The Swedish Institute is offering a fully funded Master’s scholarship that attracts talented individuals from 41 countries. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and comprehensive medical insurance. The scholarship aims to contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Details on eligibility, benefits, timeline, and application procedure are provided.
Application Deadline:
- 24 February 2027 at 14:59 CET (Scholarship Portal open window: 8 February – 24 February 2027)
- University Admissions Deadline: 15 January 2027 (Portal opened 16 October 2026)
Tell Me About The Program:
The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals is a highly competitive, fully funded award for master’s degree studies in Sweden. Funded by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the scholarship aims to develop future global leaders and changemakers who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in their home countries. Scholars gain access to world-class academic institutions, specialized leadership development, and lifelong access to the SI Network for Global Professionals.
Which Fields are Eligible:
English-taught one-year or two-year Master’s degree programs within the following key focus areas:
- Governance
- Public Health
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) (The complete list of eligible master’s programs is published annually on November 13).
Type:
Fully Funded Swedish Government Master’s Scholarship & Leadership Fellowship
Who can Apply:
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of one of the 34 eligible countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus*, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia*, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, or Zambia. (Note: Public sector employees in Belarus and Georgia are ineligible).
- Work Experience: Must possess demonstrated, verifiable work experience (minimum 3,000 hours accumulated from up to 3 employers prior to February 2027 for most regions, though lower/flexible thresholds apply to Eastern Partnership countries).
- Leadership Experience: Must demonstrate leadership experience gained from work, freelancing, entrepreneurship, or active civil society engagement.
- University Admission Status: Must apply to an eligible English-taught Swedish Master’s program via University Admissions on time and be liable to pay tuition fees in Sweden.
- Exclusions: Individuals who hold Swedish citizenship, dual non-ODA citizenship, permanent Swedish residence permits, or who have previously resided in Sweden for 2+ cumulative years or held a prior SI scholarship are ineligible.
How are Applicants Selected:
- Academic Admission Review: Managed by University Admissions Sweden; candidates must receive an offer of admission (or conditional admission) on the first selection day (1 April 2027).
- SI Evaluation: Applications are screened based on demonstrated work hours, leadership potential, quality of CV and reference forms using official SI templates, and the candidate’s personal motivation showing how their degree will drive sustainable development in their home region.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
34 designated ODA-recipient countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
Where will the Program be Taken:
Participating public universities and university colleges across Sweden.
How Many Fellows:
Approximately 300 to 350 scholarships awarded annually worldwide.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Tuition Fees: Full tuition fee coverage paid directly by SI to the host Swedish university.
- Living Allowance: Monthly grant of SEK 12,000 to cover living expenses throughout the study period.
- Travel Grant: A one-time travel grant of SEK 15,000 (SEK 10,000 for scholars from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine).
- Networking & Leadership: Exclusive membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP) and lifelong membership in the Sweden Alumni Network.
How Long Will it Last:
1 to 2 academic years (12 or 24 months, matching the full duration of the awarded master’s program).
How to Apply:
- Step 1 — Apply for Master’s Programs: Register and submit your master’s applications on the Swedish University Admissions portal (
universityadmissions.se) between 16 October 2026 and 15 January 2027, and pay the application fee. - Step 2 — Download Templates: Access the official SI document templates (CV, Work Experience Certificate, and Recommendation/Leadership letters) published on the SI website on 13 November 2026.
- Step 3 — Apply for Scholarship: Access the official SI application portal between 8 February and 24 February 2027 (closing at 14:59 CET), complete all online entries, and upload required documents.
- Step 4 — Track Admissions: Check university admission results on 1 April 2027.
- Step 5 — Final Results: SI Scholarship recipients are officially announced on 22 April 2027.
