The Swedish Institute Scholarships 2027/2028 offer fully funded master’s study opportunities in Sweden for experienced professionals from 34 eligible countries. Successful applicants receive full tuition fee coverage, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 and a one-time travel grant.
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP) supports professionals who want to strengthen their academic knowledge, develop their leadership abilities and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, applications for Swedish master’s programmes opened on 16 October 2026. Candidates must submit their university applications by 15 January 2027, while the separate scholarship application will run from 8 to 24 February 2027.
Unlike scholarships awarded primarily on academic merit, this programme also places considerable emphasis on professional achievements, documented work experience and leadership potential.
However, the scholarship is not available to every international student. Applicants must hold citizenship in one of the 34 eligible countries, meet the relevant professional experience requirements and secure admission to an eligible master’s programme.
This guide explains the scholarship benefits, eligible countries, work experience requirements, application documents, selection criteria and official deadlines.
Swedish Institute Scholarships 2027/2028: Overview
| Scholarship details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | SI Scholarship for Global Professionals |
| Funding organisation | Swedish Institute |
| Host country | Sweden |
| Academic intake | 2027/2028 |
| Degree level | Master’s |
| Study duration | One or two years |
| Eligible countries | 34 countries |
| Tuition fees | Fully covered |
| Living allowance | SEK 12,000 monthly |
| Travel grant | SEK 15,000 for most eligible recipients |
| Work experience | Required |
| Leadership experience | Required |
| Master’s application deadline | 15 January 2027 |
| Scholarship deadline | 24 February 2027 |
| Scholarship results | 22 April 2027 |
Important: Applicants must complete two separate applications. The first is for admission to an eligible Swedish master’s programme, while the second is for the Swedish Institute scholarship itself.
What Is the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals?
The Swedish Institute is a Swedish public agency that promotes international cooperation and builds relationships between Sweden and other countries.
Through its Scholarship for Global Professionals, the organisation finances selected international professionals who wish to undertake postgraduate studies at Swedish universities.
The scholarship supports full-time, English-taught master’s programmes lasting one or two years.
However, the programme’s purpose extends beyond academic education.
The Swedish Institute seeks individuals who have already demonstrated professional responsibility and can use advanced education to address challenges in their countries and communities.
For instance, a healthcare professional might pursue postgraduate training to improve public health services. An engineer could acquire specialised knowledge to develop sustainable technologies, while an entrepreneur might strengthen the skills needed to expand an innovative business.
In each case, applicants should be able to explain how their chosen degree relates to their professional experience and future contributions.
Eligible Fields of Study
The Swedish Institute supports eligible master’s programmes in four broad fields:
- Governance
- Public Health
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
The official list of eligible programmes for the 2027/2028 intake is scheduled for publication on 13 November 2026.
Applicants should not assume that every master’s programme in these fields automatically qualifies for the scholarship.
Only programmes included on the official list will be considered.
Swedish Institute Scholarship Benefits: What Does It Cover?
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals provides substantial financial support throughout the awarded study period.
Its funding package includes tuition fees, living expenses and a travel contribution.
1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage
Successful scholarship recipients receive complete tuition fee coverage for their awarded master’s programmes.
The Swedish Institute pays the tuition fees directly to the university each semester.
This arrangement removes one of the largest financial barriers facing non-EU students who wish to study in Sweden.
2. Monthly Living Allowance of SEK 12,000
Scholarship holders receive SEK 12,000 per month to help cover their living expenses.
Students can use this allowance toward accommodation, food, transportation and other necessary expenses.
The total value depends on the duration of the scholarship.
| Scholarship duration | Monthly allowance | Illustrative total |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | SEK 12,000 | SEK 144,000 |
| 24 months | SEK 12,000 | SEK 288,000 |
These figures illustrate twelve and twenty-four monthly payments. Actual payments follow the scholarship period awarded by the Swedish Institute.
Living costs also differ across Swedish cities. Therefore, recipients should prepare a realistic budget rather than assume the allowance will support every preferred lifestyle or expense.
3. One-Time Travel Grant
Most scholarship recipients receive a one-time travel grant of SEK 15,000.
However, recipients from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine receive SEK 10,000.
The travel grant is not available to students already living in Sweden.
4. Professional Development and Networking
Recipients become members of the SI Network for Global Professionals.
Through this network, scholarship holders can participate in professional development activities, connect with other international professionals and build relationships that may continue beyond their studies.
After completing their scholarship period, they also become members of the Sweden Alumni Network.
