KaU Academic Calendar

Karlstad University, located in Sweden, follows a structured academic calendar typical of Scandinavian higher education institutions. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the Autumn Semester and the Spring Semester. The Autumn Semester generally begins in late August or early September and runs through mid-January, while the Spring Semester starts in mid-January and concludes in early June. This structure allows for a significant winter break around the holiday season and a longer summer break from June to August, aligning with regional weather patterns and cultural traditions. Additionally, each semester is often subdivided into study periods or modules, enabling focused coursework and flexible scheduling for exams and projects.

• Autumn Semester Start: Late August 2025 (typically around August 25–30), marking the beginning of the academic year with orientation activities for new students.
• Mid-Term Break (Autumn): Late October 2025 (around October 27–31), often coinciding with All Saints’ Day holidays in Sweden.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20–January 6), covering Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 12–15), following the winter break.
• Easter Break: Early April 2026 (approximately April 3–10), aligning with national Easter holidays.
• Spring Semester End: Early June 2026 (around June 5–10), concluding with final exams and commencement ceremonies for graduating students.

• Application Period Start for International Students: Mid-October 2024 (typically October 16), opening for Autumn 2025 admissions with specific requirements for non-EU/EEA applicants.
• Application Deadline for International Students: Mid-January 2025 (around January 15), for programs starting in Autumn 2025, with document submission deadlines shortly after.
• Application Period for Swedish/EU Students: Mid-March to mid-April 2025 (approximately March 15–April 15), for Autumn 2025 intake via the national admissions portal.
• Admission Notification: Early April 2025 for international students and late June to early July 2025 for Swedish/EU students, with deadlines to accept offers shortly after.
• Financial Aid/Scholarship Deadline: Early February 2025 (around February 1), for international students applying for university-specific scholarships or funding.

The academic calendar at Karlstad University aligns closely with national norms in Sweden, where semesters are standardized across most universities to facilitate student mobility and coordination. The extended winter and summer breaks reflect cultural priorities, such as family time during holidays and outdoor activities in summer. For international students, the calendar offers flexibility with early application deadlines and clear semester breaks, though they must account for visa processing times and holiday closures when planning travel. Additionally, the modular structure within semesters supports intensive study periods, which may be particularly beneficial for research-focused or exchange students adapting to the Swedish academic system.