Looking for scholarships in Sweden for international students? You just found it. Swedish government ceased to offer tuition free universities in Sweden for international students in 2011. to compensate for this, a number of scholarships are offered by the Swedish government and institutions for international students.
Sweden is sustainable, innovative and home to the Nobel Prize. And did we mention that everyone speaks English? Before we get to the list of scholarships, let’s learn how to study in Sweden.
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How to Study in Sweden
If you’re curious about studying in Sweden but don’t know where to start, here’s your guide to the process.
1. Read up on programmes and universities
Your first step is to get acquainted with the Swedish university system and the different options you have available. See this link for a basic overview of what it’s like to study in Sweden. Once you have an idea of the basics, read up on the different universities in Sweden and consider what type of school would suit you the best.
2. Choose a programme
Universityadmissions.se provides a database to search the over 1,000 programmes at bachelor’s and master’s level that are offered in English in Sweden. You can also find programme listings at universities’ websites. You can choose up to four master’s programmes or eight bachelor’s programmes to apply for in each application round. Each year, most universities start publishing their programmes from October onwards. The full list of programmes that start during the autumn tends to be available in early December.
3. Prepare your documents
Once you’ve chosen a few programmes that you’d like to apply for, it’s time to start preparing your application. At Universityadmissions.se you’ll find full application guidelines, including information on all of the documents you’ll need to include with your application. If you’ll be proving your English proficiency with a TOEFL or IELTS test and haven’t yet taken the test, make sure to book a time well in advance of the application deadline so that you receive your results in time.
See How to apply – bachelor’s level and How to apply – master’s level for general information on the type of documents required.
4. Search for scholarships
Many organisations offer scholarships for international students, as do most Swedish universities. If you’re looking for a way to fund your studies, it’s a good idea to start investigating options before you turn in your application so that you can be sure to meet any application deadlines. Some scholarships may only be offered for specific programmes – another reason to read about what applies before you turn in your application. This article will expose you to a good number of scholarship opportunities in Sweden for international students.
5. Apply online by 15 January
The application deadline for programmes starting autumn is 15 January. Supporting documents and your application fee (or proof of exemption) are due by 1 February. It’s always a good idea to upload those documents and pay that fee a few days early to avoid last-minute stress!
English language requirements
In order to be eligible for university studies in Sweden, you must demonstrate that you meet the English requirements for the course or programme. You can find out what the English requirement is for the course or programme you’re applying to by going to the course description page on the university’s website.
Cost of Living
Like everywhere, living costs in Sweden depend on your personal lifestyle and where you live. An average monthly budget is SEK 8,370 (around €815 or $925).
Scholarships in Sweden for International Students
we have put together a comprehensive list of scholarships in Sweden for international students. be sure to bookmark this page because we will be updating it from time to time.
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1. Swedish Institute Management Programme (SIMP) Africa for Young African Leaders
Sweden is considered to be one of the leading countries in sustainable business practice. Swedish companies play a prominent role in finding new, innovative ways to integrate social, environmental and ethical concerns into their core business models. But the challenges are global and we have a common need for sustainable development. SIMP Africa is partly funded by the Swedish Government and aims at emerging leaders. The programme curriculum revolves around advanced business-related problem solving, seminars and meetings with front figures in the commercial, political and cultural fields, as well as on-site company visits.
Application Deadline: 6th February
Number of Awards: 25
Value of Program:
Costs covered and arranged by Swedish Institute
- Training and content
- Accommodation, food and domestic transport during the programme
- Flight tickets to and from Sweden
- Insurance covering acute illness and accident when in Sweden
Duration of Program: The programme, spread over seven months, comprises three weeks of intensive training divided into an introductory kick-off at the Swedish Embassy in each country, a two week module in Sweden and a concluding five day module in Africa.
2. Lund University Global Scholarship for International Students
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is targeted at top academic students who are citizens of countries from outside the European Union/European Economic Area (and Switzerland). Priority will be given to students with high academic performance and who demonstrate a strong commitment and desire to study at Lund University. Over SEK 14 million (€1.6 million/US $2.1 million) awarded in Lund University Global Scholarship grants.
Application Deadline:
- for studies starting in the autumn semester (August/September) – 15th January
- for the scholarship – early February, after the deadline to apply for studies.
Number of Scholarships: Not Specified
Value of Scholarship:
- Scholarship grants may cover 25%, 50%, 75% or up to 100% of the tuition fee. The scholarship percentage awarded depends on budget available to the programme/faculty. It has no reflection on the students’ academic level of excellence.
- Please note that scholarships are toward tuition fees only and that living costs are not covered.
