The Swedish Institute Scholarships are among the most competitive fully funded scholarships in Europe. They are designed for international students who want to pursue a Master’s degree in Sweden and who demonstrate not only academic excellence, but also leadership potential and professional experience.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about the scholarship: who can apply, what is covered, how the application works, and what to expect as a recipient. All information is based on official guidance published by the Swedish Institute.
About the Swedish Institute Scholarships
What Is the Swedish Institute?
The Swedish Institute (SI) is a public agency operating under the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Its mission is to promote Sweden internationally through education, culture, research, and global cooperation.
One of SI’s key responsibilities is managing international scholarship programs that support students and professionals from around the world to study in Sweden. These scholarships are not only about academic training; they are part of Sweden’s broader strategy to build long-term global partnerships and future leaders.
Purpose and Mission of SI Scholarships
The Swedish Institute Scholarships are designed to support individuals who are expected to contribute to sustainable development, innovation, and positive change in their home countries or internationally after graduation.
SI places strong emphasis on:
Leadership potential
Professional experience
Commitment to sustainable development
Alignment with Sweden’s global priorities
This is why the scholarship selection process goes far beyond grades and focuses heavily on work experience, motivation, and impact.
Why Sweden Invests in International Students
Sweden consistently ranks among the world’s top countries for education quality, innovation, sustainability, and quality of life. By offering SI scholarships, Sweden aims to:
Attract highly motivated international talent
Strengthen global cooperation and diplomacy
Support future leaders in public, private, and civil sectors
Promote Swedish values such as equality, sustainability, and innovation
SI scholars are seen as long-term ambassadors who maintain professional and cultural ties with Sweden well beyond their studies.
Types of Scholarships Offered by the Swedish Institute
The Swedish Institute manages several scholarship schemes, but the two most important and widely known programs for Master’s students are:
SI Scholarships for Global Professionals
SI Scholarships for Pioneering Women in STEM
Each program targets a specific group of applicants and has its own priorities, eligibility rules, and selection focus. These programs are explained in detail later in this guide.
Who Can Apply for Swedish Institute Scholarships?
The Swedish Institute scholarships are not open to everyone. Eligibility is carefully defined, and applicants must meet all core criteria to be considered. Before investing time in the application, it is essential to understand whether you qualify.
Eligibility Overview
To be eligible for a Swedish Institute scholarship, applicants must meet requirements across four main areas: nationality, education, work experience, and leadership profile.
Each of these areas is explained below.
Eligible Countries and Nationalities
The Swedish Institute publishes an official list of eligible countries every year. Only applicants who hold citizenship from one of these countries can apply, regardless of where they currently live or study.
Key points to note:
Eligibility is based on citizenship, not residence
Dual citizens must apply using an eligible nationality
Country lists may change slightly from year to year
Because the country list is updated annually, applicants should always verify their eligibility directly through the official Swedish Institute website before applying.
Academic Degree and Study Level Requirements
The Swedish Institute scholarships are only available for full-time Master’s degree programs in Sweden.
Important clarifications:
Bachelor’s, PhD, and short courses are not covered
Applicants must apply to eligible Master’s programs through the Swedish national admission system
Admission to a university is required before the SI scholarship can be awarded
Work Experience Requirements
Work experience is a core eligibility requirement, not a bonus.
The Swedish Institute requires applicants to demonstrate documented professional experience relevant to their field of study.
General rules:
Experience must be verifiable
Both paid and unpaid roles may count
Experience must be gained before the application deadline
Applicants are required to submit official proof of work experience using SI’s designated templates.
Leadership and Professional Impact
Unlike many academic scholarships, the Swedish Institute places strong emphasis on leadership and impact, especially for the Global Professionals program.
Leadership may be demonstrated through:
Professional responsibility
Team coordination or management roles
Community involvement
Initiatives with social, environmental, or economic impact
This does not mean applicants must hold senior titles. SI evaluates leadership in a broad and inclusive sense, focusing on responsibility, initiative, and long-term impact.
