Founded in 1999, Karlstads universitet (Karlstad University) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the small city of Karlstad (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Varmland County. This institution also has a branch campus in Arvika. Officially recognized by the Utbildningsdepartementet, Sverige (Ministry of Education and Research of Sweden), Karlstads universitet (KAU) is a large coeducational Swedish higher education institution. Karlstads universitet (KAU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. KAU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.