FAQ – Global Master’s Programmes

Before applying

What are the requirements for the master’s programmes?

Information on the admissions requirements for the Global Master’s Programmes can be found in the information on Admissions to Global Master’s Programmes. In addition to the general entry requirements, each programme has set a number of specific entry requirements, for more information, please visit the programme descriptions.

Am I eligible to the master’s programmes?

Once you have submitted a complete application, University Admissions will assess whether you meet the general requirements and the English language requirement. After your application has been processed by University Admissions, Karolinska Institutet will assess whether you meet the specific requirements set for the master’s programme.

Which documents should I enclose?

For information about documentation requirements please read more on universityadmissions.se. Please also read the instructions in the CV forms.

Should all supporting documents be received by the application deadline 15 January 2024?

No. All supporting documents must be received by University Admissions in Sweden by the deadline for the supporting documents 1st of February 2024. Most documents including the CV form with enclosures can be uploaded. Please note that some transcripts of records have to be submitted directly from the issuing university to University Admissions in Sweden, please check the country specific instructions. In the country specific instructions you will also find information on whether your documents have to be translated. If you have taken a language proficiency test, please also check how the test results should be reported.

How do you select candidates to the programme?

Even though you might meet the entry requirements, this does not guarantee admission. When the number of applicants exceeds the number of places offered (which is normally the case) a selection among the eligible applicants will take place.

The selection is based on an overall assessment of your qualifications, such as your previous education, relevant work and research experience and statement of intent.

Please fill-in the CV form for each master’s programme you are applying to and submit it together with the other required documents to University Admissions.

How many applicants do you admit?

Depending on the programme, the number of seats varies from about 20 to 40. Since we estimate that a number of applicants will decline their admissions offer, we always admit more students than the number of seats.

You will find statistics from previous years at https://www.uhr.se/statistik. The statistics is only available in Swedish.

I do not manage to fill-out the CV form, what is the problem?

Please make sure you open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader before you start to fill-out the CV form. Opening the CV form in any other programmes may corrupt the CV form, and the CV form may appear blank after it has been uploaded.

Can I upload my CV form and the other enclosures?

You are advised to upload the CV form and the supporting documents to your account at universityadmissions.se. You will find detailed instructions on how to upload when you are logged in at your account at universityadmissions.se. You must among others make sure that you scan the original documentation and scan in colour. Scanned copies and certified copies will not be accepted by University Admissions in Sweden.

Please note that some transcripts of records have to be submitted directly from the issuing university to University Admissions in Sweden, please check the country specific instructions. If you have taken a language proficiency test, please also check how the test results should be reported. If you have already uploaded the CV form there is no need for you to send the CV form via postal mail.

Do I have to submit a separate motivation letter?

No. It is already included in the Statement of Intent –section in CV form.

I have applied for several master’s programmes at KI, do I have to submit a CV form for each programme?

Yes, you must submit a CV form for each programme you have applied to. Please however do not enclose multiple copies of your certifying documents.

Note that admissions to the joint master’s programme in Molecular Techniques in Life Science is administered by KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Please see the documentation requirements for the master’s programme in Molecular Techniques in Life Science.

Can I make an own translation of a certifying document?

No. You have to get an official translation. By official we mean that the translation should be made by a translation agency, a lawyer or a relevant authority. The translation should be signed and stamped by the translator. The translation does not need to be authorised

Regarding translations of your academic degrees or your upper secondary school studies, you should also check the country specific requirements at universityadmissions.se.

How can I certify my work experience if I work in my own company?

You can for example enclose a certificate which shows that you have a registered company.

I have completed a thesis during my studies, should I submit a copy of it?

No. Please do not upload or send a copy your thesis. It is sufficient if your thesis is listed in the transcript of record.

I have completed a mandatory internship during my studies, how should I document it?

If it is listed in your transcript of record then there is no need for additional documentation.

Should I enclose recommendation letters?

Recommendation letters will not be considered. You can however enclose them as a proof the experiences which you mention in the CV form.