Field of Study Restrictions
Not all Master’s programs in Sweden are eligible for SI scholarships.
Applicants must ensure that:
The chosen program appears on the official SI eligible program list
The program aligns with SI’s development and sustainability focus
Age Limits and Previous Study in Sweden
There is no formal age limit for applying. However, prior academic history in Sweden may affect eligibility.
Applicants with previous study experience in Sweden should check eligibility carefully, as restrictions apply in some cases.
Who Is Not Eligible to Apply
Applicants are not eligible if they:
Do not hold citizenship from an eligible country
Are applying for a non-Master’s program
Cannot meet the minimum work experience requirement
Apply to programs not approved by SI
Miss mandatory documentation
Failure to meet any single eligibility criterion leads to automatic disqualification, regardless of academic strength.
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Swedish Institute Scholarship Programs
The Swedish Institute currently offers two main scholarship programs for international Master’s students. While both are fully funded and follow a similar application timeline, they target different applicant profiles and have distinct priorities.
Overview of Swedish Institute Scholarship Programs
Applicants may only apply to the program for which they meet the specific eligibility criteria.
SI Scholarships for Global Professionals
This is the flagship Swedish Institute scholarship program and the most widely known. It is designed for applicants who already have professional experience and are expected to contribute to development and leadership in their home countries or globally after graduation.
Target Applicants and Career Profiles
This program is suitable for:
Professionals with relevant work experience
Applicants with leadership or responsibility roles
Individuals working in public, private, or civil society sectors
Typical applicant backgrounds include:
Government and public policy
Engineering and technology
Business, economics, and management
Environmental and sustainability-related fields
Leadership does not require a managerial title. SI evaluates responsibility, initiative, and long-term impact rather than job seniority.
Eligible Fields and Study Programs
Applicants must choose a Master’s program that:
Is offered by a Swedish university
Appears on the official SI eligible program list
Aligns with SI’s development priorities
Programs unrelated to SI’s strategic focus areas may not be eligible, even if offered by Swedish universities.
Partner Universities in Sweden
The Swedish Institute does not limit scholarships to a single institution. Eligible programs are offered across a wide range of Swedish universities, including:
Large research universities
Technical universities
Specialized institutions
Admission decisions are made by the universities, while scholarship decisions are made separately by the Swedish Institute.
SI Scholarships for Pioneering Women in STEM
This program is specifically designed to support women from eligible countries who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in STEM-related fields in Sweden.
The goal is to strengthen female leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, especially in regions where women remain underrepresented in these fields.
Who Should Apply
This scholarship is intended for:
Female applicants only
Candidates with a strong academic and professional background in STEM
Applicants with leadership potential and interest in innovation
Eligible STEM Fields
Eligible programs typically fall under:
Engineering and technology
Computer science and data-related fields
Natural sciences
Applied sciences
Applicants must still ensure that the chosen program appears on the SI-approved program list for the relevant academic year.
Gender Equality and Leadership Focus
In addition to academic merit, this program places strong emphasis on:
Empowerment of women in STEM
Long-term leadership impact
Contribution to innovation and sustainable development
Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their education will help address gender gaps and create a measurable impact in their professional environments.
Can You Apply for Both Programs
Applicants must carefully review eligibility and choose the program that best matches their background.
Benefits and Coverage of Swedish Institute Scholarships
The Swedish Institute scholarships are often described as fully funded, but it is important to understand exactly what is covered and what is not. The scholarship is designed to make studying in Sweden financially possible, not luxurious.
Is the Swedish Institute Scholarship Fully Funded?
Yes — the scholarship covers the major mandatory costs associated with studying in Sweden. However, students should still plan their finances carefully, especially for personal or family-related expenses.
The table below summarizes the coverage.
Tuition Fee Coverage Explained
The Swedish Institute scholarship covers the full tuition fee for the approved Master’s program.
