Are you a forward-thinking professional looking to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in one of the world’s most innovative, sustainable, and progressive nations? The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027 is premier international fellowship funded by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals offers you the opportunity to access world-class education, cutting edge research and gain new perspectives. You will also expand your professional network while developing the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to take on leadership roles and drive change in your local context. Through the scholarship, Sweden invests in global talent to build lasting partnerships for a more sustainable and equitable world.
Designed to develop future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, this competitive program covers tuition, living costs, travel, and health insurance. This guide details the complete process, eligibility criteria, benefits, step-by-step application strategy, and living expenses for the 2027/2028 academic year.
Basic Information About the Scholarship (Including Key Deadlines)
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals funds full-time, 1-year or 2-year master’s degree studies starting in the Autumn 2027 semester.
- Host Country: Sweden
- Funding Body: Swedish Institute (Government Agency)
- Degree Level: Master’s Level (MA, MSc, etc.)
- Study period: Autumn 2027
- Scholarship type: Fully funded
- Eligible countries: 34 countries, including Bangladesh
- Purpose: To support future global professionals who can contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
- University Admissions Application Window: October 16, 2026 – January 15, 2027
- SI Scholarship Application Portal: February 8, 2027 – February 24, 2027 (Closes strictly at 14:59 CET)
University/Institution Details
The scholarship is applicable across top-tier public Swedish universities participating in the centralized national application platform, University Admissions Sweden. Sweden’s higher education system is renowned globally for research excellence, practical application, equality, and flat organizational structures that encourage informal student-professor dialogue.
World-Class Host Universities Include:
- Lund University & Uppsala University (Ancient, highly ranked comprehensive institutions)
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology & Chalmers University of Technology (Leaders in STEM and engineering innovation)
- Stockholm University & University of Gothenburg (Top hubs for social sciences, law, and environmental studies)
- Karolinska Institutet (World-renowned medical university home to the Nobel Assembly)
- Luleå University of Technology & Umeå University (Pioneers in clean technology and arctic research)
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
The fields of study cover most academic disciplines for master’s degrees, including but not limited to:
- Mathematics
- Natural Science
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Social Science and Behavioral Science
- Veterinary Medicine and Nursing
- Arts, Design and Media
- Business Administration and Economics
- Education/Educational Sciences/Didactics
- Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, and Fishery
- Health and Medical Care
- Law and Legal Studies
- Materials, Construction, and Manufacturing
- Religious Studies
- Technology
- Humanities
- Social Work and Welfare
- Journalism, Communication, and Information
- Languages
- You can More Degree Programs (Click Here)
Fields of study include:
- Governance — public administration, governance and related fields.
- Public Health — public health and related disciplines.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation — business creation and innovation.
- STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Almost all master’s level programs taught in English at Swedish universities are eligible as per the official list published each year.
SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027 Benefits
The SI Scholarship is fully funded and covers:
- Full tuition fees: 100% tuition fees paid directly to the Swedish university.
- Monthly living allowance: SEK 12,000 per month to cover living expenses.
- Travel grant: SEK 15,000 as a one-time payment for eligible students. Students already living in Sweden are not eligible for this grant.
- Professional networking: Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP).
- Alumni network: Membership in the Sweden Alumni Network after completing the scholarship.
- Career development: Opportunities to build professional connections and develop leadership skills.
- Additional benefits:
- Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals during the scholarship.
- Membership in the Sweden Alumni Network after completing your studies.
- Opportunities for professional development and networking.
Benefits Not Included
- Health insurance.
- University application fee.
- Additional financial support for family members.
- Scholarship extensions or changes to the awarded Master’s programme.
Country of Citizenship
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
Eligibility Criteria for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027
Applicants must fulfill the following:
- Citizen of one of 34 eligible countries (including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, etc.).
- Must apply for eligible master’s programmes
- Must pay tuition fees and be admitted to a Swedish university.
- You must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries.
- You do not have to be living in your home country when applying.
- If you have dual citizenship in two eligible countries, you must choose only one for your application.
- Public-sector employees from Georgia and Belarus are not eligible.
- Must have work experience and leadership experience.
- Demonstrate leadership experience through employment or civil society engagement
- Proficiency in English as required by the chosen master’s program
University Admission Requirements
To qualify for the scholarship, you must:
- Apply for eligible Master’s programmes through University Admissions Sweden.
- Be required to pay tuition fees at Swedish universities.
- Pay the university application fee by the deadline.
- Follow all university admission procedures.
- Be admitted or conditionally admitted to an eligible Master’s programme on the first admission results day.
- Receive admission to the specific programme for which you want the scholarship.
Leadership Experience
- Leading colleagues or teams.
- Assigning tasks and coordinating other people.
- Influencing the strategy or development of an organisation.
- Participating in organisational decision-making.
- Running a business or entrepreneurial project.
- Taking leadership roles in civil society organisations or networks.
- There is no minimum number of leadership hours.
- Strong and relevant leadership experience gained through employment receives priority.
- You must be able to explain and document your leadership experience in your application.
Work Experience Requirements
- Work Experience Requirements
- You must have documented work experience. You do not need to be employed when applying.
- Acceptable experience may include:
- Full-time employment.
- Part-time employment.
- Freelancing.
- Entrepreneurship or running a business.
For applicants from Bangladesh:
- You must have accumulated at least 3,000 hours of work experience before February 2027.
- The experience can come from a maximum of three employers.
- The hours do not have to come from one continuous period of employment.
- You must provide proof using the official SI work-experience forms.
- Work experience related to your chosen Master’s field is given priority.
Who Is Not Eligible?
