Applications for Swedish Government Scholarships (Swedish Institute Scholarships) for the academic year 2026-2027 are now open. The Swedish Institute (SI) program offers fully funded scholarships to eligible applicants from participating countries, enabling them to pursue a master's degree in Swedish universities.
Several hundred scholarships will be awarded for a wide range of master's programs, all taught in English, starting from the fall semester 2026. The SI scholarship aims to support emerging professionals and train future global leaders, who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while promoting positive and sustainable development in their home countries and regions.
These scholarships are intended for full-time master's programs, lasting one or two years. Tuition fees are covered directly by Swedish universities at the beginning of each semester, and a monthly allowance is paid during the scholarship period.
Fields of Study and Eligible Master's Programs
This scholarship covers more than 700 master's programs taught in English, in the fields of humanities, agricultural sciences, medicine and public health, natural sciences, social sciences, and technology. Click here (PDF) for a comprehensive list of eligible master's programs for the academic year 2026-2027.
To have your application considered, you must have a clear idea of how your education will contribute to the sustainable development of your home country and region; it is your responsibility to justify in your application why you are choosing one or more of the available master's programs and how these programs relate to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Swedish Institute (SI) Government Scholarship Coverage
The Swedish Institute Government Scholarships offer the following benefits to successful applicants:
- Full coverage of tuition fees.
- A monthly allowance of 12,000 SEK throughout the study period.
- A one-time travel grant of 15,000 SEK.
- Membership in the SI Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL), a platform to help you develop professionally and build your network while in Sweden.
- After completing the scholarship period, you become a member of the SI Alumni Network. As a member, you benefit from unique opportunities for ongoing networking and professional development.
Eligibility Criteria for Swedish Government Scholarships
To be eligible for this European scholarship program, you must:
- Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries. You do not need to reside in this country at the time of application.
- Be admitted (or conditionally admitted) to one of the eligible master's programs before March 26, 2026.
- Have documented work experience. However, you do not need to be employed at the time of application.
- Additionally, you must have demonstrated leadership experience with your current or previous employer, or through involvement in civil society.
Eligible Countries
Swedish Institute (SI) Government Scholarships are available to citizens of 34 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America:
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, Zambia.
Work Experience Requirements
Applicants for Swedish government scholarships must prove their work experience. This experience can include paid employment, freelance work, internships, or volunteer projects. You must have accumulated 3,000 hours of work experience before February 2026, equivalent to approximately 1 year and 5 months of full-time work (based on a 40-hour workweek). The 3,000 hours can be accumulated with a maximum of three employers.
Leadership Experience Required
Applicants must demonstrate their ability to influence and lead. This experience can be reflected in professional responsibilities or active roles in civil society organizations. Leadership experience does not require a minimum number of hours. However, priority will be given to applicants who have demonstrated strong and relevant professional leadership experience.
Application Process
To apply for the Swedish Government SI Scholarship program, you must follow these guidelines:
Step 1: Apply for a Master's Program
Apply for an eligible master's program on University Admissions LINK before January 15, 2026. This step is crucial, and without it, you cannot apply for the scholarship later. Once you have submitted your application for one or more master's programs, you will receive a personal application number consisting of eight digits. Save this number, as you will need it when applying for the scholarship.
Step 2: Submit Your Scholarship Application
Submit your application for the Swedish Government Scholarship before February 2, 2026, through the online application portal. A complete application includes:
- Curriculum vitae (template)
- Proof of work and leadership experience (template)
- Two letters of recommendation (template)
- Photocopy of your valid passport/national ID card
- Motivation statement (required in the application portal)
Important Dates for the Scholarship
Applicants for Swedish Government SI Scholarships must adhere to the following deadlines:
- October 16, 2025 – January 15, 2026: Apply for master's programs in Sweden via University Admissions before the January deadline.
- February 2, 2026: Deadline for submitting supporting documents and paying the application fee.
- February 9 – 25, 2026: The SI scholarship application portal is open.
- March 26, 2026: University admission announcement day.
- April 23, 2026: SI scholarship results announcement day.
SI Scholarship Restrictions
The SI scholarship does not cover family members' expenses, insurance, or university admission fees. Additionally, it does not allow for changes to the study program or extension of the scholarship period.
Contact
For any inquiries, please visit the official SI scholarship program website, consult the FAQ, or fill out the contact form.