What the Scholarship Does Not Cover
Although the scholarship is described as fully funded, certain expenses remain the applicant’s responsibility.
| Expense or benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Full tuition fees | Covered |
| Monthly living expenses | SEK 12,000 allowance |
| One-time travel grant | Covered for eligible recipients |
| University application fee | Not covered |
| Insurance | Not included |
| Additional grants for family members | Not provided |
| Extension of scholarship period | Not permitted |
| Change of awarded programme | Not permitted |
Applicants should investigate insurance arrangements through their universities and plan for expenses that fall outside the scholarship package.
Eligible Countries for Swedish Institute Scholarships 2027
Citizenship is a compulsory eligibility requirement.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, the Swedish Institute has identified 34 eligible countries.
Full List of Eligible Countries
| Region | Eligible countries |
|---|---|
| Africa | Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia |
| Asia and Middle East | Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam |
| Europe and neighbouring countries | Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine |
| Latin America | Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru |
Applicants must hold citizenship in at least one eligible country.
However, they do not necessarily need to reside in that country when submitting their applications.
For example, a Nigerian citizen living in Italy may apply, provided they satisfy the remaining scholarship requirements and are not affected by another exclusion rule.
Can Cameroonian Students Apply?
No. Cameroon is not included in the official list of eligible countries for the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027/2028.
The same applies to Ghana, which is also absent from the published list.
This distinction matters because some scholarship websites describe the opportunity broadly as available to African students without identifying the nationality restrictions.
Students from Cameroon, Ghana and other ineligible countries should consider alternative funding opportunities.
One relevant option is the Erasmus Mundus MESPOM Scholarship 2027, which focuses on environmental sciences, policy and management. The programme includes Lund University in Sweden and welcomes applicants from all countries, subject to its admission requirements.
Unlike the Swedish Institute scholarship, MESPOM has its own admission and financial-aid arrangements. Applicants should examine those conditions separately.
What About Dual Citizenship?
Applicants who hold citizenship in two eligible countries must choose only one citizenship when applying.
Submitting multiple scholarship applications using different eligible citizenships can result in disqualification.
Additional restrictions may apply to certain dual-citizenship situations. Candidates should therefore review the official rules carefully before applying.
Swedish Institute Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Meeting the nationality requirement is only the first step.
Applicants must also satisfy academic, professional, leadership and university admission conditions.
1. Apply for an Eligible Master’s Programme
Candidates must apply for an English-taught master’s programme included on the Swedish Institute’s official eligible programme list.
The list for 2027/2028 will be published on 13 November 2026.
Applicants should check the exact programme title and university before submitting their applications.
2. Be Liable to Pay Tuition Fees
Applicants must be classified as tuition-fee-paying students under Swedish university admission rules.
The Swedish Institute covers the fees for successful scholarship recipients.
3. Have Documented Work Experience
Professional experience is compulsory.
The Swedish Institute recognises eligible experience gained through full-time employment, part-time employment, freelancing and entrepreneurship.
However, the required number of hours depends on the applicant’s nationality.
4. Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Candidates must show evidence of leadership gained through employment, entrepreneurship or civil society involvement.
Leadership may involve supervising colleagues, coordinating projects, influencing organisational decisions or managing responsibilities.
There is no universal minimum number of leadership hours.
Nevertheless, applicants with strong, relevant leadership experience may receive priority.
5. Secure Admission to an Eligible Programme
Applicants must receive admission or conditional admission to an eligible master’s programme when the university admission results are announced on 1 April 2027.
Being placed only on a waiting list does not satisfy this requirement.
Swedish Institute Scholarship 3,000-Hour Work Experience Requirement
The work experience requirement deserves particular attention because it can determine whether an otherwise qualified applicant is eligible.
For applicants from 28 specified countries, the Swedish Institute requires at least 3,000 hours of work experience before February 2027.
These hours may come from different periods of employment, but the total must be accumulated from a maximum of three employers under the published rules.
Countries Requiring 3,000 Hours
The requirement applies to applicants from:
Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia.
How Do You Calculate 3,000 Hours?
The Swedish Institute measures experience in working hours rather than simply counting years.
Consider these examples:
| Work schedule | Duration | Total hours |
|---|---|---|
| 40 hours weekly | 75 weeks | 3,000 |
| 30 hours weekly | 100 weeks | 3,000 |
| 20 hours weekly | 150 weeks | 3,000 |
| 40 hours weekly | 52 weeks | 2,080 |
Someone who worked 40 hours per week for 75 weeks would reach the numerical threshold.
