The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SI SGP) 2026/2027 represent one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarship opportunities in Europe for international students.
Swedish Institute Scholarships in Sweden 2026/2027 | Fully Funded
Designed for ambitious global professionals who aspire to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries, this scholarship enables talented individuals to pursue master’s studies in Sweden while gaining leadership skills, global networks, and world-class education.
Sweden is globally recognized for innovation, social equality, sustainability, and high academic standards. Through the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals, the Swedish government invests in future leaders who can drive positive change worldwide.
Overview of the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute awards this competitive scholarship annually to students from 34 eligible countries. It supports full-time, one-year or two-year master’s programmes taught in English at Swedish universities, beginning in the autumn semester of 2026.
The scholarship is aimed at individuals who demonstrate strong professional backgrounds, leadership experience, and a clear vision of how their education in Sweden will contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.
Fields of study supported by the scholarship include, but are not limited to:
- Governance and public policy
- Public health
- Entrepreneurship and innovation
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Beyond academics, scholars become part of the SI Network for Global Professionals, a lifelong platform that fosters collaboration, leadership development, and international partnerships.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is fully funded, meaning it covers the major costs associated with studying and living in Sweden.
The scholarship includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage, paid directly to the Swedish university
- Monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 for the entire study period
- Travel grant of SEK 15,000 (SEK 10,000 for selected countries)
- Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals, offering leadership training, events, and professional networking
- Lifetime membership in the Sweden Alumni Network after graduation
However, applicants should note that the scholarship does not cover insurance, application fees to University Admissions, family support, or programme changes.
Eligible Countries for the 2026/2027 Intake
Applicants must be citizens of one of the 34 eligible countries. These include countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America such as:
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, and others.
Applicants do not need to reside in their country of citizenship at the time of application. Those with dual citizenship must apply using only one eligible nationality.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals, applicants must meet the following key criteria:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country
- Apply to and be admitted to an eligible master’s programme in Sweden
- Be required to pay tuition fees to Swedish universities
- Have documented work experience
- Demonstrate leadership experience from employment or civil society engagement
Applicants are not eligible if they already hold a Swedish degree, have lived in Sweden for two years or more prior to the scholarship period, or have previously received a Swedish Institute scholarship.
Work and Leadership Experience Requirements
Work experience is a core component of the SI scholarship selection process. Eligible experience includes full-time or part-time employment, freelancing, or entrepreneurship.
- Applicants from most eligible countries must have at least 3,000 hours of work experience accumulated before February 2026
- Applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine have no minimum hour requirement, but stronger profiles are prioritized
Leadership experience does not require a minimum number of hours but must demonstrate responsibility, influence, decision-making capacity, or organizational leadership. Experience from civil society organizations, NGOs, or professional networks is also accepted.
Application Timeline for SI Scholarship 2026/2027
The application process consists of two separate but connected applications:
- Apply for a master’s programme via Swedish University Admissions
- Application period: 16 October 2025 – 15 January 2026
- Apply for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals
- Application window: 9 February – 25 February 2026
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Key announcements include:
- University admission results: 26 March 2026
- Scholarship recipients announced: 23 April 2026
Only applicants admitted (or conditionally admitted) to eligible master’s programmes are considered for the scholarship.
Why Choose the Swedish Institute Scholarship?
The SI Scholarship is more than financial support—it is a leadership and development programme. Scholars gain:
- Access to Sweden’s world-class education system
- Practical skills for sustainable development
- International exposure and cultural exchange
- A powerful global alumni network
Graduates return to their home countries equipped with knowledge, skills, and connections to make a real impact.
To read the full call for applications and apply for the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals 2026/2027, visit the official page below:
