Sweden is known for innovative teaching, high-quality research and a strong focus on sustainability. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland pay tuition fees, but government and university scholarships can cover much or all of the cost.
Last checked: October 2026. Confirm details on the Swedish Institute and university websites.
SI Scholarship for Global Professionals
Run by the Swedish Institute (SI), a government agency, this is Sweden’s main scholarship for international master’s students who already have work and leadership experience.
What It Covers (2027/28)
- Full tuition fees, paid directly to the university
- A living allowance of SEK 12,000 per month
- A one-time travel grant (SEK 15,000 for most countries)
- Membership of the SI Network for Global Professionals
Eligible Countries
For 2027/28, citizens of these countries can apply: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, 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 and Zambia. India and Pakistan are not on the 2027/28 list.
Key Requirements
- Work experience and demonstrated leadership experience (at work, as an entrepreneur or in civil society).
- Admission to an eligible one- or two-year master’s programme, mainly in governance, public health, entrepreneurship and innovation, or STEM.
- Liable to pay tuition fees in Sweden.
How and When to Apply
- Apply for up to four eligible master’s programmes through UniversityAdmissions.se by 15 January 2027.
- Use your eight-digit university application number in your SI scholarship application (an incorrect number leads to disqualification).
- Submit the SI scholarship application in the separate SI application window, usually in February.
University Tuition Fee Scholarships
Most Swedish universities, such as Lund, Uppsala, KTH and Chalmers, offer their own scholarships, often covering 25% to 100% of tuition, for fee-paying international students. Deadlines are usually around the same time as the January admission round. Check each university’s scholarship page.
Tips
- Give specific examples of leadership and their impact.
- Explain how your chosen programme links to sustainable development in your country.
- Prepare documents early, especially employer certificates.
See also European government scholarships.