Key points:
Tuition is paid directly to the university
Coverage applies only to SI-approved programs
No reimbursement is required from the student
If a student changes programs or fails to meet academic requirements, tuition coverage may be affected.
Monthly Living Allowance
Scholarship recipients receive a monthly living allowance intended to cover basic living costs in Sweden, such as accommodation, food, transportation, and study materials.
The allowance is not designed to support dependents. Students with families should plan additional financial resources.
Travel Grant and Relocation Support
The Swedish Institute provides a one-time travel grant to support the cost of traveling to Sweden at the start of the studies.
This grant is a contribution, not a full reimbursement of all travel-related expenses.
Insurance and Healthcare Coverage
All SI scholarship holders receive insurance coverage during their scholarship period. This insurance typically includes:
Medical care
Emergency dental care
Accident coverage
Liability protection
The insurance applies only to the scholarship holder, not to accompanying family members.
Family and Dependent Considerations
The Swedish Institute scholarship is awarded to individuals only.
Important considerations:
No additional funding for spouses or children
No housing support for families
Living allowance is calculated for one person only
Applicants planning to move with family members must demonstrate separate financial means.
What the Scholarship Does NOT Cover
Understanding exclusions is just as important as knowing what is covered.
Failing to plan for these costs is a common challenge for new scholarship holders.
How Competitive Are Swedish Institute Scholarships?
The Swedish Institute scholarships are highly competitive. Each year, a large number of qualified applicants compete for a limited number of awards. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.
Acceptance Rates and General Competitiveness
While the Swedish Institute does not publish an official acceptance rate every year, historical data and official announcements indicate that only a small percentage of eligible applicants receive the scholarship.
Because of this, applicants should approach the process strategically and realistically.
Number of Scholarships Awarded Each Year
The total number of scholarships varies by year and depends on funding availability and strategic priorities.
The number of awards per country is not equal and may reflect Sweden’s international cooperation priorities.
Key Selection and Ranking Factors
The Swedish Institute evaluates applications holistically. Selection is based on a combination of factors rather than a single score.
Academic excellence is expected, but leadership potential and impact often make the difference between strong and unsuccessful applications.
What Makes a Strong Candidate?
Strong candidates usually demonstrate:
A clear connection between their professional background and chosen Master’s program
Evidence of leadership, responsibility, or initiative
Realistic and well-defined post-graduation plans
Alignment with sustainability, development, or innovation
Applicants who clearly explain why Sweden, why this program, and how they will apply their knowledge after graduation tend to stand out.
Application Process for Swedish Institute Scholarships
The application process consists of two separate but connected applications: one to Swedish universities and one to the Swedish Institute.
Understanding the sequence is critical.
Overview of the Application Flow
Applicants must successfully complete both applications to receive the scholarship.
Step 1: Apply to Swedish Universities
Applicants must apply through the national admissions system for Swedish higher education.
Key points:
Apply to eligible Master’s programs only
Applications are ranked in order of preference
Admission is assessed by universities independently of SI
Without admission to a Swedish university, the SI scholarship cannot be awarded.
Step 2: Apply for the SI Scholarship
The scholarship application is submitted separately through the Swedish Institute’s platform.
Applicants must submit:
Motivation letter
CV using SI template
Proof of work experience
Leadership references
All documents must follow SI’s official templates exactly.
Required Documents Overview
Missing or incorrectly formatted documents lead to automatic disqualification.
Evaluation, Ranking, and Final Selection
The Swedish Institute evaluates applications in several stages:
Eligibility check
Quality and relevance assessment
Final ranking and allocation
Decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Swedish Institute Scholarship Deadlines
Timing is one of the most common reasons strong applicants fail. The Swedish Institute scholarship follows a fixed annual timeline, and missing even one deadline leads to automatic rejection.
Overview of the Annual Timeline
Deadlines may shift slightly each year. Applicants must always confirm dates on the official Swedish Institute website.
University Admission Deadlines
Applying to Swedish universities is not optional — it is the first and mandatory step.