Am I exempted from the English language tests?

You can be exempted from the English tests either through upper secondary school or university studies. Please read the requirements carefully and if you have doubts on whether you are exempted, please contact University Admissions directly. If you do not meet the exemptions please sign up for any of the recognised English tests as soon as possible.

My language proficiency test was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, can I get an exemption from the test?

Unfortunately not. Your application will be considered late if your test results arrive after the deadline for the supporting documents. We will only consider late applications in case we need to fill the seats for the programme. 

Can I send my qualifications by email?

No, qualifications sent by e-mail will not be considered.

Can I apply if I'm in my final year of study?

Yes. Applicants in their final year can be conditionally admitted on the condition they have completed their degree by the start of the programme. Please follow the instructions For students in their final year of bachelor's studies.

Are there any scholarships?

Please read more about scholarships for master's studies on Karolinska Institutet's website and on the Swedish Institute's website.

I applied last year, do I have to submit a new application?

If you applied last year, please read the instructions about reapplicants at universityadmissions.se. You must submit a new CV form for each programme you are applying for, and enclose certificates for any new experiences.

After applying

How can I find out about the status of my application?

You can follow the status of your application by logging in at universityadmissions.se

Due to the large volumes of applications it usually takes several weeks before your application has been processed. Please note that there is no guarantee that your application will be processsed by University Admissions before the deadline for the supporting documentation.

Do I have to confirm my admission?

No.

How can I decline my admissions offer?

You can read more on how to decline your admissions offer at universityadmissions.se.

Will you send me a formal admissions letter?

You can download an official notification of selection results from your account at universityadmissions.se. Please note that you will not be able to get a proof of enrollment before you have registered for the programme.

My application was rejected, can I appeal?

If you have been denied admission because you do not meet the general and/or specific requirements, and you believe that the assessment is incorrect, you can appeal the selection result. Appeals on any other grounds are not possible. You can submit the appeal after you have received the notification of selection results. You can read more on how to appeal at universityadmissions.se.

What are my chances of admission from the waiting list?

Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate if an applicant will become admitted from the reserve list since it depends on how many admitted students decline their offers. Karolinska Institutet admits more students than the number of seats for the programme, and when an admitted student decline their admissions offer, this does not automatically lead to an offer for a waitlisted applicant. Usually there are only a few applicants on the reserve list that receive an offer.

Can I apply for a deferral due to the circumstances related to the Corona pandemic?

A deferral can only be granted if you are currently admitted, have accepted your admission and paid the first installment of the tuition fee (if applicable). You must also demonstrate a valid reason for your deferral request. Valid reasons for granting a deferral may be social circumstances, medical circumstances or other special circumstances such as caring for children, being called up for military service or civilian service, student union commissions, military training according to the ordinance (2015:613), or deferred statutory leave in accordance with the Swedish Education Leave Act (1974:981) [HF chapter 7, § 33 (1993:100) and UHRFS (2016:1)].

You must submit documentation to support your request. The documentation must show that your reason is still valid by the start of the education.

Unfortunately reasons such as financial shortage concerning payment of tuition fee or living expenses, difficulties to find an apartment, preferring to pursue another study or work opportunity, etc. will not be sufficient for granting a deferral.

You apply for a deferral by filling out the web form.

Where can I find the schedule for the programme?

For more information on the schedule and outline of the programme, please see the programme website.

When and how do I register?

For information about course start registration visit the website of the programme.

Are there tuition fees?

Higher education is free for applicants within the EU/EEA and Switzerland. However application and tuition fees apply for applicants from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Please read more on following links:

Tuition fees
Find out if you need to pay fees

Where can I find practical information about studying at Karolinska Institutet?

Please see the current student section and the planning your arrival page, and don't forget the student blogs.

Where can I find information about residence permit for studies?

Please contact the Swedish Migration Board.

Still haven't found the answer?

You can contact the Karolinska Institutet Admissions Office.