Karolinska Institute is a prestigious public medical university located in Stockholm, Sweden, established in 1810. The university enrolls approximately 8123 students. Karolinska Institute is globally recognized for its excellence in medicine, life sciences, and health sciences, consistently ranking among the top universities worldwide in these fields.
The institute offers one undergraduate program in Biomedicine and nine master’s programs across areas such as Bioentrepreneurship, Toxicology, Health Informatics, Public Health, Molecular Techniques in Life Science, and Global Health. Tuition fees for international students range from SEK 165,000 (INR 15.1 lakh) to SEK 200,000 (INR 18.3 lakh) per year.Karolinska Institute provides limited scholarships through external organizations, mostly as tuition fee waivers.
Also check : Karolinska Institute Reviews
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Karolinska Institute continues to secure strong positions in major world university rankings, especially in medicine, life sciences, and health sciences. Below is a comparison of its latest rankings by leading ranking bodies:
| Ranking Body | Category / Subject | Global Rank / Position |
|---|---|---|
| Times Higher Education (THE) – World University Rankings 2026 | Overall (All subjects) | 53th |
| THE – Medical & Health | Subject / Field | 13th globally |
| THE – Life Sciences | Subject / Field | 31st globally |
| THE – Psychology | Subject / Field | 29th globally |
| U.S. News & World Report – Best Global Universities 2025-26 | Overall (All subjects) | 52nd |
| U.S. News – Various Health & Life Sciences Subjects | Clinical Medicine, Immunology, Psychiatry/Psychology, Public Health | Among Top 30 globally |
| QS World University Rankings – By Subject 2025 | Life Sciences & Medicine | 10th in the world, 5th in Europe |
| QS – Medicine | Subject | 9th globally |
| QS – Dentistry | Subject | 7th globally |
| QS – Pharmacy & Pharmacology | Subject | 12th–14th globally |
| QS – Nursing | Subject | Ranges between 19th–49th globally depending on edition |
| Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) / Shanghai Ranking 2025 | Overall (All subjects) | 50th |
For more ranking related details refer : Karolinska Institute Ranking
Karolinska Institute, a leading public medical university in Stockholm, exemplifies excellence in medical education, life sciences research, and global health. Below are verified figures that outline its scale, operations, and structure based on the latest published data.
| Campus type | Public |
| Establishment | 1810 |
| Endowment | 576,1 million EUR (INR 5,300 crore) |
| Budget | 8.68 billion SEK (INR 6,940 crore) |
| Rector | Annika Östman Wernerson |
| Faculty | 779 |
| Students | 8123 |
| Location | Solna and Flemingsberg, Stockholm, Sweden |
| Campuses | Solna (main) and Flemingsberg |
Karolinska Institute Campus and Accommodation
Karolinska Institute operates across two main campuses—Solna (the main campus) and Flemingsberg—both located in Stockholm. Each campus offers a variety of housing options through KI Housing, with furnished apartments and rooms suited for students, PhD candidates, international guest researchers, and select other eligible categories.
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Karolinska Institute has two campuses: Solna (main) and Flemingsberg in Stockholm.
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A free shuttle bus connects both campuses on weekdays.
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KI Housing manages about 626 furnished rooms and apartments for international students and researchers.
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Housing is offered in five areas: KI Residence Solna, KI Residence Flemingsberg, Pax, Strix, and Berzelius väg.
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KI Residence Solna: Studios and shared apartments; rent from SEK 6,613 (INR 52,900).
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KI Residence Flemingsberg: Studios, shared, and family units; rent from SEK 5,058 (INR 40,500).
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Pax, Solna: Ensuite dorm rooms (18 m²); rent from SEK 4,403 (INR 35,200).
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Strix, Solna: Dorm rooms ensuite (16 m²); rent from SEK 4,370 (INR 34,900).
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Berzelius väg, Solna: Family townhouses (65 m²); rent around SEK 10,016 (INR 80,000), currently under renovation.
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All units are furnished with bed, furniture, and kitchen basics; students bring linens and towels.
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Internet is provided in all housing areas except Berzelius väg.
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Shared kitchens and laundry rooms are available in corridor-style housing.
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Housing is guaranteed for the first year to fee-paying international bachelor’s and master’s students if applications are on time.
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Also open to exchange students, PhD candidates, postdocs, guest researchers, and visiting lecturers.
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EU/EEA/Swiss degree-program students must arrange private housing and are advised to join the SSSB housing queue.
