About this opportunity
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is Sweden's flagship fully funded master's scholarship for outstanding professionals from 34 eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. It covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000, a one-time travel grant of SEK 15,000, plus membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals and the Sweden Alumni Network. The scholarship targets experienced professionals with demonstrated leadership who will drive sustainable development in their home countries.
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is a fully funded scholarship offered by Swedish Institute for applicants heading to Sweden.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Be a citizen of one of the 34 eligible countries (you do not need to reside there at application)
- Apply for a master's programme that is eligible for the SI scholarship
- Be liable to pay tuition fees to Swedish universities
- Have demonstrated work experience (most countries: at least 3,000 hours prior to February of the application year, from a maximum of three employers)
- Have demonstrated leadership experience from employment or civil society engagement
- Not be currently enrolled in or hold a degree from a Swedish university
- Not have resided in Sweden for two or more years cumulatively before the scholarship period
- Not have previously been awarded a Swedish Institute scholarship for studies in Sweden
- Not hold Swedish or EU/EEA citizenship or a Swedish residence permit (limited exceptions apply)
What the opportunity may offer
- Full tuition fee coverage, paid directly to the Swedish university each semester
- Monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 throughout the study period
- One-time travel grant of SEK 15,000 (SEK 10,000 for scholars from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine)
- Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals during studies
- Membership in the Sweden Alumni Network after the scholarship period
- Access to English-taught master's programmes across Governance, Public Health, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and STEM
Required documents
- CV using the official SI template (published during the application period)
- Letters of reference using the official SI template
- Copy of valid passport or national ID
- Letter of motivation
- Proof of work and leadership experience using the official SI templates
- University Admissions master's application with all supporting documents (transcripts, English test scores)
Application process
- Apply to eligible Swedish master's programmes through universityadmissions.se (mid-October to mid-January)
- Wait for the SI scholarship documents and eligible programme list to be published on si.se (mid-November)
- Submit the SI Scholarship application through the SI portal during its two-week window (previous cycle: 9-25 February, closing 14:59 CET)
- Receive university admission results in late March
- Receive the SI Scholarship decision in late April
- Confirm acceptance and prepare for studies starting in the autumn semester
Before you apply
- □Check the deadline in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by Swedish Institute
- □Prepare your 6 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
The call for academic year 2027/2028 is published on si.se on 19 October 2026, so exact new-cycle dates were not yet live at publication. The page shows the previous cycle's pattern: apply to Swedish master's programmes via University Admissions mid-October to mid-January, SI application portal open 9-25 February (closes 14:59 CET), admissions announced late March, scholarship results late April. Treat all dates as unconfirmed until the new call is live and re-check si.se before planning.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Swedish Institute Scholarship cover?
Full tuition fees paid directly to the university, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000, a one-time travel grant of SEK 15,000, plus membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals and the Sweden Alumni Network. It does not cover the University Admissions application fee, insurance, or family members.
Which countries are eligible for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals?
Citizens of 34 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, including Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam and others. The full list is published on si.se.
How much work experience do I need?
Applicants from most eligible countries must show at least 3,000 hours of work experience prior to February of the application year, accumulated from a maximum of three employers. Applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine must provide proof of work experience with no fixed hour requirement.
When is the application deadline?
Can I apply if I already studied in Sweden?
No. You are ineligible if you are currently enrolled in or hold a degree from a Swedish university, have resided in Sweden for two or more years cumulatively, or have previously held a Swedish Institute scholarship.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-25UShireZone is not affiliated with Swedish Institute. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.