The city of Karlstad has a tradition of learning that goes back to the mid-1800s when the Teacher Training College was founded. Karlstad University, which was granted university status in 1999 by the Swedish State, developed out of the amalgamation in 1977 of the Teacher Training College and Karlstad University College, a Gothenburg University affiliation, set up in 1967.

Karlstad University is a vibrant education and multidisciplinary research community of about 10,000 students and 260 doctoral students. The University employs a little over 1,000 staff, 70 percent of whom are highly qualified lecturers and researchers. A friendly and open atmosphere is fostered among students, staff, and local and international partners.

Unlike many traditional universities, Karlstad University is a single-campus university, something which supports integration, academic border-crossings, and exchange of ideas, all of which take place in extremely attractive and modern learning environments.

The University is located in suburban surroundings close to nature about 7 km from the city centre in the region of Värmland. The region is noted for its beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage. Situated on the northern shore of Lake Vänern, Karlstad is ideally placed in central Sweden with convenient access to the major urban centres of Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Oslo, by car, bus, train, or air.