Are you an ambitious professional looking to pursue a master’s degree in Sweden with full financial support? The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027/2028 offers an exciting opportunity for talented individuals from 34 eligible countries to study at Swedish universities while developing the leadership skills needed to drive sustainable development in their home countries.
This competitive, fully funded scholarship supports international students pursuing eligible English-taught master’s programmes in governance, public health, entrepreneurship and innovation, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Successful applicants receive full tuition fee coverage, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000, a travel grant, and access to an international professional network that supports career development and collaboration.
If you are a professional with relevant work experience, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to your country’s development, this scholarship could be an opportunity to advance your education and career.
Important dates for the 2027/2028 scholarship cycle:
- Master’s programme applications: 16 October 2026 – 15 January 2027.
- Scholarship application portal: 8 February – 24 February 2027.
- University admission results: 1 April 2027.
- Scholarship results: 22 April 2027.
The scholarship portal closes at 14:59 Central European Time (CET) on 24 February 2027.
About the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is designed to support talented professionals who want to strengthen their academic knowledge, leadership capacity, and ability to contribute to sustainable development.
Through master’s studies at Swedish universities, scholarship recipients gain access to advanced education, research opportunities, international perspectives, and professional networks.
The programme also connects scholars through the SI Network for Global Professionals, which provides opportunities for collaboration, professional development, and long-term engagement with other leaders.
The scholarship is particularly suitable for applicants who can explain how their chosen degree will help them address important development challenges in their home countries and regions.
What Does the Fully Funded Scholarship Cover?
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals offers several financial and professional benefits.
1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage
The Swedish Institute covers the tuition fees for the awarded master’s programme. Payments are made directly to the Swedish university each semester.
This means successful applicants do not have to fund the covered tuition fees themselves.
2. Monthly Living Allowance
Scholarship recipients receive SEK 12,000 per month to help cover living expenses throughout their study period.
This allowance supports students with day-to-day costs while studying in Sweden.
3. Travel Grant
The scholarship includes a one-time travel grant of SEK 15,000 for eligible recipients.
A reduced grant of SEK 10,000 applies to scholars from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
The travel grant does not apply to students already living in Sweden.
4. Professional Networking Opportunities
Successful applicants become members of the SI Network for Global Professionals, offering opportunities to build professional relationships, collaborate with other scholars, and develop leadership skills.
After completing the scholarship period, recipients also become members of the Sweden Alumni Network.
What Is Not Covered?
Applicants should be aware that the scholarship does not cover:
- The application fee charged by University Admissions.
- Insurance.
- Additional grants for family members.
- Changes to the awarded master’s programme.
- Extensions or changes to the scholarship period.
Applicants should check with their university regarding insurance arrangements and any additional costs they may need to cover.
Eligible Countries for the SI Scholarship 2027/2028
Citizens of the following 34 countries are eligible to apply, subject to all other requirements:
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zambia.
Applicants do not need to be residing in their country of citizenship when applying.
Important eligibility note: Public sector employees from Georgia and Belarus are not eligible. Additional citizenship and residence restrictions apply, so applicants should carefully review the official eligibility criteria.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
The scholarship supports eligible English-taught master’s programmes in four broad subject areas.
Governance
This area may suit applicants interested in public administration, public policy, governance, institutional development, and leadership.
Public Health
Applicants interested in health systems, global health, public health policy, and population health may find relevant programmes in this category.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
This field is suitable for candidates interested in entrepreneurship, innovation systems, business development, and sustainable economic growth.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
STEM programmes provide opportunities for applicants seeking advanced knowledge in relevant scientific and technical disciplines.
The official list of eligible master’s programmes for the 2027/2028 academic year is scheduled for publication on 13 November 2026. Applicants should verify that their chosen programme appears on the official list before applying.
General Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals, applicants must satisfy the applicable requirements.
- Be a citizen of one of the 34 eligible countries.
- Apply for an eligible master’s programme at a Swedish university.
- Be liable to pay tuition fees under Sweden’s university admissions rules.
- Complete the university application process and pay the required application fee on time.
- Demonstrate relevant work experience.
- Demonstrate leadership experience through employment, entrepreneurship, or civil society engagement.
- Be admitted or conditionally admitted to an eligible master’s programme by the relevant admissions announcement.
