The Karolinska Institute has a substantial number of international exchange programmes primarily with the United States and European countries. Application for an exchange programme is made with the home institution. If selected for such a programme, the student is offered certain basic core courses in English, as well as clinical and research-oriented electives. Priority is always given to students in regular programmes. The Office for Student Affairs assists exchange students in finding accommodation.
Great emphasis is put on research, both in basic sciences and applied clinical sciences.
Through its scientific achievements, KI has earned a world-wide reputation as centre of excellence in the medical sciences. The Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine is awarded by The Karolinska Institute Nobel Committee. The associations play an important role in university life. They take an active part in matters concerning their education as members of different university boards and also in planning and creating a social life for the students inside and outside the university.