Traineeships at Karolinska Institutet

Freemover traineeships

If your home institution does not have an exchange agreement with Karolinska Institutet, you may contact research groups at KI departments directly to enquire about a research-oriented traineeship or internship.

Please note:

• A traineeship must not include participation in courses at KI.
• Each department decides whether to accept you for a traineeship or internship.
• The International Relations Office at KI does not assist in finding clinical placements at hospitals, clinics, or laboratories. KI only accepts exchange students through established exchange agreements.

Conditions

If you are accepted as a trainee or freemover (not nominated by your home institution as an exchange student within an agreement):

• You will not be registered as a student at KI.
• You will not have access to services for exchange students within a mobility programme, such as student accommodation, Swedish language courses, or introduction days.
• You will not receive a Transcript of Records (ECTS) from KI after your traineeship.

The department hosting you will have full responsibility for you under the same conditions as any employer.

Insurance

If accepted for a traineeship at a KI department, you will be covered by the Student IN group insurance through KI. However, if your traineeship takes place at Karolinska University Hospital, you are not insured by KI.

For further details, please contact the department where you wish to do your traineeship.

Erasmus+ Traineeships through exchange agreement

If you arrange an Erasmus+ traineeship directly with a research group, you are considered a freemover, and the conditions above apply.

Some KI study programmes have Erasmus+ agreements that include traineeships. If you are from a partner institution, you may be able to carry out a project or thesis work in a laboratory by applying for one of KI’s project courses for exchange students.

Please note that KI cannot arrange or host hospital or clinical placements through Erasmus+ traineeships outside established exchange agreements. To check your eligibility for an Erasmus grant, consult the International Coordinator at your home institution or contact KI’s International Coordinators for more information.

Mecenat – for student discounts

Both Swedish and international students at KI get access to Mecenat's student discounts, for example on travels with Stockholm Public Transport (SL), food, clothing, books, and more.

You can find more information about Mecenat and how to apply for a Mecenat Card on the Mecenat website.