KI Academic Calendar

Karolinska Institute, located in Stockholm, Sweden, follows a structured academic calendar primarily divided into two main semesters: the Autumn Semester and the Spring Semester. The Autumn Semester typically 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 aligns with many European universities, incorporating breaks for major holidays such as Christmas and Easter. A distinctive feature of Karolinska Institute’s calendar is its focus on intensive research and clinical training periods, especially for programs in medicine and health sciences, which may include summer sessions or modular courses for specific programs.

• Autumn Semester Start: Late August to Early September 2025 (exact date to be confirmed), marking the beginning of the academic year with orientation for new students.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to Early January 2026, coinciding with national holidays in Sweden.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026, following the winter break with a focus on coursework and clinical rotations.
• Easter Break: Early to Mid-April 2026, typically a one-week break aligned with the Easter holiday.
• Spring Semester End: Early June 2026, concluding with final exams and potential commencement ceremonies for graduating students.

• Application Period Opens: Mid-October 2024, for undergraduate programs starting in Autumn 2025, with early submission encouraged for international applicants.
• Application Deadline: Mid-January 2025, the standard cutoff for most undergraduate programs, including medicine and health sciences.
• Admission Decisions Released: Late March to Early April 2025, with notifications sent via email or online portals.
• Acceptance Confirmation Deadline: Late April 2025, requiring students to confirm their enrollment and submit any required deposits.
• International Student Document Submission: May to June 2025, for visa and residence permit applications, critical for non-EU/EEA students.

The academic calendar at Karolinska Institute aligns closely with Swedish national norms, incorporating extended breaks during Christmas and Easter that reflect cultural traditions. This structure offers some flexibility for international students, particularly with summer breaks allowing for travel or additional research opportunities. However, the intensive nature of programs, especially in medicine, may require students to engage in clinical placements or research during typical vacation periods. As specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are not yet publicly available, the above timelines are estimates based on typical patterns at Karolinska Institute and other Swedish universities. Students are encouraged to monitor official announcements for precise scheduling and deadlines.