However, the applicant must still provide the required evidence using the Swedish Institute’s official documentation.
Similarly, someone with two years of part-time experience may qualify if their documented hours meet the minimum.
Can Freelancers and Entrepreneurs Apply?
Yes.
Freelancing and entrepreneurship can count as work experience.
However, applicants must document their experience according to the Swedish Institute’s instructions.
Merely owning a registered business does not automatically establish that someone has completed 3,000 working hours.
The experience must be credible, relevant and properly supported.
Countries Without a Fixed Minimum Number of Hours
Applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine must demonstrate work experience, but no fixed minimum number of hours applies to this group.
Nevertheless, applicants with stronger professional experience may receive priority.
The Swedish Institute also states that public sector employees from Georgia and Belarus are not eligible.
Leadership Experience: What Makes an Applicant Competitive?
The Swedish Institute distinguishes between having a job and demonstrating leadership.
An applicant may satisfy the minimum work experience requirement without having substantial leadership responsibilities.
For that reason, candidates should explain how they have influenced people, activities, organisations or decisions.
Relevant examples may include supervising employees, managing a business, coordinating community projects, leading professional teams or participating in organisational planning.
Civil society engagement can also demonstrate leadership.
For instance, someone who has organised a community education initiative may be able to explain how they recruited volunteers, coordinated activities, managed resources and achieved measurable outcomes.
The strongest evidence goes beyond a leadership title.
Instead of simply writing that they served as a project coordinator, applicants should describe the responsibilities they handled and the results of their work.
The objective is to demonstrate genuine responsibility and impact without exaggerating achievements.
Who Is Not Eligible for the Swedish Institute Scholarship?
The Swedish Institute publishes additional exclusion conditions.
Applicants may be ineligible if they:
- Are currently enrolled at or already hold a degree from a Swedish university or university college.
- Have lived in Sweden for a cumulative period of at least two years before the scholarship period beginning in August 2027.
- Have previously received a Swedish Institute scholarship for studies in Sweden.
- Hold Swedish or EU/EEA citizenship, except where specific exemptions apply.
- Hold certain Swedish permanent or temporary residence permits.
- Have certain dual-citizenship combinations excluded under the scholarship rules.
The Swedish Institute provides specific exceptions for some applicants, including certain Ukrainian applicants under temporary protection and Moldovan applicants with Romanian citizenship.
Candidates whose circumstances involve dual citizenship or previous residence in Sweden should examine the complete official eligibility criteria.
Documents Required for Swedish Institute Scholarships 2027
The scholarship application requires several supporting documents.
The Swedish Institute will publish the official 2027/2028 templates on 13 November 2026.
Applicants should use those templates rather than forms from previous scholarship cycles.
| Document | Main requirement |
|---|---|
| Curriculum vitae | Official SI template, maximum three pages |
| Work and leadership experience form | Official SI template, signed and stamped |
| Two reference letters | Two different referees using SI templates |
| Passport or national ID | Valid identification document |
| Motivation statement | Completed in the scholarship portal |
| University application number | Required where applicable |
Curriculum Vitae
The CV must follow the Swedish Institute’s official template and must not exceed three pages.
Applicants should prioritise experiences that demonstrate professional achievements, relevant responsibilities, leadership and academic suitability.
Additional pages will not be considered.
Proof of Work and Leadership Experience
Candidates must use the official Swedish Institute form to document their professional and leadership experience.
The form must be completed according to the published instructions, signed and stamped by the referring organisation or a notary office.
The required forms must be uploaded as one PDF file.
Applicants should carefully verify the information before submission.
Two Reference Letters
Applicants must provide two reference letters from different referees.
At least one letter must be based on work experience.
The second may concern professional experience or engagement outside employment.
The Swedish Institute considers a second reference based on entrepreneurship, networks or civil society involvement an advantage.
Both letters must use the official templates and meet the signature and stamp requirements.
Passport or National Identity Card
Applicants must provide a copy of a valid passport or national identity card showing their name, citizenship and photograph.
Motivation Statement
The scholarship application includes a motivation section.
Candidates should explain why they selected their programme, how it connects to their professional experience and what they intend to accomplish with the knowledge acquired.
The Swedish Institute may also randomly select some applicants to record a short video presentation.
All scholarship application materials must be completed in English.
How to Apply for Swedish Institute Scholarships 2027/2028
The application process involves university admission, scholarship submission and several evaluation stages.
