The Swedish government has launched applications for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2026, offering a fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue master’s degrees in Sweden, according to Nairametrics.
The Swedish Institute confirmed that applications opened on February 9, 2026, and will close later in the month, giving applicants a short window to apply. The scholarship targets experienced professionals seeking advanced education and leadership development ahead of the 2026 academic year.
Scholarship Benefits
The SI Scholarship is designed for individuals with strong professional and leadership backgrounds who intend to contribute to development in their home countries after graduation.
- Full tuition coverage for eligible master’s programmes in Sweden, with payments made directly to universities by the Swedish Institute.
- Monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 for accommodation, food, and daily expenses.
- One-time travel grant of up to SEK 15,000 to support relocation to Sweden.
- Access to the SI Network for Global Professionals, offering leadership training, professional workshops, and international networking opportunities.
The scholarship supports full-time one- or two-year master’s programmes at Swedish universities in English-taught fields, including governance, public health, entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as STEM disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is strictly for global professionals with verified work and leadership experience.
- Applicants must be citizens of one of the 34 eligible countries listed by the Swedish Institute and have applied for an English-taught master’s programme in Sweden for the autumn 2026 intake.
- Applicants must provide documented work experience from employment, freelancing, or business activity, along with evidence of leadership experience through professional or civil society involvement.
- Only applicants admitted or conditionally admitted to an eligible master’s programme will be considered.
Application Process
- Candidates must first apply for an eligible master’s programme via Sweden’s official University Admissions platform. Scholarship submissions without a valid master’s application will not be reviewed.
- Prepare required scholarship documents early, including proof of work experience, leadership credentials, motivation statements, and official templates provided by the Swedish Institute.
- Applications undergo screening and evaluation, with university admission results released first, followed by final scholarship recipient announcements.
- Successful applicants receive guidance on travel and preparations for studying in Sweden.
Applications close on February 25, 2026, and all scholarship documents must be submitted within the application window after completing the master’s programme application process.
Exclusion Criteria
Applicants cannot apply if any of the following apply:
- Currently enrolled in, or already hold a degree from, a Swedish university or university college.
- Have lived in Sweden for two years or more before the scholarship period begins in August 2026.
- Previously received a Swedish Institute scholarship to study in Sweden.
- Hold Swedish or EU/EEA citizenship, or have a Swedish permanent residence permit or temporary residence/work permit based on family or employment ties to a Swedish or EU/EEA citizen.
- Hold dual citizenship where one nationality is from a country not listed on the 2025 DAC list of Official Development Assistance recipients.