At both the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, many Swedish universities offer scholarships, typically in the form of partial or full tuition fee waivers. However, availability varies by institution and programme, so it is important to carefully check whether your specific chosen programme includes a scholarship opportunity if you intend to apply for funding.

most swedish universities tuition waivers usually:

• cover tuition only
• do not cover costs of living
• are merit-based

application patterns

• Apply to programme via universityadmission.se 
• after applying, apply separately for scholarship via university website
• You will be required to submit:
  • a motivation letter
  • your CV
  • sometimes academic transcripts and/or portfolio

At many universities, scholarship applications are handled separately. After you submit your program application, the university typically emails eligible applicants with an invitation to apply for available scholarships.

One of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship programmes in Sweden is the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) offered by the Swedish Institute (SI). It offers fully funded support to outstanding international students pursuing full-time master’s studies. It is designed for ambitious future leaders, the scholarship seeks individuals committed to driving sustainable development and positive change in their home countries. It supports students from 34 eligible countries who want to study in Sweden for one- or two‑year master’s programmes taught in English.

what the SI covers?

The scholarship is comprehensive and fully funded including:

• full tuition fee coverage (paid directly to the university)
• monthly stipend for living expenses
• travel grant
• insurance
• membership in the SI Network for Future Global Professionals (NFGP)
• alumni network access after graduation

who can apply?

eligibility depends on:

• citizenship: you must be from one of the 34 eligible countries (mostly in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America).
• work experience: at least 3,000 hours of demonstrated professional experience is usually required
• leadership experience: formal or informal leadership roles are valued
• admission to a Swedish master’s programme: you must apply to eligible master’s programmes via Universityadmissions.se - Apply to Swedish universities  and be admitted by the selection round

step-by-step application process

1

Apply to a master’s programme via universityadmissions.se

2

Choose up to 4 master’s programmes

3

Pay application fee (if required)

4

You must be admitted (or conditionally admitted)

5

Apply for the SI Scholarship separately via the Swedish Institute website where you will submit:

• motivation letter
• CV (SI template)
• proof of work experience
• leadership experience documentation
• recommendation letters
• copy of passport

your application must show:

• clear leadership potential
• strong commitment to sustainable development
• a vision for contributing to your home country after graduation

SI application timeline

Although exact dates vary each year, the process usually follows this order:

• October–January: apply for master’s programmes on Universityadmissions.se - Apply to Swedish universities 
• February: apply for the SI Scholarship (separate application)
• March–April: university admission results are released
• April–May: SI announces scholarship recipients

why the SI scholarship is so highly regarded

• It builds a global network of future leaders
• It emphasises sustainability, aligning with Sweden’s global development goals
• It offers career‑boosting opportunities, mentorship, and workshops
• Alumni often move into roles in government, NGOs, academia, and international organisations

home country scholarships

At both the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, home country scholarships are funding opportunities provided by your own government to support studies abroad. These are separate from Swedish-funded scholarships and often follow different eligibility rules, application procedures, and post-study obligations, so it is important to review the specific requirements set by your national authorities. 

external organisations & foundations

External organisations and foundations offer scholarships funded by international bodies, private institutions, or non-governmental organisations rather than the Swedish government for the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. These opportunities operate independently, with their own eligibility criteria and application processes, so applicants should carefully review the specific requirements and funding conditions for each programme.

examples:

• Erasmus+ (for joint programmes)
• Aga Khan Foundation
• private foundations
• industry-sponsored scholarships

these may:

• be partial funding
• combine grant + loan
• target specific nationalities