Duration of Scholarship: Scholarship will last for the duration of study
3. IPOET Scholarships for International Students at Chalmers University of Technology
Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden offers around 50 IPOET scholarships, funded by the Swedish Council for Higher Education, to prospective fee-paying taught master’s students of non-EU/EEA Nationality to study at the University. The scholarships are administered and awarded by Chalmers.
Application Deadline: 15th January
Number of Scholarships: 50
Value of the Program:
- A 75% reduction of the tuition fees (4 semesters / 2 year programme)
- Students who excel during their first year of studies may receive an increased scholarship reduction, which covers 85% of the tuition fee during the second and final year of studies
- No funds are transferred to the scholarship laureates
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 year programme
4. Avancez Scholarship for International Students at Chalmers University of Technology
Chalmers University of Technology awards a number of scholarships funded by the Chalmers Foundation and these are available to all citizens from non-EU/EEA countries who are liable to pay tuition fees for Swedish university education.
Application Deadline: 15th January
Number of Scholarships: not specified
Value of the Program
- A 75% reduction of the tuition fees
- Students who excel during their first year of studies may receive an increased scholarship reduction, which covers 85% of the tuition fee during the second and final year of studies
- No funds are transferred to the scholarship laureates
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 year programme
5. Swedish Institute Study Scholarships for Developing Countries
The Swedish Institute Study Scholarships – SISS is the Swedish government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders. It is funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden and administered by the Swedish Institute (SI). The Scholarships target highly-qualified students and are awarded for studies in Sweden starting in an autumn semester. The scholarships are intended for full-time master’s level studies in Sweden and cover both living costs and tuition fees. The Swedish Institute is looking for applicants who display both intellectual ability and leadership potential and welcome applications regardless of age, gender and religious beliefs.
Application Deadline:
- To begin with, apply for up to four master’s programmes at universityadmissions.se, between 16th October – 15th January.
- Then apply for an SI scholarship before 9 February.
Number of Scholarships: Approximately 180 scholarships will be awarded
Value of the Program:
- Tuition fees: directly paid to the Swedish university by us
- Living expenses of SEK 9,000/month
- Travel grant of SEK 15,000 *
- Insurance against illness and accident
- Membership of the SI Network for Future
Global Leaders (NFGL)
– a platform to grow your network and experience, while in Sweden - Membership of the SI Alumni Network after your scholarship period – a platform for further professional development and to stay in touch
Duration of Scholarships: The Swedish Institute Study Scholarships is intended for full-time master’s level studies of one or two years.
6. Linköping University International Scholarship
The LiU International Scholarship is aimed at supporting foreign students with significant academic potential from countries outside the European Union/European Economic Area (and Switzerland) who are required to pay tuition fees for studies. The scholarship is open for students who have applied for a master’s programme at Linköping University and who have chosen a programme at Linköping University as their first priority.
Application Deadline:
- To apply for Masters studies: 15th January
- To apply for Scholarship: in early April, after the deadline to apply for studies.
Number of Scholarships: Several
Value of Scholarship: With LiU International Scholarships, tuition fees are reduced by 25, 50, 75 or 100%.
Duration: For the period of the master’s programme
7. Mälardalen University Scholarship Programme
Every year Mälardalen University offers a limited numbers of scholarships to students applying for a Master’s programme in Sweden. The scholarship is aimed at especially qualified students coming from countries outside of EU/EEA/Switzerland and who are required to pay tuition fees. The scholarship is NOT open for students from the twelve countries with which Sweden has long-term development cooperation (Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia). Students from these countries should instead apply for the Swedish Institute Study Scholarship.
Application Deadline: 1st February
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of Scholarship: The scholarship will cover 100% of the tuition fee of the programme as long as you follow the normal study plan (minimum 22.5 credits/semester, minimum 45 credits/academic year). The scholarship does not cover living expenses
Duration of Scholarship: Complete programme duration
8. University of Gothenburg Study Scholarships
The Admissions Office at the University of Gothenburg administers scholarships intended for fee-paying applicants, who have applied in the first admission round via universityadmissions.se for one or several two-year Master’s Programmes with entry autumn semester. The Admissions Office at the University of Gothenburg administers four types of scholarships:
- The University of Gothenburg Study Scholarship, which is funded by the Swedish Council for Higher Education, and covers the complete tuition fee for a study programme at the University of Gothenburg.
- A scholarship funded by Adlerbert Foundations, which contributes to accommodation expenses for all the applicants who have been granted the University of Gothenburg Study Scholarship.
- A scholarship funded by Adlerbert Foundations, which covers the complete tuition fee for a study programme at the University of Gothenburg and contributes to accommodation expenses.
