Swedish Institute Scholarship 2026| Fully Funded

Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship program aimed at developing future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Funded by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and administered by the Swedish Institute, this award is specifically designed for highly qualified professionals from select countries who wish to pursue a master’s degree in Sweden.

The Swedish Institute core philosophy is to build lasting partnerships and foster sustainable development by investing in talent from around the world. Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship offers a unique platform for professional and personal growth. Scholars become part of the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP), an exclusive community that provides workshops, networking events, and leadership training throughout the academic year. Upon graduation, they join the Sweden Alumni Network, a global circle of over 18,000 former scholars, professionals, and leaders. Also check: ETH Zurich Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (Switzerland)

The scholarship is highly competitive, seeking candidates who not only possess a strong academic background but also demonstrate significant leadership experience and a clear vision of how their chosen study program in Sweden will benefit their home country’s development. It covers approximately 700 English-taught master’s programs across various fields, including STEM, social sciences, public health, and innovation. By removing the financial barriers to high-quality Swedish education, the SI scholarship empowers global professionals to translate knowledge into practical, sustainable impact. Also check: University of Minnesota Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (USA)

Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Benefits

Swedish Institute provides a comprehensive package that covers almost every aspect of a student’s life abroad:

• Full Tuition Coverage
• Monthly Living Allowance
• Travel Grant: A one-time payment of SEK 15,000 for travel expenses to and from Sweden.
• Insurance
• Professional Networking
• Alumni Access

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals, you must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: You must be a citizen of one of the 34 eligible countries (e.g., Indonesia, Nigeria, Brazil, Kenya, Egypt, Philippines, etc.).
• Work Experience: You must have at least 3,000 hours of demonstrated work experience from a maximum of three employers. This includes full-time/part-time employment, freelancing, or voluntary work.
• Leadership Experience: You must be able to demonstrate your leadership ability, either through your professional work or through involvement in civil society organizations.
• Master’s Application: You must have applied for an eligible master’s program through the University Admissions Sweden portal and be liable to pay tuition fees.
• Exclusions: You are not eligible if you have already resided in Sweden for 2+ years, already hold a degree from a Swedish university, or hold citizenship in an EU/EEA country or Sweden.
• Also check: Cambridge Trust Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (UK)

Required Documents

Swedish Institute is very strict about documentation. You must use the official SI templates provided for the current application cycle; failure to do so will result in immediate disqualification.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Proof of Work Experience
• Proof of Leadership Experience
• Two Letters of Reference
• Copy of Passport
• Motivation Letter.

Deadline

The application process happens in two distinct stages. Missing the first deadline prevents you from participating in the second.

Step by step Application Process

1. Apply to University First: You must apply for up to four eligible master’s programs at UniversityAdmissions.se by January 15.
2. Pay the Application Fee: Ensure the 900 SEK application fee is paid to University Admissions before February 2, or your application will not be processed.
3. Prepare SI Templates: While waiting for the scholarship portal to open, download the official 2026/2027 SI templates for the CV, Letters of Reference, and Proof of Work/Leadership.
4. Secure Signatures: Have your employers or referees sign and stamp the required forms. Digital signatures are generally not accepted unless they are verifiable through specific tools mentioned by SI.
5. Submit SI Application: Between February 9 and February 25, log in to the SI scholarship portal and upload your documents. You do not need to wait for your university admission result to apply for the scholarship.
6. Screening: The Swedish Institute will screen applications for eligibility. If you are not admitted to your chosen university program on March 26, your scholarship application will automatically be disqualified.
7. Final Results: If you are admitted to an eligible program and pass the SI screening, you will be notified of the scholarship award in late April.
8. Also check: University of Minnesota Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (USA)