Step 1: Apply for a Swedish Master’s Programme
16 October 2026 – 15 January 2027
Applicants must first apply for eligible master’s programmes through Sweden’s centralised University Admissions system.
Candidates can generally apply for up to four master’s programmes.
Before selecting programmes, they should consult the official scholarship eligibility list scheduled for publication on 13 November 2026.
After submitting the university application, candidates normally receive an eight-digit application number.
This number is important because it must be entered correctly during the scholarship application.
Stockholm School of Economics and Konstfack have separate admission arrangements, so their applicants should follow the Swedish Institute’s specific instructions.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
From 13 November 2026
Once the official templates become available, applicants should begin preparing their CVs, reference letters and work experience documentation.
Candidates should allow enough time for referees and employers to complete the required signatures and stamps.
Missing certifications or incorrect forms can lead to disqualification.
Step 3: Submit the Scholarship Application
8–24 February 2027
Applicants must complete the separate Swedish Institute scholarship application through the official portal.
The deadline is 24 February 2027 at 14:59 Central European Time.
Only one scholarship application should be submitted, even when the candidate has applied for several eligible master’s programmes.
Applicants should not wait until the final day because technical problems or heavy portal traffic could prevent timely submission.
Step 4: Swedish Institute Screening and Evaluation
25 February – 31 March 2027
The Swedish Institute reviews submitted applications to determine whether candidates meet the eligibility requirements.
Applications with missing documents, incorrect templates or improperly completed forms may be disqualified.
Eligible candidates are then evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, leadership and alignment with the scholarship’s objectives.
Step 5: Receive University Admission Results
1 April 2027
University admission results will be announced.
To remain eligible for the scholarship, candidates must be admitted or conditionally admitted to an eligible master’s programme.
Applicants placed only on reserve or waiting lists cannot receive the scholarship.
The Swedish Institute also warns candidates against changing their original admission results in ways that affect scholarship eligibility.
Step 6: Await Scholarship Results
22 April 2027
The Swedish Institute will announce the successful scholarship recipients.
Selected candidates will receive official scholarship offers by email by the end of April.
Recipients must accept or decline their offers within the stated deadlines.
Swedish Institute Scholarships 2027: Important Dates
| Application activity | Official date |
|---|---|
| Swedish master’s applications open | 16 October 2026 |
| Eligible programme list published | 13 November 2026 |
| Scholarship document templates published | 13 November 2026 |
| Master’s application deadline | 15 January 2027 |
| Scholarship application opens | 8 February 2027 |
| Scholarship application closes | 24 February 2027, 14:59 CET |
| Screening and evaluation | 25 February – 31 March 2027 |
| University admission results | 1 April 2027 |
| Scholarship results | 22 April 2027 |
| Master’s studies begin | Autumn 2027 |
Remember: The 15 January deadline is for university admission. The 24 February deadline is for the Swedish Institute scholarship application.
Applicants must meet both deadlines.
How Competitive Is the Swedish Institute Scholarship?
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is highly competitive.
The selection process considers professional achievements, leadership, the quality of submitted documents and the applicant’s potential to contribute to sustainable development.
The Swedish Institute also aims for balanced gender representation and participation from different eligible countries.
However, it does not establish fixed quotas for particular countries, universities or academic fields.
The number of recipients may therefore vary depending on the quality of applications and available funding.
Applicants can consult the Swedish Institute’s published 2026 application and selection statistics to understand previous competition.
These statistics provide useful context but cannot predict an individual candidate’s chances.
What Makes a Strong Scholarship Application?
A convincing application should connect three elements: previous experience, proposed studies and future impact.
For example, a public health professional could explain how experience in disease prevention exposed weaknesses in local healthcare systems and why advanced training would help address those challenges.
An entrepreneur might discuss a specific problem encountered while developing a business and explain how postgraduate education could improve their capacity to develop solutions.
Similarly, a professional working in economic policy could describe their involvement in research, financial inclusion or institutional development.
Candidates interested in related European postgraduate funding may also explore the Erasmus Mundus EPOG Scholarship 2027, which focuses on economic policies, finance, innovation and sustainable development.
EPOG has a different eligibility framework and welcomes applicants from a wider range of countries, including those not eligible for the Swedish Institute scholarship.
Whatever programme applicants choose, they should explain their motivations through genuine experiences and realistic goals rather than relying on generic statements.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applying to an Ineligible Master’s Programme
A programme may be offered in English and fall within a relevant academic field without appearing on the Swedish Institute’s eligible programme list.
