Karlstad University
Karlstad, Sweden • World Rank #1668
Updated May 2026
Overview
Operating from Karlstad, Sweden, Karlstad University delivers higher education as a public institution. It serves as a higher-education provider within Sweden.
Academically, Karlstad University delivers teaching across bachelor's and master's programmes. Its institutional structure includes several faculties and runs a small set of programmes across multiple disciplines.
Approximately 16,000 students study at Karlstad University across its programmes. The institution's daily rhythm unfolds within its campus environment, supported by academic and administrative staff.
Globally, Karlstad University sits at #1668 globally and #19 within Sweden. The institution participates in Sweden's academic ecosystem alongside other higher-education providers.
Location & Contact
Find Karlstad University on the map and reach the right office through the contact channels listed below. Use these for general enquiries; specific departments often run their own contact pages.
Academic Details
The numbers below cover the academic side of Karlstad University. Academic calendar conventions vary — semester, trimester, or quarter systems each carry different teaching rhythms.
Degrees
Karlstad University's qualifications are listed below by level, so you can quickly find the route that matches your study stage. Some levels feed naturally into the next, while others stand alone.
Bachelor's 33 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Cultural Studies
- Dance
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Human Resources
- Industrial Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Music Education
- Nursing
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Primary Education
- Public Relations
- Real Estate
- Safety Engineering
- Social Work
- Sports Medicine
- Surveying and Mapping
- Teacher Training
- Tourism
Master's 26 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Educational Administration
- Educational Sciences
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Fiscal Law
- Health Education
- Health Sciences
- Information Sciences
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Studies
- Nursing
- Physical Engineering
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Special Education
- Teacher Training
Other 29 programs
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Communication Studies
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Science
- Education
- Energy Engineering
- English
- Environmental Engineering
- Geography (Human)
- History
- Human Resources
- Information Sciences
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Music
- Nursing
- Pedagogy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Theology
Faculties & Divisions
Karlstad University's departmental layout. Some institutions use 'school' for what others call 'department' — terminology varies but the function (subject area management) is similar.
Arts and Social Science (Faculty) 33 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Acting
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Comparative Literature
- Cultural Studies
- Dance
- Economics
- Educational Sciences
- English
- Film
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- Geography (Human)
- History
- Human Resources
- Information Sciences
- Law
- Leadership
- Media Studies
- Music
- Pedagogy
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Special Education
- Statistics
- Swedish
- Tourism
- Visual Arts
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health, Science and Technology (Faculty) 18 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nursing
- Oral Pathology
- Physics
- Public Health
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Teacher Education (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
The programmes you can apply for at Karlstad University are grouped by degree level. Programme-level accreditation (separate from institutional) matters for regulated professions like law, medicine, and engineering.
87 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Sweden
Bachelor's Degree 44 programmes
Showing 10 of 44.
Master's Degree 43 programmes
Showing 10 of 43.
How to apply to Karlstad University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Karlstad University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Karlstad University's 87 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Karlstad University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Karlstad University processes applications through www.kau.se. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at 054-700 10 00. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Karlstad University
Frequently asked questions about Karlstad University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
What city is Karlstad University in?
Karlstad University operates from Karlstad, Sweden.
Is Karlstad University public or private?
Karlstad University is a public institution.
How big is Karlstad University's student body?
Karlstad University serves approximately 16,000 students.
Where does Karlstad University stand in university rankings?
Karlstad University holds rank #1668 globally and #19 in Sweden.
What qualification levels does Karlstad University offer?
Karlstad University offers bachelor's and master's programmes.
Who recognises Karlstad University?
The institution holds recognition from Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ).
How do I find Karlstad University online?
You can find Karlstad University online at www.kau.se.
Top-Ranked Universities in Sweden
Below: Sweden's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for Karlstad University's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.
Where Else to Study English Language Studies
Foreign-language teaching requirements for English Language Studies programmes vary across Sweden. Some run entirely in the national language; others offer English-medium delivery for international students.
Universities Compared with Karlstad University
Comparable peer metrics — selectivity, yield, faculty awards — give a fuller picture than headline rankings alone. The universities below cluster around Karlstad University on most of these signals.
Studying in Sweden: guides and resources
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