Studying at KTH is more than just attending lectures. On this page, we've gathered key insights and highlighted some differences in how studies are structured here compared to other countries. This will help you better understand what to expect as a KTH student and help you adapt to this new academic environment.
The academic year
The academic year at KTH is divided into two semester. The autumn semester starts in late August/early September and runs until the middle of January. The spring semester begins in the middle of January and runs until the beginning of June. Each semester consists of two study periods, each comprising three or four parallel courses during seven weeks of scheduled lectures, laboratory work, group work and smaller tutorial sessions. These are followed by one week of own work, free from scheduled education before the exams take place in October, January, March and June. Re-examination takes place in January, April and June.
A semester at KTH consists of several courses, usually three or four. Each course involves lectures, seminars, laboratory work, group projects and individual studies. As hands-on experience is regarded as an essential element of learning, laboratory sessions constitute an integral part of studies at KTH. Your overall course grade is determined by written or oral examinations twice a semester. Exercises and laboratory work may also form part of the examination. If you fail, there will be a second chance at the end of each semester.
Master's student Vijay from India gives you a glimpse into how studies at KTH work. He will take you through KTH's campus and show you some of his favourite study environments.
Lecturers are on a first name-basis
Swedish society in general tends to be quite informal and non-hierarchical, which is why you’ll notice that formal titles aren’t commonly used here. Addressing your professors by their first names may feel unusual at first, but you’ll soon find yourself enjoying the informal and equal atmosphere that shapes our classrooms.
You are in charge of your studies.
As a KTH student, you're responsible for managing your own studies. That means keeping track of your assignments, deadlines, exams, lectures, and the overall administration throughout your program.
You will need to register yourself for courses and exams, and apply for programme courses each semester.
Studying full-time means you should plan to spend about 40 hours a week on your studies. While you will often spend a few hours every week in lectures, seminars and labs, a lot of your time will be independent studying or group work. At KTH, learning to work together is an integral part of education. We believe working in groups helps you develop valuable teamwork skills and prepares you for real-life situations in your future career.
Course credits
The credit system used in Sweden is the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Full-time studies means that you will take 30 credit points (högskolepoäng in Swedish) each semester, which equals to 30 ECTS. One week of full-time studies equals 1.5 credit points.
Exams and re-exams
Exams are taken at the end of each course, and not at the end of the term. Some courses include optional partial exams. You also have the opportunity to take a re-exam if you do not pass your exam. KTH has many different types of examination such as written exams, digital exams and project work.
KTH generally uses a seven-grade goal-related grading scale (A, B, C, D, E, Fx, F) for courses. A–E are grades corresponding to a pass, with A being the highest grade. The grade Fx is not a final grade, and 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.
What is considered cheating and plagiarism at KTH can differ from universities in other countries. It is important that you understand what is considered plagiarism so you can avoid it. KTH has put together a guide and advice for students on how to avoid plagiarism.
Swedish student Celine gives you a tour of the student life at KTH and all the fun things you can take part in when you study in Stockholm.
Mecenat - The student discount card
As a KTH student, you can access student discounts through a digital card from Mecenat. Through the Mecenat app, or by showing your card in physical shops, you can access discounts for many stores and brands in Sweden, and maybe most importantly for Stockholm Public Transport (SL).
A digital Mecenat card will automatically be ordered for you once you have registered for your courses, and you can have it on your smartphone via the Mecenat app. You will receive an email from Mecenat with instructions on how to get started. If you need support, please email the student union THS at
karx@ths.kth.se
.
You are eligible for student discounts at SL, but only after you have received your Mecenat card with
an SL-logo
. You are entitled to the SL-logo if you are registered for at least 75% of a full semester's activity (22,5 ECTS).
International students enrolled in a pre-sessional language course will be able to get their student discount card from Mecenat in early August.
Once you arrive and begin your life in Stockholm, there are several tasks to take care of, such as obtaining a Swedish personal identity number, opening a Swedish bank account, and learning about the healthcare system. Here is some essential information to help you settle in.
You are responsible for making sure that you are up to date regarding information about your studies. Find an overview of KTH's digital channels to provide you with information.
As a student in Sweden you have the right to influence your education. We encourage you to take an active part in developing your education. You have experience and knowledge if there is something that could be done differently.
