Are you ready to use your STEM expertise to drive societal change? The Pioneering Women in STEM scholarship supports women who want to lead innovation, tackle complex challenges, and help build more inclusive, sustainable societies. The Swedish Institute awards academic scholarships for master’s studies in Sweden to women in Africa and Asia who want to study in the field of STEM. Read through the call for applications carefully.
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Application Deadline:
- University Admissions Master’s Application Deadline: 15 January 2027 (Application window: October 16, 2026 – January 15, 2027)
- SI Scholarship Portal Deadline: 24 February 2027 at 14:59 CET (Application window: February 8–24, 2027)
Tell Me About The Program:
The Swedish Institute (SI) Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship initiative designed to support women from Africa and Asia who want to lead innovation, strengthen their professional capacity, and drive sustainable societal change. The scholarship funds full-time, English-taught Master’s studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields at Swedish universities, empowering recipients to become leaders in their home countries while joining the professional SI Network for Global Professionals.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Master’s programmes across designated Swedish universities.
Type:
Fully Funded Master’s Degree Scholarship & Professional Leadership Fellowship
Who can Apply:
- Gender & Citizenship: Must be a female citizen of one of the 10 eligible countries: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam.
- Academic Admission: Must apply for and be formally admitted to an eligible English-taught STEM Master’s programme via University Admissions by 1 April 2027.
- Tuition Fee Status: Must be liable to pay tuition fees at Swedish universities.
- Work Experience: Must have at least 3,000 hours of documented work experience prior to February 2027 (accumulated from a maximum of three employers through full-time/part-time employment, freelancing, or entrepreneurship).
- Leadership Experience: Must demonstrate leadership experience from current/previous employment, entrepreneurship, or civil society engagement.
- Exclusions: Ineligible if you hold Swedish/EU/EEA citizenship, have previously received an SI scholarship, hold a degree from a Swedish university, or have resided in Sweden for 2+ cumulative years prior to August 2027.
How are Applicants Selected:
Applications are evaluated based on academic merit, the quality and relevance of the candidate’s work and leadership experience, alignment of the chosen STEM master’s program with sustainable development goals in the home country, and the potential for long-term professional impact.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Citizens of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Where will the Program be Taken:
Swedish universities and higher education institutions offering eligible English-taught STEM Master’s programmes in Sweden.
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Competitive international cohort selected annually across the 10 eligible countries.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Full Tuition Coverage: Fees paid directly by SI to the Swedish university each semester.
- Living Stipend: Monthly allowance of SEK 12,000 to cover living expenses throughout the study period.
- Travel Grant: A one-time payment of SEK 15,000 (does not apply to students already residing in Sweden).
- Professional Networks: Lifetime membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP) during studies and the Sweden Alumni Network post-graduation.
How Long Will it Last:
Duration of the full-time Master’s programme (1 or 2 years).
How to Apply:
- Apply for an eligible English-taught STEM master’s programme via University Admissions between 16 October 2026 and 15 January 2027 and pay the application fee.
- Prepare required documentation (using official SI templates for work experience, CV, motivation, and leadership statements).
- Submit your scholarship application through the online SI Scholarship Portal between 8 February and 24 February 2027 (closing at 14:59 CET).
- Await University Admissions results on 1 April 2027 and final SI scholarship announcements on 22 April 2027.
