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The Swedish Institute Scholarship 2027 officially the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) is one of Europe’s most prestigious and competitive fully funded government scholarships, offered by the Swedish Institute (Svenska institutet), a Swedish government agency operating under the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, providing outstanding working professionals from 34 eligible developing countries the opportunity to pursue a full-time Master’s degree at any eligible Swedish university with full tuition coverage, a monthly living stipend of SEK 12,000, a one-time travel grant of up to SEK 15,000, and membership in the SI Network for Future Global Professionals (NFGP) — a powerful global leadership network of SI alumni and partners. The Swedish Institute Scholarship 2027 targets ambitious professionals who have demonstrated leadership experience and who can articulate a clear plan to contribute to the sustainable development of their home country after returning from Sweden. Approximately 300 scholarships are awarded each year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 5% — making this one of the most selective scholarships in Europe. The two-step application process requires applying to a Swedish Master’s programme at University Admissions (~15 January 2027 deadline) before applying through the SI scholarship portal during a short window of approximately 14 days in February 2027. For all official information visit si.se/en/apply/scholarships.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) |
| Offered By | Swedish Institute (Svenska institutet) — under Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs |
| Host Country | Sweden |
| Degree Level | Master’s degree — full-time, 1 or 2 years, starting autumn semester only |
| Eligible Countries | 34 specific countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Middle East |
| Number of Scholarships | ~300 per year (combined SISGP + Pioneering Women in STEM) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~5% — highly competitive |
| Tuition Fees | Full tuition — paid directly to university by Swedish Institute |
| Monthly Stipend | SEK 12,000 per month throughout study period |
| Travel Grant | SEK 15,000 one-time (SEK 10,000 for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine) — for scholars NOT already living in Sweden |
| Insurance | NOT covered by SI — verify with host university |
| Family Support | NOT covered |
| University Admissions Fee | NOT covered by SI — ~SEK 900, paid to University Admissions |
| NFGP Network | Membership in SI Network for Future Global Professionals (NFGP) |
| Work Experience Required | Minimum 3,000 hours (most countries) — after completing secondary education |
| Leadership Experience | Required — from employment or civil society |
| Must be Liable for Tuition | Required — must be liable to pay tuition fees at Swedish universities |
| University Admissions Deadline | ~15 January 2027 (universityadmissions.se) |
| SI Scholarship Portal Opens | ~February 2027 — for ~14 days only |
| Eligible Programmes Published | Mid-November 2026 |
| University Admissions Results | ~26 March 2027 |
| SI Scholarship Results | ~23 April 2027 |
| Studies Start | Autumn Semester 2027 |
| Official Website | si.se/en/apply/scholarships/swedish-institute-scholarships-for-global-professionals |
Detail Description
The Swedish Institute (Svenska institutet) is a Swedish government agency established in 1945 and operating under the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Its mission is to promote Sweden internationally and strengthen long-term relationships with other countries through exchange in education, research, culture, and business. The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is one of the Swedish Institute’s flagship programmes — designed to cultivate a global network of future leaders who will drive sustainable development in their home nations and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sweden is globally recognised for innovation, social equality, sustainability, and some of the world’s highest academic standards. Swedish universities consistently rank among Europe’s best — with institutions including Lund University, Uppsala University, Stockholm University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, and the Stockholm School of Economics offering world-class programmes in engineering, sustainability, health, social sciences, business, and technology. All eligible Master’s programmes under the SI Scholarship are taught in English, covering a broad range of disciplines including governance, public health, entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, and STEM fields.
