Introduction to studies at KTH
Before starting your studies at KTH, it is helpful to understand how studies are organised, how courses and examinations work, and what responsibilities you have as a student. At KTH, students are expected to take an active role in managing their studies and keeping track of important steps throughout their education.
How studies are organised at KTH
Academic year
The academic year at KTH is divided into two semesters. The autumn semester starts in late August or early September and runs until mid-January. The spring semester runs from mid-January until the beginning of June.
Study periods
Each semester consists of two study periods. During each study period, you typically study two courses in parallel for seven weeks. Each period is followed by a week of independent study before the exam period.
Academic year and important dates for studies starting in August 2026
Courses and workload
Programme courses
For programme students, each programme at KTH has its own course structure designed to support your progression through the programme. Most programmes include a combination of mandatory, conditionally elective and elective courses.
Courses may include lectures, seminars, laboratory work, group projects and individual study. Laboratory sessions and project work are important parts of many courses and give you hands-on experience while working together with other students, preparing you for your future career.
Find your programme syllabus and courses in the Course and programme directory
Study workload
Full-time studies correspond to about 40 hours of study per week. This includes lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions and other scheduled teaching, as well as time for assignments, project work and independent study.
Credits
The credit system used in Sweden is the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Full-time studies correspond to 30 credits (högskolepoäng) per semester, which equals 30 ECTS. One week of full-time studies corresponds to 1.5 credits.
Examinations and grading
Exams and re-exams
Exams at KTH are usually connected to individual courses rather than taking place at the end of the semester. Some courses also include partial exams during the study period. Your final course grade is usually based on written or oral exams, but assignments, projects and laboratory work may also form part of the examination. If you do not pass an exam, you will normally have another opportunity to take a re-exam.
Grades
KTH generally uses a seven-grade scale (A, B, C, D, E, Fx, F). A–E are passing grades, with A being the highest grade. Fx indicates that the result is close to a pass and may be upgraded to a pass. For degree projects, the grades pass (P) and fail (F) are used.
Examination results and grades
Your rights and responsibilities as a student
Cheating and plagiarism
What is considered cheating and plagiarism at KTH may differ from practices at universities in other countries. It is important that you understand what is considered plagiarism so you can avoid it. Plagiarism, unauthorised collaboration and other forms of cheating are taken seriously and may lead to disciplinary action. KTH has therefore put together guidance for students on how to avoid plagiarism.
Student influence
As a student at KTH, you have the opportunity to influence your education and contribute to improving courses and programmes. One of the most important ways to do this is by participating in course evaluations, where you can share your experiences and suggestions for improvement.
Digital tools and services
KTH access card
As a student, you need an access card to enter many buildings and rooms on KTH’s campuses, including computer rooms, laboratories and other facilities used in your education. Your card is linked to permissions that allow you to access authorised buildings and is connected to a personal PIN code. The access card also gives you entry to many of the study spaces and group rooms available on campus for individual study or group work.
Access cards on KTH's campuses
Wi-Fi on campus through Eduroam
As a student, you have access to free wireless networks at KTH. You can access it as soon as you have activated your KTH account.
The personal menu on kth.se
The personal menu is the grey bar at the top of kth.se. When you log in, you get access to services such as Ladok, your schedule, email, and course and exam registration. You can also see all your courses with direct links to course information and course rooms. If you are studying in a degree programme, you will also see your programme with links to the programme syllabus and other programme information.
Canvas, KTH’s learning platform
Canvas is the learning platform (LMS) used for all courses and programmes at KTH. Here you will find course material, the course memo and assignments. Canvas is also used to communicate with teachers and other students in your course. In addition to your course rooms, you will also have access to a programme room where you can find information related to your programme.
Ladok, managing your studies
Ladok is a system for student records where you can administrate your studies. In Ladok, you can register for courses, register for exams, see your results, print certificates and apply for your degree.
Student life at KTH
The student discount card from Mecenat
As a KTH student, you can access student discounts through the digital Mecenat card . Using the Mecenat app or by showing your card in stores, you can get discounts from many brands in Sweden, including Stockholm Public Transport (SL) .
Your Mecenat card is automatically issued once you have registered for your courses . You will receive an email from Mecenat with instructions on how to activate it in the Mecenat app. International students enrolled in a pre-sessional language course will get their card in early August.
To get the SL student discount, you must be registered for at least 75% of full-time studies (22.5 ECTS). Your Mecenat card will then show the SL symbol, allowing you to use the student discount on public transport. For support, contact the student union THS at karx@ths.kth.se or Mecenat .
Other useful information
