Life as a KTH student
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.
Academic year and important dates
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
How studies at KTH work
Student life at KTH
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.
How to get a student discount card (mecenat.com)