Living and studying in Sweden
Living and studying in Sweden and at KTH may differ from what you’re used to. When you have arrived and started your life in Stockholm there are a few things to sort out, for example getting a student discount card and a Swedish bank account. On this page we have collected some important things to know about living in Sweden, and differences in studies compared to other countries.
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Living in Sweden
Studies in Sweden and at KTH
Student discount card
As a KTH student, you can access student discounts through a digital student discount card from Mecenat. Discounts include many stores and brands in Sweden, and maybe most importantly Stockholm Public Transport (SL). SL provides various means of transport within Stockholm county: buses, subway, commuter trains, trams and boats. 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).
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. If you need support, please email the student union THS at info@ths.kth.se .
Read more about how to get a student discount card (mecenat.com)
Living sustainably
We have collected some tips on how you can live more sustainably in your everyday student life in Sweden. Several of the tips can also make you save money.
Personal identification number
The personal identification number is important for everyday purposes in Swedish society. You can apply for a personal identification number if you have a residence permit for at least 12 months or are admitted to studies for 13 months or more.
Swedish personal identification number and ID card
Healthcare
The Swedish healthcare system is financed by social insurance that provides all citizens with subsidised healthcare through the government. There are both public and private providers of healthcare. If you have obtained a Swedish personal identity number, or are a holder of the European Health Insurance Card, you are entitled to healthcare at the standard patient fee, with some exceptions depending on tax payer status.
Banking and payments
Regardless of how long you will be studying in Sweden, you should make sure that you have enough money to cover your expenses for the first months of your stay. International debit and credit cards are widely accepted as a payment method in Sweden. We strongly recommend you bring a VISA or Mastercard to give you access to funds in your existing bank account. You can withdraw cash from all ATM’s and make your purchases with your card. An ATM cash machine is referred to as Bankomat in Swedish.
Work during studies
Do you want to work part-time during your studies? International students with a residence permit for studies can work in Sweden during their study period.
Lecturers are on a first name-basis
Formal titles are not very common in Sweden, and instead you will call your teacher by their first name.
You need to register for courses and exams
You will need to register yourself for courses and exams, and apply for programme courses each semester.
Read about registrations and other ways to administrate your studies
Lectures, seminars, laboratory work and group projects
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. You will get to explore your ideas and apply them in collaboration with others from around the world. Group dynamics and the ability to work across teams can play a significant role in the outcome of ideas, projects and innovation.
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 30 ECTS. One week of full-time studies equals 1.5 credit points.
A semester at KTH
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.
Find semesters and courses in the programme syllabus
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.
Academic year and important dates
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. You also need to register for exams before taking them.
Grades
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.
Examination results and grades
Canvas and Ladok, your learning platforms
Canvas is the learning platform used for all courses at KTH. In Canvas you will find course material and assignments and can keep in touch with teachers and fellow students.
In Ladok you will find your results on courses, register for courses and exams and access certificates.
Your personal menu on kth.se
You can access the most important things you need during your studies in the personal menu. It is the dark grey bar located at the top of kth.se. When logged in, you can access services such as schedules, courses, programme information, Ladok and Canvas.
Influence your education
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 of what works well or if there is something that could be done differently.