Two SI Scholarship Programmes
| Programme | SI Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP) | SI Scholarship — Pioneering Women in STEM |
| Target Group | Ambitious professionals from 34 eligible countries | Women in STEM fields from 10 countries in Africa and Asia |
| Eligible Countries | 34 countries — Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Middle East | Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam |
| Field of Study | Any eligible English-taught Master’s in Sweden | STEM fields only — Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics |
| Gender | Open to all genders | Women only (legally recognised as women in official ID documents) |
| Work Experience | 3,000 hours minimum (most countries) | 3,000 hours minimum |
| Benefits | Full tuition + SEK 12,000/month + SEK 15,000 travel grant + NFGP | Full tuition + SEK 12,000/month + SEK 15,000 travel grant + NFGP |
| Number of Scholarships | ~232 (2026 cycle) | Part of combined ~300 total |
Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
| Full Tuition Fees | 100% of tuition fees — paid directly by the Swedish Institute to the university each semester. You never pay tuition yourself. |
| Monthly Living Stipend | SEK 12,000 per month — throughout the entire study period (1 or 2 years). Covers accommodation, food, transport, books, and daily living costs in Sweden. |
| Travel Grant | One-time SEK 15,000 (for most countries) OR SEK 10,000 (for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine). Only for scholars NOT already living in Sweden. |
| NFGP Network Membership | Full membership in the SI Network for Future Global Professionals — a global alumni and leadership development platform connecting SI scholars past and present. |
| Leadership Development | Access to SI leadership development activities, seminars, and events during and after the scholarship. |
| Insurance | NOT covered by SI — scholars must verify insurance arrangements with their host university. |
| University Admissions Fee | NOT covered — approximately SEK 900, paid directly to University Admissions (universityadmissions.se). |
| Family/Dependent Support | NOT covered — no additional grants for family members. |
| Programme Changes | NOT covered — scholarship cannot be transferred to a different programme after award. |
Eligible Countries
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is open to citizens of the following 34 countries. You do not need to reside in your country of citizenship at the time of application — citizenship is what matters.
| Region | Eligible Countries |
| Africa | Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe |
| Asia | Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam |
| Middle East | Iraq, Jordan |
| Latin America | Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru |
| Eastern Europe | Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Uzbekistan |
Important notes on nationality: If you hold dual citizenship in two eligible countries, choose only one when applying — submitting multiple applications using dual citizenship results in ALL applications being disqualified. Citizens of high-income countries and EU/EEA nationals are NOT eligible. Russians are currently not eligible for SI scholarships.
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of one of the 34 eligible countries. Residency in that country is NOT required — you can be living anywhere in the world at the time of application (with limited exceptions — check official page).
- Liable to Pay Tuition Fees: Must be liable to pay tuition fees at Swedish universities (i.e., non-EU/EEA citizens). If you are exempt from tuition fees (e.g., due to Swedish permanent residence permit), you are NOT eligible for the SI Scholarship.
- Work Experience — 3,000 Hours Minimum: Must have accumulated a minimum of 3,000 hours of work experience after completing secondary education (high school). This equals approximately 18 months of full-time work. The 3,000 hours must have been accumulated from a maximum of three employers. Paid employment, freelancing, and entrepreneurship may count. Internships do NOT count — SI explicitly states internships are not considered valid employment for this requirement. Must be documented using the official SI Proof of Work and Leadership Experience form, signed by employer(s).
- Leadership Experience: Must demonstrate leadership experience from current or previous employment or from civil society engagement. Leadership is assessed broadly — team leadership, project management, community organisation, entrepreneurship, or institutional leadership all qualify.
- Applied to an Eligible Master’s Programme: Must apply to an eligible Master’s programme at a Swedish university through University Admissions (universityadmissions.se) before applying for the SI Scholarship. Must be admitted (not just on the reserve list) by ~26 March 2027 for the scholarship application to be considered. Reserve list admissions do NOT count — you must be fully admitted, not waitlisted.
- Sustainable Development Focus: Must demonstrate a clear connection between the chosen Master’s programme and sustainable development goals relevant to the home country and region. Applications without a clear sustainability rationale are rejected.
- English Proficiency: SI itself has no English test requirement, but all eligible programmes are taught in English. Must meet the English language requirements of each chosen Swedish university programme.
NOT Eligible:
- Citizens of countries not on the 34-country eligible list
- EU/EEA citizens or those with Swedish permanent residence (not liable for tuition fees)
- Russians (currently excluded)
- Applicants who have already participated in certain SI programmes (check exclusion list at si.se)
- Currently enrolled Master’s students in Sweden (applying for second year)
- Applicants for single courses, exchange studies, study visits, conferences, or PhD programmes
- Applicants who enter wrong personal application number — automatic disqualification
- Applicants using dual citizenship to submit multiple applications — all disqualified
- Applicants who have already resided in Sweden for a cumulative total of 2 or more years prior to the scholarship period start (confirmed for Pioneering Women in STEM — check SISGP page for equivalent rule)
Required Documents
- CV — must use the official SI CV template (published on si.se). Generic CVs not accepted.
- Proof of Work and Leadership Experience form — must use the official SI template. Signed by employer(s). One combined form for all workplaces. Employer does NOT need to stamp the form, but must sign it. Shows all qualifying work experience hours.