Karolinska Institute Programs
Karolinska Institute is presently offering one UG and 9 PG degree courses to all incoming students. The details of the courses are mentioned below:
| Programme (Views) | Annual Fees (SEK) | Annual Fees (INR) | Application Deadline (Autumn 2026) | Eligibility Criteria (Short) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science [M.S] Bioentrepreneurship (33 views) | 180,000 | INR 16.47 Lakhs | 15 January 2026 | Bachelor’s in biomedicine, biology, molecular biology, pharmaceutics, chemistry, medicine, biotechnology or equivalent; English proficiency required |
| Master of Science [M.S] Toxicology (25 views) | 200,000 | INR 18.30 Lakhs | 15 January 2026 | Bachelor’s in biomedicine, biology, molecular biology, pharmaceutics, chemistry, medicine, nutrition, biotechnology or equivalent; English proficiency required |
| Master of Science [M.S] Health Informatics (23 views) | 165,000 | INR 15.10 Lakhs | 15 January 2026 | Bachelor’s in healthcare, biomedicine, medical technology, computer and systems sciences, informatics or equivalent; English proficiency required |
| Master of Science [M.S] Biomedicine (15) | 200,000 | INR 18.30 Lakhs | 15 January 2026 | Bachelor’s in biomedicine, biotechnology, cellular & molecular biology, medicine or equivalent; English proficiency required |
| Master of Science [M.S] Public Health Sciences (20 views) | 180,000 | INR 16.47 Lakhs | 15 January 2026 | Bachelor’s in public health sciences, healthcare or relevant social sciences; English proficiency required |
| Master of Science [M.S] Molecular Techniques in Life Science (13 views) | 200,000 | INR 18.30 Lakhs | 15 January 2026 | Bachelor’s degree with 10 credits mathematics + 20 credits life sciences; English proficiency required |
| Master of Science [M.S] Health Economics, Policy and Management (18 views) | 180,000 | INR 16.47 Lakhs | 15 January 2026 | Bachelor’s in public health, social sciences or relevant field; English proficiency required |
| Master of Science [M.S] Nutrition Science (18 views) | 200,000 | INR 18.30 Lakhs | 15 January 2026 | Bachelor’s in biomedicine, molecular biology, pharmaceutics, medicine, nutrition or equivalent; English proficiency required |
| Master of Science [M.S] Global Health (15 views) | 180,000 | INR 16.47 Lakhs | 15 January 2026 | Bachelor’s in health, biomedicine, social sciences or equivalent; English proficiency required |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] Biomedicine (35 views) | 180,000 | INR 16.47 Lakhs | Expected Nov 2025 (for Autumn 2026 intake) | Upper secondary school qualifications equivalent to Swedish standards + subject prerequisites; English proficiency required |
For more details refer : Karolinska Institute Courses & Fees
Karolinska Institute Application Process
International student admissions are conducted for both intakes: Autumn and Spring. The application process and requirements for admission at Karolinska Institute are:
Application Portal: Central Swedish Application Portal
Application Fee: 900 SEK
Admission Deadlines:
- Autumn Intake: January 15, 2026
- Spring Intake: April 15, 2026
Admission Requirements:
- Academic Transcripts
- Standardised tests to study in Sweden
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL: 575
- PTE: 62
- Academic Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Intent
- Health Insurance
- Financial Statements
- Passport & Swedish Student Visa
Karolinska Institute Cost of Attendance
While the tuition fees at Karolinska are fixed, the living expenses vary. The annual cost of living in Sweden for an international student is estimated to be 70,800 SEK. The details of the total cost of attendance for international students commencing studies in 2023 are tabulated below:
| Category | Annual Cost (in SEK) |
|---|---|
| UG Tuition | 540,000 |
| PG Tuition | 200,000- 400,000 |
| Accommodation | 50,400- 65,000 |
| Food & Entertainment | 25,000-27,000 |
| Transportation | 6,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 5,000-9,000 |
Read more on Cost of Living in Sweden
Karolinska Institute Scholarships
Karolinska Institute offers limited scholarships, mainly through external organizations. Most awards are given as tuition fee waivers, while a few also support living expenses. Below are the main options for international students.
| Scholarship | Benefits | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Karolinska Institute Global Master’s Scholarship | Part tuition fee waiver (living expenses not covered) | - Admission to Global Master’s Program- Meets all entry and document requirements- Paid application fee of SEK 900 (INR 7,200)- International tuition-fee paying student |
| KI–DIS Fellowship | Tuition fees for 2 semesters (living costs not covered) | - Admission to Global Master’s Program- Meets all entry and document requirements- Paid application fee of SEK 900 (INR 7,200)- Previously studied with DIS in Stockholm or Copenhagen- International tuition-fee paying student |
| Swedish Institute Scholarship | Covers tuition fees + living expenses of SEK 10,000/month (INR 80,000) | - Open to all international students starting Master’s programs at Swedish universities |
Learn More : Scholarships in Sweden for International Students in 2025
Karolinska Institute Alumni Network
Some of the popular KI Alumni include:
- Eleni Aklillu: Ethopian Research Scientist
- Yasmin Hurd: Ward-Coleman Chair of Translational Neuroscience and the Director of the Addiction Institute.
