The Karolinska Institute is one of the best medical universities located in Stockholm, Sweden. It was founded in 1810 by King Karl XIII and became the third oldest medical university in the country, next to Lund University and Uppsala University. The institute is globally known for providing world-class medical training and life science researches. It is responsible for the broad range of academic and research output in the areas of medical and health sciences of the country.
The one-faculty university offers ten global programs taught in the English language, which pivots in international standards of teaching and training. Since its establishment, it continuously pursues its mission of fostering academic skills and providing research data to help in improving the global approach to human health. Its strength in medical and health sciences secure funding that will provide modern and high-tech infrastructures. It will help ensure high-quality research and education for its students.
Karolinska Institute ranks 39th in the world and 11th in Europe, according to 2022 QS Global University Rankings.
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How do I Apply to Karolinska Institute Scholarships?
The Karolinska Institute has become one of the top choices of international students as their higher educational institution for medical studies. It offers 9 Global Master’s Programs and one joint Master’s Program. Currently, the university only offers one undergraduate program- a Bachelor’s Program in Biomedicine.
The requirements for international and domestic students are similar. However, there may be additional requirements needed for students from some countries. Applicants for a Master’s degree must have standard X, XII, and Bachelor’s degree mark sheets, standardized tests to study in Sweden, two letters of recommendation (LOR), a letter/statement of purpose, evidence of funds, health insurance, and a valid passport copy.
Applicants for the Bachelor’s program must provide transcripts and official high school diploma, courses similar to upper secondary school courses (Mathematics 4, Biology 2, Chemistry 2), English language proficiency with an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no section below 5.5, TOEFL (PBT) with an overall score of 575, and MELAB with an overall score of 90. Non-EU/EEA students must apply for a Swedish student visa to stay in the country for more than three months.
Karolinska Institute Scholarships for International Students
1. Karolinska Institute Global Master’s Scholarships
- Link to the scholarship page
- Scholarship amount: partial to a full tuition fee reduction
- Degrees offered: Master’s
The Karolinska Institute proudly offers scholarships to high-achieving international students pursuing one of their Global Master’s Programmes which starts in Autumn every year. The scholarship program is highly competitive, with only 10 available slots for over 1500 applicants per year. Students must be paying tuition fees at an overseas rate and have already paid the application fee to be eligible for the program. They should also fulfill the specific entry requirements of their chosen degree programs at the university.
These Karolinska Institute scholarships apply only to the tuition fees of students, either partially or fully covered. They must find other external sources for their travel, accommodation, and living expenses. The general entry requirement for Master’s students includes a completed Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a Swedish Bachelor’s degree of 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognized educational institution.
Students in their final year of undergraduate study may receive a conditional offer for admission. Furthermore, they must hold an English language proficiency that is equivalent to Swedish upper secondary school courses English 6/English B. The university will require students to submit other supporting documents upon their admission application.
They may check more specific details for the entry requirements and application procedures at the university’s official website.
2. KI-DIS Scholarships
- Link to the scholarship page
- Scholarship amount: tuition fee waiver
- Degrees offered: Master’s
The Karolinska Institute offers a fellowship program to international students who will pursue one of any nine of their available Global Master’s Program. The scholarships are for highly competitive students with outstanding academic merits. It will only cover the tuition fees for two semesters or one year of studies at the university. If students apply for a two-year Master’s program, they will only receive the award in their first year.
Students should have applied for admission in one of Karolinska Institute’s Global Master’s Program. They must meet the general requirement for entry which includes a Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a Swedish Bachelor’s degree of 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognized university and English Proficiency (equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school courses English 6/English B). Students should also be paying tuition fees at an international rate. Those who graduated or studied with DIS in Stockholm or Copenhagen may also apply.
These scholarships at Karolinska Institute will only cover the tuition fees of students. Thus, they must find other external sources for their travel and other living costs. The online application form will be available on the website once the application period starts again.
3. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
- Link to the scholarship page
- Scholarship amount: tuition fee waiver, a SEK 10,000 monthly stipend, health and accident insurance, and other benefits
- Degrees offered: Master’s
The Swedish Government offers scholarships to international students from 42 eligible countries who will contribute to United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is a highly competitive scholarship program. Thus, individuals with excellent leadership skills who demonstrate commitment to making changes and developing their home countries will have a higher chance of receiving the award.
Students must meet the entry requirements and applied for admission in an eligible Master’s program at a Swedish university. They must have a minimum of at least 3,000 hours of work experience. Students may apply for the SI scholarships after they submit an admission application and paid the application fees to their desired Master’s Program. Furthermore, they must include a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, letters of reference, proof of work and leadership experience, and a copy of a valid passport.
These scholarships available at the Karolinska Institute include fully covered tuition fees of students and a monthly stipend of SEK 10,000 for their living expenses. They may also receive health insurance and Membership of the SI Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL).
See more available scholarships at the Karolinska Institute.
