Karlstad University Scholarship provides international students with opportunities to reduce the cost of studying in Sweden through several university and partner-funded scholarships.
Depending on the programme and scholarship, students may receive a 50% tuition-fee reduction or a fixed tuition-fee reduction.
The scholarships are mainly aimed at academically strong students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who are required to pay tuition fees.
Available opportunities cover selected bachelor’s and master’s programmes, with eligibility depending on the specific scholarship and field of study.
Brief Description of Karlstad University Scholarship
- University: Karlstad University, Sweden
- Study destination: Karlstad, Sweden
- Scholarship level: Bachelor’s and Master’s, depending on the scholarship
- Main target group: International students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland
- Funding type: Tuition-fee reductions
- Main scholarship: Karlstad University Global Scholarship
- Global Scholarship coverage: 50% tuition-fee reduction for eligible master’s programmes
- Other scholarships: EH, Erna Gruppen, Infrakraft, Löfbergs and Uddeholms scholarships
- Living expenses: Generally not covered by Karlstad University scholarships
- Application system: University Admissions in Sweden for the academic programme, followed by the relevant scholarship application where required
Karlstad University states that several scholarships are available for international students, but each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, eligible programmes and funding level.
Students may apply for scholarships for which they are eligible, although only one scholarship can be awarded per student.
About Karlstad University
Karlstad University is a public university in Sweden offering education and research across areas including technology, business, social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, health and the arts.
The university provides both bachelor’s and master’s programmes, including a selection of programmes taught in English for international students.
Karlstad University is located in Karlstad in the Värmland region of Sweden.
Its international programmes are designed for students seeking an English-language academic environment while studying within the Swedish higher education system.
The university offers one-year and two-year master’s programmes as well as bachelor’s programmes.
The exact programme duration depends on the degree and programme selected.
About Karlstad University Scholarship
- The university offers several scholarships specifically for international students.
- The Karlstad University Global Scholarship covers 50% of tuition fees for eligible master’s programmes.
- The EH International Programme Scholarship provides a 50% tuition-fee reduction for selected STEM bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
- The Erna Gruppen International Programme Scholarship provides a SEK 100,000 tuition-fee reduction for eligible programmes.
- The Infrakraft International Programme Scholarship provides a SEK 50,000 tuition-fee reduction.
- The Löfbergs International Programme Scholarship provides a SEK 100,000 tuition-fee reduction.
- The Uddeholms International Programme Scholarship provides a SEK 100,000 tuition-fee reduction.
- Scholarship awards generally reduce tuition fees and do not provide a general living-cost allowance.
Fields of Study
Eligible fields vary according to the scholarship.
Current English-taught areas at Karlstad University include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Data-driven Mechanical Engineering
- Accounting and Control
- Applied Economics
- Advanced Analytical Methods
- Biology
- Ecology and Conservation Biology
- Geomedia Studies
- Media and Spatial Planning
- Information Systems
- Innovation and Service Development
- Management
- Sustainable Value Creation
- Marketing
- Spatial and Social Transformations
- Cybersecurity
- Intelligent Communication Systems
- Physics
- Nanomaterials
- Theoretical Physics
- Intelligent Software Systems
- Digital Media Analysis
- GeoAI for Sustainable Futures
- Gender, Human Rights and Social Justice
- Music
- Other English-taught courses and programmes listed by the university
Not every field above is eligible for every scholarship.
Students must therefore check the eligible-programme list for the specific scholarship before applying.
Target Group
- International students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland
- Students who are required to pay tuition fees
- Academically strong applicants
- Applicants applying to eligible bachelor’s programmes
- Applicants applying to eligible master’s programmes
- Students applying to selected STEM programmes for the EH scholarship
- Students applying to selected engineering and sustainability-related programmes for the Infrakraft scholarship
- Students applying to selected media, business, STEM or other specified fields depending on the scholarship
- Applicants who meet the academic and programme-specific requirements
- Students who satisfy the conditions of the particular scholarship they are applying for
Some scholarships have additional targeting preferences.
For example, the Löfbergs scholarship is primarily intended for students from Colombia, while some other scholarships are associated with specific academic fields.
Scholarship Benefits
- 50% tuition-fee reduction through the Karlstad University Global Scholarship.
- 50% tuition-fee reduction through the EH International Programme Scholarship for eligible STEM programmes.
- SEK 100,000 tuition-fee reduction through the Erna Gruppen scholarship.
- SEK 50,000 tuition-fee reduction through the Infrakraft scholarship.
- SEK 100,000 tuition-fee reduction through the Löfbergs scholarship.
- SEK 100,000 tuition-fee reduction through the Uddeholms scholarship.
- Reduction of the overall financial cost of an eligible degree.
- Reduced tuition payments across the relevant study period where the scholarship regulations provide for distribution across instalments.