- A scholarship funded by Adlerbert Foundations, which is specifically intended for applicants who are citizens of an annual prioritized country from the OECD/DAC list, that and covers the complete tuition fee for a study programme at the University of Gothenburg and contributes to living and accommodation expenses.
Application Deadline: 2nd February.
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of Scholarship: Fully-funded
9. Umeå University Scholarships for International Students
Umeå University offers scholarships each year, in conjunction with the Autumn term admission, to academically talented and high-achieving students. Scholarships offered are in the form of tuition-waivers. Selected candidates receive a full or partial waiver of the tuition fee.
Application Deadline:
- Study application deadline: 15th January
- Scholarship deadline: 15th March
Number of Awardees: forty-two (42)
Value of Scholarship: Selected candidates receive a full or partial waiver of the tuition fee.
Duration of Scholarship: Duration of programme
10. University of Skövde Masters Scholarships for International Students
The University of Skövde administrates some scholarships funded by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) to students liable to pay tuition fees attending a Master’s programme at our University. The scholarships are partial tuition fee waivers (50% of the tuition fee). The amount will be automatically deducted from the tuition fee when you receive your invoice. The scholarships are granted for one academic semester.
Application Deadline: 15th March
Number of Scholarships: Not Specified
Value of the Program: The scholarships are tuition fee waivers of SEK 60 000 / year (50% of the tuition fee), and the amount will be deducted from the tuition fee when you receive the invoice.
Please note that you have to be able to finance the rest of the tuition fee yourself and to cover all the living expenses during your stay in Sweden.
11. Halmstad University Scholarship for International Students
Each year Halmstad University offers a number of scholarships to qualified students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. These scholarships may be granted to students within any field of study at Halmstad University.
Application Deadline: 26th March
Number of Awardees: Limited
Value of Scholarship: The Halmstad University Scholarship covers 25% or 50% of the tuition fee and will be deducted from the tuition fee. The scholarship will not cover living costs.
Duration of Scholarship: The scholarship will initially be granted for one semester, but will be automatically extended for the duration of the study program (2 or 4 semesters) provided that study results are satisfactory.
12. KTH Royal Institute of Technology Masters Scholarships for International Students
Every year up to 30 KTH Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence. Recipients of the KTH Scholarship will have their tuition fee waived for the first and the second year, provided that the study results during the first year are satisfactory.
Application Deadline: 15th January.
Number of Awardees: 30
Value of Scholarship: 100% tuition fee waiver. The scholarship is applied to the tuition fee at KTH and does not include a cost of living allowance.
Duration of Scholarship: 2 years
13. Kristianstad University Scholarship for International Students
Each year Kristianstad University offers a number of scholarships to qualified students who are citizens of a country outside the EU/EEA with the requirement of paying tuition fee for studies at Kristianstad University. If granted a scholarship, it will include a full or partial reduction of the tuition fee. Keep in mind that these scholarships do not cover your living costs. The Kristianstad University Scholarship is completely merit based. The assessment of scholarship applications is made on the basis of the merits and documents sent to Universityadmissions.se when applying for a programme.
Application Deadline: 1st February
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of Scholarship: Full or partial reduction of the tuition fee. Keep in mind that these scholarships do not cover your living costs.
Duration of Scholarship: 1 year
14. Karlstad University Global Scholarships for International Students
The Karlstad University Global Scholarship programme is aiming at top academic students from countries outside the European Union/European Economic Area (and Switzerland) who are required to pay tuition fees for studies. Karlstad University Global Scholarship offers scholarships covering tuition fees in part or in full. Priority will be given to students with high academic performance and who demonstrate a strong commitment and desire to study at Karlstad University.
Application Deadline: 1st February
Duration of Scholarship: The scholarship is only awarded for programmes starting in a fall semester. An offer of a scholarship is only valid for the year and the programme stipulated in the scholarship notification.
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of Scholarship:
- Scholarships cover 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the tuition fees. The value of the scholarship is stated in the notification of scholarship for each scholarship holder.
- The scholarship value is deducted from the tuition fees of the programme for which you are awarded a scholarship.
- Karlstad University Global Scholarships do not cover living costs.
- To be able to finance your stay in Sweden and get a residence permit for studies you need to show that you have funds for the total study period the first time you apply for a residence permit.
15. Mid Sweden University Scholarship for International Students
For high performing students applying to a study programme at Mid Sweden University, the University is offering a number of scholarships which will result in a tuition fee reduction, depending on the programme one chooses to study. The Mid Sweden University Tuition Fee Scholarship is aimed at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA (and Switzerland).
Application Deadline: 5th February
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Duration of Scholarship: 1 year
16. Chalmers Adlerbert Study Scholarships for Developing Countries
Five scholarships will be awarded to students who are citizens of one of 143 countries. The scholarship comprises a full tuition fee waiver and is funded by the Adlerbert Foundations.
