Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
Swedish Institute · Sweden
Sweden's flagship award for future leaders from developing countries, covering a full master's degree plus a strong professional network.
Application deadline
10 Feb 2027
128 days remaining
- Intake
- Aug 2027 intake
- Open to
- Eligible developing countries on the SI list
- Study level
- Masters
We never charge for applications
What the scholarship covers
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000
- Travel grant
- Insurance
- Membership of the SI Network for Future Global Leaders
Eligibility requirements
- Citizen of an eligible country on the SI list
- At least 3,000 hours of work experience
- Admitted to an eligible Swedish master's programme
- Demonstrated leadership experience
Documents you will need
- University admission application via universityadmissions.se
- Separate SI scholarship application
- CV in the SI template
- Two letters of reference
- Proof of work experience
- Motivation letter
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Apply through the national admissions portal
You need an admission application before the SI application opens.
- 2
Check your country and programme are eligible
Both lists are specific; being outside either is disqualifying.
- 3
Document 3,000 hours of work
This is roughly 18 months full-time and is verified, not estimated.
- 4
Complete the SI application separately
It opens in February for a short window after the admission deadline.
- 5
Emphasise leadership
SI funds future leaders, so evidence of leading rather than participating decides it.
When to do what
Counting backwards from the deadline. Applications rushed in the final fortnight are the ones that fail.
20 weeks before
Register on universityadmissions.se and shortlist programmes.
16 weeks before
Confirm both country and programme eligibility for SI.
13 weeks before
Gather documented proof of work experience.
10 weeks before
Submit the university admission application.
6 weeks before
Prepare the SI CV template and reference letters.
2 weeks before
Submit the SI scholarship application in its short window.
What the panel is actually looking for
- Demonstrated leadership experience
- Professional experience of at least 3,000 hours
- Academic record
- Ambition to contribute to your home country's development
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for SI without an admission application in place.
- Overstating work experience, which is verified against documents.
- Choosing a Swedish programme not on the SI eligible list.
- Describing participation rather than leadership.
Fields of study
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Don't miss this deadline
We'll email you before applications for Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals close.
Apply to more than one
Even outstanding applicants are rejected for reasons outside their control, quotas, country allocations, a stronger field that year. Shortlist three or four awards you genuinely qualify for and apply to all of them.