- Access to English-taught programmes without a general Swedish-language requirement for programmes taught in English.
- Opportunity to study within Sweden’s higher education system while reducing tuition costs.
The scholarships do not generally cover living expenses, accommodation, travel or personal costs.
Students should also note that English proficiency is an admission requirement for relevant English-taught programmes; the scholarship itself should not be presented as an English-language course or language grant.
Karlstad University Scholarship Duration
Bachelor’s Degree
- Bachelor’s programmes normally comprise 180 ECTS credits.
- A full-time 180-ECTS bachelor’s programme normally corresponds to three years of study.
- The scholarship duration depends on the specific scholarship and its conditions.
- Eligible bachelor’s programmes may include selected STEM and other fields.
Master’s Degree
- One-year master’s programmes normally comprise 60 ECTS credits.
- Two-year master’s programmes normally comprise 120 ECTS credits.
- The applicable scholarship can therefore cover or reduce tuition over the relevant one-year or two-year programme period, subject to its individual conditions.
- The Karlstad University Global Scholarship is specifically available for eligible master’s programmes.
Karlstad University Scholarship Requirements
Students must first satisfy the admission requirements of the Karlstad University programme they wish to study.
Scholarship eligibility is then assessed according to the particular scholarship, its eligible programmes and its conditions.
- Be a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland where the scholarship requires this status.
- Apply to an eligible Karlstad University programme.
- Meet the academic entry requirements for the selected programme.
- Meet the English-language requirements for an English-taught programme.
- Submit the required academic documentation.
- Pay the Swedish university application fee unless exempt.
- Demonstrate the academic strength required by the scholarship.
- Follow the scholarship’s separate application procedure where applicable.
- Provide accurate and complete scholarship information.
- Meet any additional scholarship-specific conditions.
- For some scholarships, apply to a programme in a specified academic field.
- Be prepared to demonstrate financial capability for living expenses and residence-permit requirements because the university scholarships generally do not cover living costs.
Admission Requirements by Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
- Completed upper secondary education.
- Full official documentation from the secondary school.
- English proficiency equivalent to Swedish upper-secondary English 6 for programmes taught in English.
- Any programme-specific subjects or qualifications required by the selected bachelor’s programme.
- Required documents must be submitted through the Swedish national admissions system.
- Predicted grades are not accepted as a substitute for completed required documentation.
- Some programmes may have additional academic or practical requirements.
Master’s Degree
- A bachelor’s degree from an internationally recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
- The degree normally needs to correspond to a Swedish bachelor’s degree.
- Relevant academic background required by the selected master’s programme.
- English proficiency equivalent to Swedish upper-secondary English 6.
- Accepted English qualifications can include IELTS and TOEFL, depending on the applicable rules.
- Programme-specific prerequisites must be fulfilled.
- Final-year bachelor’s students may be eligible in certain circumstances if they provide the required documentation.
Freestanding English Courses
- Completed upper secondary education.
- Required English-language proficiency.
- Any course-specific academic prerequisites.
- Complete academic documentation.
- Meet the requirements specified for the individual course.
Application Instructions
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Programme
Start by identifying a bachelor’s or master’s programme at Karlstad University that matches your academic background and career goals.
Check whether the programme is taught in English and whether it appears on the eligible-programme list of the scholarship you intend to apply for.
- Review the programme description.
- Check the degree level.
- Check the academic prerequisites.
- Confirm the programme language.
- Check whether the programme is eligible for your selected scholarship.
Step 2: Check Your Admission Eligibility
Before submitting an application, carefully compare your education with the university’s general and programme-specific requirements.
- Check your previous qualification.
- Review required subjects.
- Verify English-language eligibility.
- Check programme-specific requirements.
- Prepare official academic records.
- Confirm that your qualifications can be documented.
Step 3: Create a University Admissions Account
Applications to Karlstad University’s programmes are submitted through Sweden’s national University Admissions system.
- Create an account at University Admissions.
- Search for Karlstad University.
- Select your desired programme.
- Add programmes according to the Swedish application system’s rules.
- Rank your choices correctly.
- Save your application information.
Karlstad University confirms that international programme applications are submitted through University Admissions.
Step 4: Upload Your Documents
Prepare and submit all documents required for the programme.
- Academic certificates.
- Academic transcripts.
- Proof of English proficiency where required.
- Identification or passport documentation where applicable.
- Programme-specific supporting documents.
- Any additional documents requested by University Admissions.
Make sure names, dates and academic information are consistent across the submitted documents.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee if Required
Students who are required to pay Swedish application fees should complete the payment through the applicable University Admissions process.
- Check whether you are fee-paying.
- Check whether an exemption applies.
- Complete the required payment.
- Keep evidence of payment.
- Ensure that your university application is complete.
Applicants seeking certain Karlstad University scholarships must have paid the application fee unless they are exempt.