Key points:
Applications are submitted through the national admissions system
Programs must be SI-approved
Supporting documents (degree certificates, transcripts, language tests) must be uploaded on time
Missing the university deadline means:
❌ No admission
❌ No SI scholarship consideration
SI Scholarship Application Period
The Swedish Institute scholarship application opens after the university application deadline.
Because the window is short, documents should be prepared months in advance.
Announcement of Results
Applicants who are admitted to a university but not awarded the SI scholarship may still study in Sweden if they can self-fund.
Selection Criteria and Assessment Process
The Swedish Institute evaluates applications using a holistic assessment model. No single factor guarantees success.
Main Evaluation Criteria
The selection process aims to identify applicants who will:
Use their education for long-term impact
Act as leaders and change-makers
Maintain professional links with Sweden after graduation
How Applications Are Assessed
The assessment process typically includes:
Eligibility screening
Quality and relevance evaluation
Ranking within the country and program priorities
Final selection
Once decisions are made, they are final and non-negotiable.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Many rejected applicants meet the basic eligibility criteria but fail due to avoidable issues.
Most Frequent Rejection Causes
A strong application is usually the result of planning, not last-minute effort.
Swedish Institute Scholarships FAQ
This section highlights the most common questions applicants ask before applying.
Can I Apply Without Work Experience?
No. Work experience is a mandatory requirement for SI scholarships.
Can I Apply for Multiple Programs?
Yes, you may apply to multiple eligible Master’s programs, but:
You can receive only one SI scholarship
You must choose one scholarship program (Global Professionals or Women in STEM)
Is IELTS or TOEFL Mandatory?
Language requirements are set by universities, not SI.
Most programs require IELTS or TOEFL, but requirements vary by program.
Can I Reapply If I Was Rejected?
Yes. Many successful candidates were rejected in previous years.
Applicants may reapply as long as they continue to meet eligibility criteria.
Can I Bring My Family to Sweden?
Yes, but:
SI does not provide financial support for family members
You must show separate financial means
Life in Sweden as an SI Scholar
Beyond funding, living in Sweden is a major part of the experience.
Studying in Sweden: Academic Culture
Swedish universities emphasize:
Independent learning
Critical thinking
Group work and collaboration
Open communication with professors
Cost of Living and Daily Life
Living costs vary by city, with Stockholm and Gothenburg being more expensive than smaller towns.
Swedish Institute Scholarships Alumni Stories
Many SI scholars go on to:
Leadership roles in government and NGOs
Careers in international organizations
Research and innovation positions
Entrepreneurship and policy-making
Long-Term Outcomes
SI alumni are encouraged to remain connected through professional and alumni networks after graduation.
Final Tips for a Successful SI Scholarship Application
Strong applications are rarely rushed. Most successful candidates begin preparation 6–12 months in advance.
Choosing the Right Program Strategically
Select programs that clearly match your background
Avoid programs unrelated to your work experience
Prioritize programs aligned with sustainability, development, or innovation
Writing a Strong Motivation Letter
A strong motivation letter:
Clearly explains why this program
Demonstrates leadership and responsibility
Shows long-term impact, not short-term benefits
Avoids generic or copied statements
Applicants should focus on clarity and consistency, not storytelling for its own sake.
Demonstrating Leadership and Impact
Leadership can be shown through:
Professional responsibility
Initiative and problem-solving
Community or organizational impact
Ethical and sustainable decision-making
Titles matter less than real responsibility and outcomes.
Planning a 12-Month Application Timeline
Planning early reduces errors and improves application quality.
Need Help With Your SI Scholarship Application?
Applicants often struggle with:
Verifying eligibility
Choosing the right programs
Structuring motivation letters
Demonstrating leadership effectively
Getting early guidance can help avoid structural mistakes that cannot be fixed later.
Last Updated & Official Sources
Last updated: 2026
Main official source:https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/
Information in this guide is based on official Swedish Institute publications and guidelines.
Applicants should always verify details on the official SI website before applying.