Applicants must also explain how their proposed studies relate to sustainable development priorities in their home country or region.
Work Experience Requirements
For applicants from Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zambia, at least 3,000 hours of work experience before February 2027 are required.
The hours can be accumulated across a maximum of three employers. Eligible experience may include full-time employment, part-time employment, freelancing, and entrepreneurship.
Applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine must provide proof of work experience, but no minimum number of hours is specified. Applicants with more experience may receive priority.
Work experience relevant to the applicant’s chosen field of study will be prioritised.
Leadership Experience Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate leadership experience gained through employment, entrepreneurship, or involvement in civil society organisations and networks.
Examples include leading colleagues, coordinating teams, influencing organisational strategies, assigning responsibilities, and participating in decision-making processes.
There is no minimum number of leadership hours, but applicants with strong and relevant leadership experience from employment may receive priority.
Who Is Not Eligible?
According to the published criteria, applicants are generally not eligible if they:
- Currently study at or hold a degree from a Swedish university or university college.
- Have already lived in Sweden for a cumulative period of two years or more before the scholarship period begins in August 2027.
- Have previously received a Swedish Institute scholarship for studies in Sweden.
- Hold Swedish or EU/EEA citizenship, or certain Swedish residence permits.
- Have dual citizenship in countries not included on the applicable OECD Development Assistance Committee list of official development assistance recipients.
Exceptions apply in certain circumstances, including specific cases involving Ukrainian applicants under temporary protection and Moldovan applicants with Romanian citizenship. Consult the official rules for the full details.
How to Apply for the Swedish Institute Scholarship 2027/2028
The application process involves two main stages: applying for a master’s programme and then submitting a separate scholarship application.
Step 1: Apply for a Master’s Programme
Application period: 16 October 2026 – 15 January 2027.
Search for eligible English-taught master’s programmes through Sweden’s official University Admissions portal.
Choose programmes that match your academic background, professional experience, and future development goals. Follow the university application instructions and pay the required application fee before the deadline.
Step 2: Prepare Your Scholarship Application
The scholarship application documents and eligible programme list are scheduled to be published on 13 November 2026.
Review the instructions carefully and prepare the required documentation using the official templates and forms provided by the Swedish Institute.
Your application should clearly demonstrate your work experience, leadership achievements, professional development goals, and intended contribution to sustainable development.
Step 3: Submit Your SI Scholarship Application
Scholarship application period: 8 February – 24 February 2027.
Submit your scholarship application through the official Swedish Institute scholarship portal during the application window.
The portal closes at 14:59 CET on 24 February 2027. Late applications cannot be assumed to be accepted.
Step 4: Wait for the Results
University admissions results are scheduled for 1 April 2027, followed by the Swedish Institute scholarship announcement on 22 April 2027.
To receive the scholarship, applicants must satisfy the scholarship criteria and be admitted or conditionally admitted to an eligible master’s programme as required by the official selection process.
Official Application Websites
- Swedish Institute Scholarship information: https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/
- University Admissions in Sweden: https://www.universityadmissions.se/
Check the official Swedish Institute website for the current programme list, application templates, detailed eligibility requirements, and any updates to the application schedule.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Scholarship Application
The SI Scholarship is competitive, so applicants should prepare carefully.
- Choose a master’s programme that closely matches your academic and professional background.
- Document your work experience accurately and ensure that you can provide the required proof.
- Highlight leadership achievements using specific examples and measurable results where possible.
- Explain how the degree will help you address a relevant development challenge in your home country.
- Demonstrate a clear connection between your career goals, chosen programme, and sustainable development.
- Follow the official instructions and submit all documents within the designated application periods.
A strong application should communicate not only why you want to study in Sweden but also how you intend to use your knowledge and leadership skills to create positive change.
Final Thoughts
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027/2028 offers eligible professionals an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Sweden with full tuition coverage, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000, and a travel grant.
For applicants from eligible countries who have demonstrated work experience and leadership potential, this programme can provide valuable academic training, international exposure, and professional connections.
Start by identifying an eligible master’s programme, checking the work experience requirements for your country, and preparing your university application before the January 2027 deadline.
Key reminder: Apply for master’s programmes between 16 October 2026 and 15 January 2027. The separate scholarship application portal opens on 8 February 2027 and closes on 24 February 2027.