Step 6: Apply for the Scholarship
After submitting the university application, follow the specific scholarship instructions provided by Karlstad University.
- Identify the correct scholarship.
- Confirm that your programme is eligible.
- Open the official scholarship application procedure.
- Complete all required fields.
- Upload scholarship documents.
- Submit the application through the specified channel.
- Keep a copy of your submitted information.
The scholarship application is separate from the general programme application for the relevant Karlstad University scholarships.
Step 7: Prepare for the Financial Requirements
A tuition-fee scholarship does not automatically mean that all study costs are covered.
- Calculate your expected living expenses.
- Consider accommodation costs.
- Budget for food and transportation.
- Plan for insurance and personal expenses.
- Prepare evidence of financial resources when required for your Swedish residence permit.
- Do not assume that the scholarship covers living expenses.
Karlstad University specifically states that its Global Scholarship does not cover living expenses and that scholarship recipients must demonstrate financial capability for residence-permit purposes.
Documents Required for Registration
- Valid passport or accepted identification documentation.
- Upper-secondary certificate for bachelor’s applicants.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate for master’s applicants.
- Official academic transcripts.
- Proof of English-language proficiency where required.
- Documents demonstrating programme-specific prerequisites.
- Certified translations where applicable.
- Scholarship application documents.
- Additional supporting documents requested by the selected programme.
- Proof of application-fee payment when applicable.
- Any documents required by University Admissions or Karlstad University.
The exact document list can differ according to nationality, previous education, degree level and programme.
Students should always use the document requirements shown for their individual programme rather than relying on a generic checklist.
Important Tips
- Select the scholarship before choosing your programme so you can verify eligibility.
- Do not assume that every Karlstad University programme qualifies for every scholarship.
- Check the scholarship’s eligible-programme list carefully.
- Make sure your previous education satisfies the programme-specific requirements.
- Prepare official academic documents well in advance.
- Verify your English-language qualification before submitting the application.
- Make sure your name is written consistently across your passport and academic documents.
- Do not rely on a tuition scholarship to finance accommodation and daily living costs.
- For STEM scholarships, confirm that your selected programme is specifically included.
- For field-specific scholarships, check whether your programme matches the scholarship’s academic focus.
- Keep copies of every submitted document and application.
- Check the official Karlstad University scholarship page for changes to eligibility and application procedures.
- Use University Admissions for the academic programme application rather than sending a normal programme application directly to the university.
- Read the conditions of the specific scholarship before accepting an award.
- Prepare a realistic financial plan for the costs that remain after the tuition reduction.
Conclusion
Karlstad University Scholarship can significantly reduce tuition costs for eligible international students, but the amount of support depends on the specific scholarship and programme.
Opportunities include percentage-based tuition reductions and fixed reductions of SEK 50,000 or SEK 100,000.
The most important step is to match your academic background and intended programme with the exact scholarship requirements.
Since living expenses are generally not included, applicants should combine the scholarship with a realistic financial plan for studying and living in Sweden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Karlstad University Scholarship fully funded?
No.
The university’s main international scholarships are generally tuition-fee reductions rather than comprehensive scholarships covering tuition, accommodation and living expenses.
Who can apply for Karlstad University scholarships?
Several scholarships are aimed at students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who are required to pay tuition fees.
Eligibility differs according to the individual scholarship.
Does Karlstad University offer scholarships for bachelor’s students?
Yes.
Some Karlstad University scholarships are available for eligible bachelor’s programmes, including selected STEM programmes and programmes covered by specific partner-funded scholarships.
Does Karlstad University offer scholarships for master’s students?
Yes.
The Karlstad University Global Scholarship provides a 50% tuition-fee reduction for eligible master’s programmes, while other scholarships can also apply to selected master’s programmes.
Does the Karlstad University scholarship cover living expenses?
Generally, no.
Applicants should have sufficient financial resources for accommodation, food, transportation and other living expenses.
Do I need IELTS for Karlstad University?
Applicants to English-taught programmes must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to the required Swedish upper-secondary standard.
Accepted evidence depends on the applicable admissions rules and the applicant’s educational background.
Can I apply for more than one Karlstad University scholarship?
Applicants may apply for scholarships for which they are eligible, but Karlstad University states that only one scholarship can be awarded per student.
Is the EH International Programme Scholarship available for STEM students?
Yes.
The EH International Programme Scholarship is specifically intended for eligible STEM bachelor’s and master’s programmes and provides a 50% tuition-fee reduction.
How do I apply to Karlstad University?
The academic programme application is submitted through Sweden’s national University Admissions system.
Eligible applicants then follow the separate procedure specified for the relevant Karlstad University scholarship.
Can I study in English at Karlstad University?
Yes.
Karlstad University offers a range of programmes taught in English, including bachelor’s and master’s programmes in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, business, physics and other disciplines.