Applicants must verify the exact programme.
Confusing University Admission With Scholarship Application
Applying to a Swedish university does not automatically enter a candidate into the scholarship competition.
The separate February scholarship application is compulsory.
Miscalculating Work Experience
Applicants subject to the 3,000-hour requirement must demonstrate documented working hours.
Simply stating that they have several years of employment does not establish the required total.
Using Outdated Scholarship Templates
Applicants should use the official 2027/2028 templates.
Previous application forms may not satisfy the current requirements.
Submitting Incomplete Reference Documents
Missing signatures, stamps or other compulsory details can lead to disqualification.
Candidates should review every document before uploading it.
Writing an Unconvincing Motivation Statement
A statement that focuses entirely on Sweden’s educational reputation may not adequately demonstrate the scholarship’s purpose.
Applicants should explain how their education relates to their professional experience and future contributions.
Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals vs Pioneering Women in STEM
The Swedish Institute offers another scholarship known as Pioneering Women in STEM.
This programme aims to strengthen women’s participation, leadership and performance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Although both scholarships support master’s studies in Sweden, their eligibility requirements and target groups are not identical.
The Swedish Institute indicates that applicants who qualify for both programmes may be considered under both schemes.
Women interested in STEM studies should therefore examine the separate Pioneering Women in STEM requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Swedish Institute Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. Successful recipients receive full tuition coverage, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 and a one-time travel grant where applicable.
However, insurance, university application fees and additional family allowances are not included.
When is the Swedish Institute Scholarship 2027 deadline?
The master’s programme application deadline is 15 January 2027.
The separate scholarship application closes on 24 February 2027 at 14:59 CET.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes. Nigeria is among the 34 eligible countries.
Nigerian applicants must meet the 3,000-hour work experience requirement and all other eligibility conditions.
Can Cameroonian students apply?
No. Cameroon is not included in the eligible country list for the 2027/2028 SI Scholarship for Global Professionals.
Can Ghanaian students apply?
No. Ghana is also absent from the official eligible country list.
Is IELTS compulsory?
Applicants must satisfy the English-language requirements of their chosen master’s programmes.
Accepted qualifications and exemptions depend on the relevant university admission rules.
Can someone with a second-class degree apply?
The Swedish Institute does not publish one universal degree classification requirement covering every eligible master’s programme.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their selected university and programme.
Can applicants without work experience apply?
No. Demonstrated work experience is compulsory.
Applicants from 28 specified countries must document at least 3,000 hours, while applicants from the remaining six eligible countries must demonstrate work experience without a fixed minimum number of hours.
Can freelancers and entrepreneurs apply?
Yes. Eligible freelance and entrepreneurial experience may count toward the work experience requirement if properly documented.
Is leadership experience compulsory?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate leadership experience through employment, entrepreneurship or civil society engagement.
Can I apply for more than one master’s programme?
Yes. The centralised Swedish university application system generally allows up to four master’s programme choices.
However, candidates should verify which programmes qualify for Swedish Institute funding.
When will the scholarship results be announced?
The Swedish Institute has scheduled the announcement for 22 April 2027.
Can I apply if I already hold a Swedish university degree?
The published rules exclude applicants who already hold a degree from a Swedish university or university college.
Final Thoughts
The Swedish Institute Scholarships 2027/2028 provide a valuable opportunity for experienced professionals seeking fully funded master’s education in Sweden.
The scholarship combines complete tuition fee coverage with SEK 12,000 in monthly living support and a travel grant for eligible recipients.
Beyond the financial benefits, the programme offers access to international professional networks and opportunities for leadership development.
However, applicants should carefully assess their eligibility before investing time and money in the process.
Nationality, documented work experience, leadership and admission to an eligible master’s programme are essential requirements.
Candidates should begin preparing their employment records, contacting referees and identifying suitable programmes well before the deadlines.
The first major deadline is 15 January 2027, when applications for eligible Swedish master’s programmes close.
The separate Swedish Institute scholarship application will then take place from 8 to 24 February 2027.
Applicants who prepare their documents carefully, follow the official instructions and demonstrate a convincing connection between their studies and professional goals will be better positioned to submit competitive applications.
Official Links
- Swedish Institute — Scholarship for Global Professionals: https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/swedish-institute-scholarships-for-global-professionals/
- University Admissions Sweden — Official Application Portal: https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/start
