Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships 2027

Overview

The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) is a fully funded scholarship program from the Swedish Institute, a Swedish government agency that promotes Sweden internationally. The program targets working professionals from low- and middle-income countries who want to pursue a full-time master's degree at a Swedish university. Each year, about 300 scholarships go to candidates from 34 eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.

What sets SISGP apart from many government scholarships is its focus on leadership and professional impact. Applicants need at least 3,000 hours of documented work experience and must show clear evidence of leadership potential. The scholarship is built to create a global network of professionals who will drive sustainable development in their home countries after finishing their studies. Recipients automatically join the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP), an alumni platform for ongoing collaboration.

The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000, and a travel grant of SEK 15,000 (SEK 10,000 for scholars from certain European countries). The application process has two separate steps: first, apply to Swedish master's programs through University Admissions, then apply for the SI Scholarship during a two-week window in February. This dual-application structure demands careful planning and early preparation.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	Swedish Institute (Swedish Government Agency)
Host Country	Sweden
Degree Levels	Master's
Value	Full tuition, monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000, travel grant of SEK 15,000
Deadline	February 2026
Duration	1–2 years (depending on the master's program)
Eligible Nationalities	Citizens of 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, Zambia
Official Website	https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/swedish-institute-scholarships-for-global-professionals/

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and be applying to an eligible SI-designated master's program at a Swedish university. Strong academic performance is expected.

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must hold citizenship of one of the 34 eligible countries. The list covers selected nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Citizens of high-income countries and EU/EEA nationals are not eligible.

Language Requirements

English proficiency is required since most eligible master's programs are taught in English. Applicants must meet the English language requirements of their chosen program (TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ is typical).

Work Experience

A minimum of 3,000 hours of documented work experience is required for applicants from most eligible countries. This can include paid employment, freelancing, or entrepreneurship. Some country-specific requirements may vary.

Other Requirements

Applicants must show leadership experience from current or previous employment or civil society engagement. They must be liable to pay tuition fees at Swedish universities (non-EU/EEA citizens). Previous SI scholarship holders are not eligible.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage paid directly to the Swedish university each semester
• Monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 throughout the study period
• Travel grant of SEK 15,000 for scholars from most eligible countries (SEK 10,000 for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine)
• Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP) for collaboration and leadership development
• Access to the Sweden Alumni Network after graduation
• Networking events and professional development seminars organized by the Swedish Institute
• Opportunity to participate in the SI Leadership Lab program
• Insurance coverage through the Swedish national system during studies

How to Apply

1. Research Eligible Master's Programs: Browse the list of SI-eligible master's programs published on the Swedish Institute website in November. Not all Swedish master's programs qualify for the SI Scholarship, so verify eligibility before applying.
2. Apply to Master's Programs via University Admissions: Submit your application to up to four Swedish master's programs through the centralized University Admissions portal (universityadmissions.se) between October 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026. Pay the application fee and upload all required academic documents.
3. Prepare SI Scholarship Application Documents: Gather documentation of your work experience (employment certificates totaling at least 3,000 hours), leadership evidence, CV, and a motivation letter. The SI application documents are published in mid-November 2025.
4. Apply for the SI Scholarship: During the two-week window from February 9 to February 25, 2026, submit your SI Scholarship application through the dedicated SI portal (apply-scholarships.si.se). The portal closes at 14:59 CET on the final day. No late submissions are accepted.
5. University Admissions Results: On March 26, 2026, University Admissions announces which programs you have been admitted to. You must be admitted to at least one SI-eligible program to stay in the running for the scholarship.
6. Scholarship Results and Acceptance: SI Scholarship results are announced shortly after the university admissions results. If awarded, you confirm your acceptance, arrange your student visa, and prepare for relocation to Sweden.

Required Documents

• Valid passport copy
• Bachelor's degree certificate and academic transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
• Employment certificates documenting at least 3,000 hours of work experience
• Evidence of leadership experience (from employer, organization, or civil society)
• Updated CV/resume
• Motivation letter explaining career goals and how the master's program supports sustainable development in your home country
• Two professional or academic references (as required by the master's program)

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	October 16, 2025 (University Admissions opens); Mid-November 2025 (SI Scholarship application documents published)
Application Deadline	January 15, 2026 (University Admissions deadline); February 25, 2026, 14:59 CET (SI Scholarship portal closes)
Results Announced	March 26, 2026 (University Admissions results); April 2026 (SI Scholarship results)
Course Start	August/September 2026

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Focus on how your professional experience and the master's program will combine to create impact in your home country or region. The SI selection committee puts development potential first.
• Provide specific, quantifiable examples of your leadership experience rather than vague claims.
• Explain why Sweden is the right place for your studies. Reference Swedish expertise in your field, the university's strengths, or Sweden's approach to sustainability.
• Show awareness of the SI Network for Global Professionals and express genuine interest in contributing to the alumni community after graduation.
• Keep your motivation letter focused and concise. Demonstrate clarity of purpose rather than trying to cover everything.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying to master's programs that are not on the SI-eligible list. Always verify eligibility on the SI website before applying.
• Missing the two-week SI Scholarship application window (February 9-25, 2026). This is a separate process from University Admissions and cannot be submitted late.
• Failing to document the required 3,000 hours of work experience with proper employment certificates.
• Underestimating the leadership requirement. Work experience alone is not enough; you must show leadership or change-making initiative.
• Not applying to University Admissions first. You must be admitted to an eligible program to receive the scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many SI Scholarships are awarded each year?

About 300 scholarships are awarded each year to candidates from 34 eligible countries. The exact number may vary slightly by year and country allocation.

What countries are eligible for the Swedish Institute Scholarship?

Citizens of 34 countries are eligible, including Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and others across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.

How much work experience do I need for SI Scholarship?

You need at least 3,000 hours of documented work experience from employment, freelancing, or entrepreneurship. That is roughly two years of full-time work.

Is the SI Scholarship fully funded?

The SI Scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000, and a travel grant of SEK 15,000. Together, these cover the core costs of studying and living in Sweden.

Can I apply for SI Scholarship for a bachelor's degree?

The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is only for master's-level studies. It does not cover bachelor's, PhD, or exchange programs.

What is the SI Scholarship monthly allowance?

The monthly living allowance is SEK 12,000, paid throughout your master's program. This amount is meant to cover basic living expenses in Sweden including accommodation, food, and local transport.

Do I need to apply to University Admissions separately?

The SI Scholarship application is a separate process from the University Admissions application. You must first apply to eligible master's programs through universityadmissions.se, then separately apply for the SI Scholarship through the SI portal.

What kind of leadership experience does SI Scholarship require?

Leadership experience can come from formal management roles, leading projects or teams, community organizing, founding or running an organization, mentoring, or driving initiatives within civil society. The key is showing that you have taken initiative and created positive impact.

When does the SI Scholarship application portal open?

The SI Scholarship portal opens on February 9, 2026, and closes on February 25, 2026, at 14:59 CET. This is a narrow two-week window, so prepare all documents in advance.

Can I receive SI Scholarship if I already live in Sweden?

Applicants who have a permanent residence permit in Sweden or are already living in Sweden are not eligible. The scholarship is for professionals who will relocate to Sweden for their studies.

What happens after completing the SI Scholarship?

After graduation, scholars join the Sweden Alumni Network and continue their membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals. The Swedish Institute encourages alumni to return to their home countries and apply their knowledge to drive sustainable development.

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