- Staffan Hallerstam: Swedish Actor and Physician
- Vidita Vaidya: Neuroscientist and Professor at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
- Katia Elliot: Swedish Journalist
Karolinska Institute University Comparison
Karolinska Institute stands out among medical and life sciences universities in Europe and globally. The table below compares KI with similar institutions based on location, programs, tuition fees, and global ranking to help prospective international students make informed choices.
| University | Location | Global Ranking (QS/THE/US News) | Popular Programs | Tuition Fees (INR) | International Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karolinska Institute | Stockholm, Sweden | QS: 10 (Life Sciences & Medicine), THE: 49, US News: 52 | Biomedicine, Bioentrepreneurship, Public Health, Toxicology, Global Health | 15–18.3 Lakh | 2,200+ doctoral students, large international community |
| Uppsala University | Uppsala, Sweden | QS: 128, THE: 109, US News: 120 | Medicine, Biomedical Science, Public Health, Pharmacy | 15–17 Lakh | 2,000+ international students |
| Lund University | Lund, Sweden | QS: 96, THE: 91, US News: 100 | Medicine, Health Sciences, Biotechnology, Nutrition | 16–19 Lakh | 3,000+ international students |
| Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm University Collaboration | Stockholm, Sweden | Joint research: Top 50 in life sciences | Global Health, Translational Medicine | 15–18 Lakh | Various exchange & joint programs |
Though Karolinska Institute offers a limited number of programs, it is the best in its academic subject. Students from more than 100 countries apply and compete for the limited seats in the KI programs.
FAQs
Ques.Is Karolinska Institute Reputed?
Ans. KI is a well reputed university and is a nobel prize laureate in the field of Biomedicine of physiology.
Ques. Does the Karolinska Institute uses English as a mode of explanation?
Ans. Yes, the KI uses English as the method of instruction for all Global Master’s Courses.
Ques. Is it difficult to enter Karolinska Institute?
Ans. If the applicant has all the requirements (which are truly genuine and talent based) prescribed by the institute he/she can easily get into the institution.
Ques. Is Karolinska Institute free?
Ans. No, Karolinska Institute is not free. You have to invest around 500,000 SEK to complete your studies here.
Karolinska Institute Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees |
|---|---|---|
B.S Biomedicine 3 years | Application Deadline For First Admission Round. (15th Jan 2026) | USD 18,000 /Yr SEK 180,000 /Yr |
M.S Bioentrepreneurship 2 years | Application Deadline For First Admission Round. (15th Jan 2026) | USD 18,000 /Yr SEK 180,000 /Yr |
M.S Toxicology 2 years | Application Deadline For First Admission Round. (15th Jan 2026) | USD 20,000 /Yr SEK 200,000 /Yr |
Application Deadline For First Admission Round. (15th Jan 2026) | USD 18,000 /Yr SEK 180,000 /Yr | |
M.S Health Informatics 2 years | Application Deadline For First Admission Round. (15th Jan 2026) | USD 16,500 /Yr SEK 165,000 /Yr |
M.S Nutrition Science 1 year | Application Deadline For First Admission Round. (15th Jan 2026) | USD 20,000 /Yr SEK 200,000 /Yr |
M.S Public Health Sciences 2 years | Application Deadline For First Admission Round. (15th Jan 2026) | USD 18,000 /Yr SEK 180,000 /Yr |
M.S Biomedicine 2 years | Application Deadline For First Admission Round. (15th Jan 2026) | USD 20,000 /Yr SEK 200,000 /Yr |
M.S Global Health 1 year | Application Deadline For First Admission Round. (15th Jan 2026) | USD 18,000 /Yr SEK 180,000 /Yr |
Application Deadline For First Admission Round. (15th Jan 2026) | USD 20,000 /Yr SEK 200,000 /Yr |
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Karolinska Institute Reviews
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Basically I narrowed on the labs which I found doing research similar to my areas of expertise.
Karolinska Institute Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Carl Gustaf Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
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Karolinska Institute Admissions
Application Deadline For First Admission Round. Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Deadline for Submit Supporting Documents First Admission Round. Deadlines
Important Date: February2 (Application deadline)Application Deadline For Second Admission Round. Deadlines
Important Date: April15 (Application deadline)Deadline for Submit Supporting Documents Second Admission Round. Deadlines
Important Date: June18 (Application deadline)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 779 | - | - | - |
Karolinska Institute Campus Location
Nearby This Campus
- Bus Station
- Airport
- Super Market
- Restaurant
- Train Station
- Book Store
- Shopping Mall
Bus Station
Super Market
Train Station
Shopping Mall
Airport
Restaurant
Book Store
● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary
Comments
Found 6 Comments
The Karolinska Institute (KI) doesn't offer a full Bachelor's degree program in Nursing taught entirely in English.
Yes, You need to submit an English language proficiency score.
While the institute does not have any scholarships soley, there are many European and Swedish organizations who provide scholarships and grants. Some of the scholarships are offered to cover living expenses but 90% are awarded as tuition fee waivers. Like The Karolinska Instituent Global Master’s Scholarship, KI-DIS Fellowship, Swedish Institute Scholarship.
Yes, you can definitely apply to multiple universities at the same time! It's a great way to increase your chances of getting accepted.
There are no restrictions on applying to universities outside of Sweden. You can apply to universities in any country you'd like to study in.
As an international student, you may be eligible for scholarships offered by the universities themselves, the government of the country you're applying to, or even private organizations. Research scholarship opportunities offered by each university and explore resources for international student scholarships.
I have an MS in Dental Biophysics in oral biology, which programme will benefit me at your university after passing the IELTS. I am eager to study at Karolinska Institute. Thanking you in anticipation. Dr Sadia Mumtaz
You can explore the KI courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.