Karolinska Institutet
Stockholm, Sweden • Founded 1810 • World Rank #87
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1861, the Karolinska Institutet (Karolinska Institute) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Stockholm (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Stockholm County.
Officially recognized by the Utbildningsdepartementet, Sverige (Ministry of Education and Research of Sweden), Karolinska Institutet (KI) is a medium-sized coeducational Swedish higher education institution. Karolinska Institutet (KI) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 163-year-old Swedish higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
KI also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where to find Karolinska Institutet, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links. Confirm the published channels here are current before sending application materials.
Academic Details
Institutional vitals for Karolinska Institutet: how big, how staffed, and how recognised it is. Campus setting (urban, suburban, rural) interacts with these metrics in shaping the daily academic experience.
Degrees
Pick your degree level at Karolinska Institutet from the breakdown. Late-entry and transfer options vary by level and country — fewer universities accept mid-degree transfers at master's than at bachelor's.
Bachelor's 13 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Dental Hygiene
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Public Health
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
Master's 9 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biomedicine
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Psychotherapy
- Public Health
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
Other 1 program
- Medicine
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Utbildningsdepartementet, Sverige.
Bioscience and Nutrition (Department/Division) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Endocrinology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Nutrition
- Oncology
- Virology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Cell and Molecular Biology (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Clinical Neurosciences (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Neurology
- Neurosciences
- Ophthalmology
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Clinical Science and Education (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Epidemiology
- Health Education
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (Department/Division) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Medical Technology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Orthopaedics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Paediatrics
- Radiology
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
- Surgery
- Urology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Clinical Sciences (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dental Medicine (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dental Hygiene
- Dental Technology
- Dentistry
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Laboratory Medicine (Department/Division) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Immunology
- Laboratory Techniques
- Medical Technology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics (Department/Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biophysics
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
- Oncology
- Social and Preventive Medicine
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Oncology
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Molecular Medicine and Surgery (Department/Division) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Diabetology
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Community Health
- Gerontology
- Health Education
- Health Sciences
- Neurology
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Neurosciences (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Neurosciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Oncology-Pathology (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Oncology
Physiology and Pharmacology (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
Public Health Sciences (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Education
- Public Health
- Social and Preventive Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Women's and Children's Health (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Paediatrics
Environmental Medicine (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Karolinska Institutet's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
31 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Sweden
Bachelor's Degree 3 programmes
Master's Degree 23 programmes
Showing 10 of 23.
Associate's Degree 5 programmes
How to apply to Karolinska Institutet
A short guide to applying to Karolinska Institutet — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Karolinska Institutet's catalogue includes 31 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Karolinska Institutet's admissions process.
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3
Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through Karolinska Institutet's official website at ki.se. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +46 (8) 5248 6400. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Karolinska Institutet
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Karolinska Institutet as a study destination.
How old is Karolinska Institutet?
The institution opened in 1810 (approximately 216 years ago).
What city is Karolinska Institutet in?
Karolinska Institutet operates from Stockholm, Sweden.
Is Karolinska Institutet public or private?
Karolinska Institutet is a public institution.
How big is Karolinska Institutet's student body?
Karolinska Institutet serves approximately 8,000-8,999 students.
Where does Karolinska Institutet stand in university rankings?
It ranks #87 globally and #1 in Sweden.
What degrees does Karolinska Institutet offer?
Programmes at Karolinska Institutet cover bachelor's and master's programmes.
Is Karolinska Institutet officially recognised?
Yes, Karolinska Institutet is recognised by Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ).
What is Karolinska Institutet's official website?
Karolinska Institutet's official website is ki.se.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Joint research grants among European University Association (EUA) members create funded collaborations that often extend to graduate-student opportunities. The network listed below collaborates regularly with Karolinska Institutet.
Faculties at nearby universities
Students considering Karolinska Institutet often compare it against universities in the same region. Below are nearby institutions with comparable academic departments and student support structures, useful for cross-shortlisting.
Universities Compared with Karolinska Institutet
Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to Karolinska Institutet: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.
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