Application Deadline: 15th January
Number of Awardees: 5
Value of Scholarship: Covers 100% of the tuition fees
Duration of Scholarship: 4 semesters/2 year programme
17. King Carl Gustaf Scholarship at Uppsala University
The King Carl Gustaf Scholarship is aimed at students who live in unsafe and dangerous conditions in areas of conflict outside Europe. Scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, but not living expenses, for studies at Uppsala University Master’s programmes.
Application Deadline: 1st February
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of Scholarship: Complete tuition waiver
Duration of Scholarship: 1 year
18. Rotary Peace Fellowship for Masters and Professional Programs
Each year, Rotary selects up to 100 individuals from around the world to receive fully funded academic fellowships at one of its peace centers. These fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses.
Application Deadline: 31st May
Two types of peace fellowships are available.
Master’s degree: Each year, up to 50 master’s degree fellowships are awarded at these institutions: Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA, International Christian University, Japan, University of Bradford, England, University of Queensland, Australia and Uppsala University, Sweden
Professional development certificate: For experienced professionals working in peace-related fields who want to enhance their professional skills, Rotary offer a three-month program in peace and conflict prevention and resolution at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand.
Number of Awards: up to 100
Value of the Program: The Rotary Peace Fellowship covers: Tuition and fees, Room and board, Round-trip transportation and Internship/field study expenses.
Duration of Scholarship: 15 to 24 months
19. Nordic Africa Institute Guest Researchers’ Scholarship Program
The purpose of the Guest Researchers’ Scholarship Programme is to provide opportunities for postdoctoral researchers in Africa to pursue their own research projects, thereby indirectly strengthening the academic milieux in African countries. The scholarship offers access to the Institute’s library and other resources that provide for a stimulating research environment. Through the programme, the Nordic Africa Institute can establish and maintain relations with and between African and Nordic research communities.
Application Deadline: 1st April.
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of Award: The scholarship includes a return air-fare (economy class), accommodation, a subsistence allowance of 300 SEK (approx. 34 USD) per day plus an installation grant of 2,500 SEK (approx. 280 USD) and access to a computer in a shared office at NAI.
Duration of Program: The maximum duration of the stay is 90 days, minimum is 60 days.
20. Swedish Institute Creative Force Grants Program
Do you work to strengthen democracy, freedom of expression and human rights? Do you use media or the arts as a means to bring about change? Creative Force funds international projects of this kind. If you have a project idea and a partner in one of the target countries, you should apply. It is a funding programme for international projects which work though media or the arts to strengthen basic freedoms and rights.
Application Deadline: 25th January
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of Award:
- Seed Funding: up to SEK 100,000 for an initiative which you must complete within 12 months.
- Collaborative Projects: up to SEK 500,000 per 12-month period. A project may last 24 months at most (in other words, you can apply for max. SEK 1 million).
21. Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) Claude Ake Visiting Chair Scholarship for African Researchers
The Department of Peace and Conflict Research and the Nordic Africa Institute invite applications to the Claude Ake Visiting Chair. The Chair is intended for scholars who, like Claude Ake, combine a profound commitment to scholarship with a strong advocacy for social justice. The Chair is open to social scientists working at African universities with problems related to war, peace, conflict resolution, human rights, democracy and development on the African continent.
Application Deadline: 1st December
Number of Awardees: 1
Value of Scholarship: The awardee is entitled to a tax-free stipend/scholarship of 20 000 SEK/month. The total amount is calculated according to the number of days spent in Uppsala. In addition, travel costs and accommodation for the holder of the position, and if relevant, his/her accompanying spouse/ significant other, are covered by the grant. The Chair holder is provided office space at the DPCR and NAI, and basic office equipment
Duration of Scholarship: 3 months
22. Swedish Institute Young Leaders Visitors Programme (YLVP) for Young Leaders
Young Leaders Visitors Programme (YLVP) is an intercultural leadership programme for young leaders from the Middle East, North Africa and Sweden. The programme offers personal and professional development to leaders who work for positive social change in the fields of democracy, human rights, sustainability and equality. YLVP provides the tools necessary to accomplish greater social impact. YLVP builds and strengthens individual leadership through group-centric methods such as collaboration, feedback and reflection. Participants will learn in group from merited facilitators and from each other, through workshops, practical exercises and hands-on performance.
Application Deadline: 5th December
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of Program: Training and content, Accommodation, food and domestic transport during the programme; Flight tickets; health and accident Insurance; Visa costs
Duration of Program: YLVP is made up of four weeks divided into two modules at separate times. Module one is three weeks long and always takes place in Sweden. Module two is one week long and takes place either in Sweden or in another location.
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