- Two Letters of Reference — one must be work-based (from an employer or supervisor). The second can be work-based or from civil society engagement. Must be from two different referees.
- Photocopy of passport or national ID
- Motivation statement — in English. Must explain how the chosen programme connects to sustainability goals and how studies will contribute to the development of the home country and region. Vague or generic statements consistently result in rejection.
- Personal Application Number — 8-digit number from University Admissions. Required to link university application to SI scholarship application. If wrong number entered, application is automatically disqualified.
- Video presentation — may be requested by SI during the selection process.
Application Timeline
| Stage | Expected Date (2027 Cycle) | Action |
| SI Eligible Programmes List Published | Mid-November 2026 | Check si.se for list of eligible Master’s programmes for 2027/28 |
| University Admissions Opens | ~October 2026 | Create account at universityadmissions.se and apply for up to 4 eligible programmes |
| University Admissions Deadline | ~15 January 2027 | Pay application fee (~SEK 900) + submit Master’s applications + save 8-digit personal application number |
| Prepare SI Scholarship Documents | January–February 2027 | Write motivation statement, prepare CV and Proof of Work using official SI templates, brief referees |
| SI Scholarship Portal Opens | ~9 February 2027 | Submit all SI scholarship documents through apply-scholarships.si.se — portal open for ~14 days ONLY |
| SI Scholarship Portal Closes | ~25 February 2027 at 14:59 CET | Hard deadline — late applications NOT accepted under any circumstances |
| University Admissions Results | ~26 March 2027 | Must be admitted to at least one eligible programme by this date |
| SI Scholarship Results Published | ~23 April 2027 | List of successful candidates published on si.se |
| Official Scholarship Offer Sent | ~24–26 April 2027 | Email sent to successful candidates |
| Deadline to Accept Offer | ~30 May 2027 | Must accept scholarship offer by indicated deadline |
| Studies Begin | Autumn Semester 2027 | Arrive in Sweden and begin Master’s programme |
Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligible Programmes — Start Now (September/October 2026)
Go to si.se/en/apply/scholarships/swedish-institute-scholarships-for-global-professionals and wait for the list of eligible Master’s programmes to be published in mid-November 2026. Not all Master’s programmes at Swedish universities are eligible — only those on the official SI list qualify. Study fields include humanities, agricultural science, medicine and public health, natural science, social science, technology, and STEM. You can apply to up to 4 eligible programmes in one scholarship application. Research programmes that connect to your professional background and sustainable development goals in your home country.
Step 2: Apply to Swedish University — By ~15 January 2027
Go to universityadmissions.se, create an account, and apply for up to 4 eligible Master’s programmes before the deadline (~15 January 2027). Pay the application fee (~SEK 900) on time — if you miss the payment, your application is not processed. After submitting, you will receive an 8-digit personal application number — write this down immediately and store it safely. You will need this exact number for your SI Scholarship application. An incorrect number causes automatic disqualification. Note: Stockholm School of Economics and Konstfack applicants are part of separate intakes and will not receive a standard application number.
Step 3: Prepare All Documents Before February 2027
The SI scholarship portal is only open for approximately 14 days. You cannot write your documents during this window — everything must be ready in advance. Prepare: your motivation statement (explaining how your programme connects to SDGs and your home country’s development), CV using the official SI template, Proof of Work and Leadership Experience using the official SI template (signed by employer(s)), two reference letters from two different referees (one must be work-based), and a copy of your passport or ID. Download all official SI templates as soon as they are published in November 2026.
Step 4: Brief Your Two Referees — Early
Contact both referees well in advance — at least 4–6 weeks before the SI portal opens. Explain the SI Scholarship process, the timeline, and what they need to write. At least one referee must be able to speak specifically to your professional work experience and leadership. The second can be from civil society. Referees must be ready and available to submit their letters as soon as the portal opens — do not leave this until the last week before the February deadline.
Step 5: Submit SI Scholarship Application — February 2027
When the SI scholarship portal opens (~9 February 2027) at apply-scholarships.si.se, submit your complete application immediately. Add all eligible Master’s programmes you have applied for and wish to include in the scholarship application. Enter your personal application number exactly as given by University Admissions — even one digit wrong causes disqualification. Submit before the deadline (~25 February 2027 at 14:59 CET). Late applications are never accepted — no exceptions. Do not wait until the last day — the portal experiences heavy traffic at deadline time.
