must be published at least six weeks before the course starts, and schedules must be published at least two weeks before the start. Study instructions must comply with the course and programme syllabuses. Once the application period has opened, there can be no changes in terms of length, pace or teaching format. This is to allow students to compare programmes and courses, make plans and have correct information about the form of education that applies to the course or programme they are interested in.

Teaching

As a general principle, student participation in teaching is voluntary. However, there may be mandatory components (for more information, see section on examinations below). It is important that you register for the course you wish to take via mitt.kau.se. Teaching can include lectures, seminars, discussions, laboratory sessions, and more. Teaching can take place on campus or via distance learning, depending on the course. This is specified in the course schedule.

The university has a special responsibility to facilitate for students with disabilities. You can apply for study support and get access to various support measures to help you in your studies.

Examinations

Examinations can have different formats, such as on-campus written examinations, take-home examinations, laboratory sessions, seminars and written assignments. The requirement is that the examination is conducted in a correct and legally secure way.  Examinations held on campus or online always require that you verifying your identity by presenting a valid photo ID. Valid photo ID includes passport, driver’s licence, national ID card or an eID showing your social security number, name, photo and the validity period. Written examinations should normally be anonymous and completed individually. Suspected cheating, such as plagiarism, copying without citing the source and unauthorised use of AI tools, is reported to the university’s vice-chancellor.

Mandatory components may also be included as a form of examination. This must be specified in the course syllabus and included in the schedule. If you are unable to attend an examination or a mandatory component, or if you do not pass, you are entitled to a new opportunity to take the exam or complete the mandatory component, usually within two months. Remember to register for the exam!

A study environment free from discrimination

The university conducts focused efforts to actively promote equal rights for everyone, regardless of ethnic background, religion or other belief, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age. Karlstad University takes a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment, victimisation and reprisals. 

If you are experiencing harassment, your teacher or head of department is a good first point of contact. You can also turn to the person responsible for student equity matters at the Office for Student Affairs, or to the Student Health Services or a student union representative.

If you violate the regulations

If you do not comply with the applicable rules and regulations, you may be reported to the disciplinary board. Following an investigation, the board may decide on disciplinary actions, such as suspension from studies for a set period of time. This applies to cheating, disruption of teaching and activities, or harassment according to the Discrimination Act.

Student influence

Student influence is an important part of Karlstad University’s quality assurance work and is organised through the student union. As a student, you have the right o influence your education, and we encourage you to actively participate in the development of our programmes and the study environment.

Contact us

If you have questions regarding your situation or need support in your studies, the Office for Student Affairs offers study and career counselling as well as study support. The Student Health Services can help you with any personal issues that affect your studies. You can also turn to the university’s Welcome Centre and Karlstad Student Union for advice and guidance.

Students with questions related to their education can turn to the programme director, course coordinator or a student representative. Sometimes conflicts or disagreements may arise between a teacher and a student. This should primarily be handled by the parties involved. If needed, the director of studies or a student union representative can be contacted to help resolve the situation.