You cannot receive the SI Scholarship if you:
- Are currently studying at a Swedish university or already hold a degree from one.
- Have lived in Sweden for a total of two years or more before the scholarship period begins in August 2027.
- Have previously received a Swedish Institute scholarship for studies in Sweden.
- Hold Swedish or EU/EEA citizenship.
- Have a Swedish permanent residence permit.
- Hold a temporary work or residence permit based on employment or family ties with a Swedish or EU/EEA citizen who has a temporary or permanent right of residence in Sweden.
- Have dual citizenship involving countries not included in the latest DAC list of ODA recipients, subject to the stated exceptions.
Exceptions:
- Ukrainian applicants living in Sweden under the Temporary Protection Directive may still apply.
- Applicants from Moldova who also hold Romanian citizenship may apply using their eligible Moldovan citizenship.
Required Documents for the Application
The application must include the following documents, properly formatted:
- Motivation letter using the SISGP template explaining your study and leadership motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) following SISGP guidelines (max 3 pages)
- Two different letters of reference: at least one based on work experience and if possible, another based on civil society/network involvement. Letters must be signed, stamped, and submitted as PDF files
- Proof of work and leadership experience endorsed by referees
- Copy of a valid passport showing personal data and citizenship
Incomplete or wrongly formatted documents will lead to disqualification of the application.
SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027 Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Choose your Master’s programme. Check the official SI list when it is published on November 13, 2026.
- Apply for university admission. Submit your application through University Admissions between October 16, 2026, and January 15, 2027.
- Pay the application fee. Complete the university application requirements before the deadline.
- Prepare your scholarship documents. Use the official SI forms and instructions published on November 13.
- Submit the SI Scholarship application. Apply between February 8 and February 24, 2027.
- Wait for university admission results. These are expected on April 1, 2027.
- Wait for the scholarship results. These are expected on April 22, 2027.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Strictly Use Official Templates: Never create your own CV or recommendation layouts. Download the fresh SI forms released each November and follow the word count limits precisely.
- Calculate Work Hours Accurately: Make sure your 3,000 hours are fully verifiable with real contract dates and contactable HR references.
- Align with UN SDGs: Directly link your past work achievements and your target master’s course to specific UN Sustainable Development Goals in your essays and CV descriptions.
- Double-Check Application Numbers: Ensure the 8-digit application number generated by University Admissions matches your SI scholarship submission exactly.
- Prioritize Your First Choice: Rank your master’s program preferences carefully at University Admissions; SI prioritizes candidates who get admitted to their primary options.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
Sweden offers a high standard of living. While your SI stipend of 12,000 SEK (approx. $1,150 USD) covers basic student requirements comfortably, here is an estimated monthly breakdown of typical student living expenses in Sweden converted into USD ($):
| Expense Category | Monthly Estimated Cost (USD) | Local Context & Tips |
| Student Accommodation (Rent) | $450 – $700 | University dorms vs. private studio flats in cities like Stockholm/Lund |
| Food & Groceries | $250 – $350 | Budgeting via discount markets (Lidl, ICA Basic, Willys) |
| Local Public Transit | $50 – $80 | Heavily discounted monthly student transit passes (SL, Skånetrafiken) |
| Internet, Mobile & Utilities | $40 – $70 | High-speed fiber optic connection and prepaid mobile data |
| Course Books & Study Materials | $30 – $60 | Most materials are available digitally through university libraries |
| Personal Health & Social Life | $120 – $200 | Student union events, cafes, clothing, and winter gear |
| Total Estimated Living Cost | $940 – $1,460 / Month | Fully covered by your SI monthly stipend allowance! |
Why Choose This Scholarship? (5 Core Reasons)
- Complete Financial Independence: Full tuition coverage combined with a monthly stipend and travel allowance allows you to study without taking on student loans.
- Focus on Career & Leadership: Designed specifically for mid-career professionals, this scholarship values real-world work experience over theoretical exam marks alone.
- Unrivaled Networking via NFGP: The Network for Future Global Professionals connects you directly with top European policy influencers, sustainability leaders, and global executive coaches.
- Post-Graduation Work Opportunities: Sweden offers international master’s graduates a post-study residence permit to stay for up to 12 months to seek employment or launch a startup.
- High Quality of Life & Sustainability: Studying in Sweden exposes you to a progressive society known for innovation, work-life balance, gender equality, and pristine natural environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the acceptance rate for the SI Scholarship?
The SI Scholarship is highly competitive, with acceptance rates typically ranging between 1.5% and 4% depending on applicant volume per country. Detailed documentation and strong leadership proof are key to standing out.
Is there an age limit to apply for the SI Scholarship?
No, there is no upper age limit for the Swedish Institute Scholarship. As long as you meet the work experience and academic background requirements, you are encouraged to apply.
Can I apply if I haven’t completed my 3,000 work hours yet?
You must have accumulated the full 3,000 hours of valid work experience by the time you submit your scholarship application in February 2027. Hours accumulated after the February deadline cannot be counted.
Does the scholarship cover English language test fees?
No, applicants are responsible for paying their own English proficiency exam fees (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL) and the standard university application processing fee (900 SEK).
Important Dates
- October 16, 2026 – January 15, 2027: Apply for Swedish Master’s programmes through University Admissions.
- November 13, 2026: The list of eligible Master’s programmes and scholarship application documents will be published.
- February 8–24, 2027: Apply for the SI Scholarship.
- February 24, 2027, at 14:59 CET: Final scholarship application deadline.
- April 1, 2027: University admission results announced.
- April 22, 2027: SI Scholarship results announced.