Step 6: Await Results — April 2027
University admissions results are published ~26 March 2027. SI scholarship results (list of successful candidates) are published ~23 April 2027 on si.se. Official scholarship offers are sent by email ~24–26 April 2027. You must accept your scholarship offer by the deadline indicated in your email (typically ~30 May 2027). If selected, begin preparing for your move to Sweden for Autumn Semester 2027.
How to Apply
Also Check
- 📌 Chevening Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded UK Government Master’s Scholarship
- 📌 Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded Master’s and PhD in France
- 📌 ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027 | CHF 13,500/Semester + Tuition Waiver
- 📌 Stipendium Hungaricum 2027 | Fully Funded Hungarian Government Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Swedish Institute Scholarship 2027?
The Swedish Institute Scholarship 2027 (SISGP — Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals) is a fully funded Swedish government scholarship for ambitious working professionals from 34 eligible developing countries to pursue a full-time Master’s degree at an eligible Swedish university. Benefits include full tuition, SEK 12,000/month living stipend, SEK 15,000 travel grant, and membership in the SI Network for Future Global Professionals. Approximately 300 scholarships are awarded annually. University Admissions deadline: ~15 January 2027. SI scholarship portal: ~February 2027 for ~14 days only. Official page: si.se/en/apply/scholarships.
2. What are the eligibility requirements for the Swedish Institute Scholarship 2027?
Must be a citizen of one of the 34 eligible countries, be liable to pay tuition fees at Swedish universities (non-EU/EEA), have at least 3,000 hours of documented work experience, demonstrate leadership experience from employment or civil society, apply to an eligible Master’s programme at a Swedish university, and clearly articulate how studies connect to sustainable development goals in the home country. EU/EEA citizens, those with Swedish permanent residence, and citizens of non-listed countries are not eligible.
3. How long is the Swedish Institute Scholarship portal open?
The SI scholarship portal is only open for approximately 14 days — typically from around 9 to 25 February. This is the most critical fact about the entire application process. All documents must be fully prepared before the portal opens — you cannot write your motivation statement, CV, or Proof of Work during the 14-day window. Late applications are never accepted under any circumstances.
4. Does the Swedish Institute Scholarship cover insurance?
No — insurance is NOT covered by the Swedish Institute. The scholarship covers tuition, SEK 12,000/month stipend, and SEK 15,000 travel grant only. Scholars must verify insurance arrangements with their host university in Sweden. The scholarship also does not cover the University Admissions application fee (~SEK 900), family/dependent support, or programme changes after the award.
5. Can I apply if I don’t live in my home country?
Yes — you do not need to reside in your country of citizenship at the time of application. You must be a citizen of one of the 34 eligible countries, but you can be living anywhere in the world when you apply. However, there may be limited exceptions for applicants already living in Sweden — check the official eligibility page at si.se for current restrictions.
6. What is the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP)?
The SI Network for Future Global Professionals (NFGP) is a global alumni and leadership development platform for SI scholarship recipients. All SISGP scholars automatically become members during their studies and maintain access after graduation. The network connects SI scholars with each other and with Swedish institutions, businesses, and organisations — providing ongoing collaboration, professional development, and networking opportunities that extend throughout the scholar’s career.
7. Is there a separate scholarship for women in STEM?
Yes — the SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM is a dedicated programme within the SI scholarship framework, targeting women from 10 specific countries in Africa and Asia (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam) who want to study STEM fields in Sweden. It follows the same timeline, benefits, and application process as the SISGP but is restricted to women (legally recognised as women in official ID documents) in STEM-eligible programmes only.
Final Thoughts
The Swedish Institute Scholarship 2027 is one of the most prestigious, competitive, and transformative scholarships available to working professionals from developing countries worldwide. With full tuition, SEK 12,000 per month, a travel grant, and membership in a powerful global network — and the extraordinary opportunity to study in Sweden, one of the world’s most innovative and progressive societies — the SI Scholarship is genuinely life-changing for the approximately 300 scholars selected each year. But with an acceptance rate of ~5%, success requires exceptional preparation: a compelling, specific, and evidenced motivation statement; meticulously documented work and leadership experience; strong reference letters; and a clear, credible plan for contributing to home country development after graduating. The application cycle for 2027 starts NOW — University Admissions opens in October 2026, the eligible programmes list will be published in mid-November 2026, and the University Admissions deadline is ~15 January 2027. The SI portal opens for only ~14 days in February 2027. Start preparing today. For all official information, visit si.se/en/apply/scholarships/swedish-institute-scholarships-for-global-professionals.
