Sweden Awards 402 Fully Funded Scholarships To International Students For 2025/2026 -

About the Sweden Fully Funded Scholarships

The Swedish Institute (SI) has officially awarded 402 fully funded scholarships to outstanding international students for the 2025/2026 academic session. These prestigious awards are intended to support talented individuals from around the world to undertake full-time master’s degree programs at Swedish universities. The scholarships include the well-established SI Scholarship for Global Professionals and the newly introduced SI Scholarship for Pioneering Women in STEM. These opportunities are aimed at nurturing the next generation of global leaders, innovators, and changemakers committed to driving sustainable development and gender equality.

The Swedish Institute (SI) is a government agency that promotes Sweden to the world and works to establish cooperation and long-term relationships with other countries. Through its scholarship programs, SI provides support to individuals who have the potential to contribute to the positive development of their home countries and the global community.

For the 2025/2026 academic year, SI offers two main scholarship categories:

SI Scholarship for Global Professionals: This scholarship targets experienced professionals who have demonstrated leadership capabilities and a clear ambition to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. It seeks to empower individuals in fields such as human rights, sustainability, technology, innovation, public administration, and social sciences.
SI Scholarship for Pioneering Women in STEM: This newly launched initiative focuses on promoting gender equality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is specially designed to support women from selected African and Asian countries who aspire to be leaders and innovators in STEM disciplines.

The SI scholarships are a part of Sweden’s broader commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas of quality education, gender equality, and reduced inequalities. By investing in individuals with proven leadership skills and a strong commitment to development, Sweden aims to foster a global network of future leaders who are advocates for change.

Eligible Fields

The SI scholarships cover a wide range of fields depending on the scholarship type:

For the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals, eligible fields include but are not limited to:
- Social Sciences
- Sustainability
- Engineering
- Technology
- Environmental Studies
- Human Rights
- Public Administration
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- International Relations
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Education and Learning
For the SI Scholarship for Pioneering Women in STEM, eligible fields are strictly within the STEM disciplines:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics

Applicants are encouraged to apply for master’s programmes that are in line with Sweden’s goals for sustainable development and global impact.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the Sweden Fully Funded Scholarships are designed to ensure that the program attracts highly qualified and motivated individuals who are committed to leadership and societal development. The main requirements include:

Applicants must be mid-career professionals with demonstrated leadership experience.

Applicants must be citizens of an eligible country. The Global Professionals scholarship is open to candidates from 33 countries, while the Women in STEM scholarship targets candidates from 10 selected countries in Africa and Asia.
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree equivalent to a Swedish bachelor’s degree before the scholarship deadline.
Applicants must be admitted to an eligible master’s programme at a Swedish university by the stipulated admission deadlines.

Women applicants applying for the STEM scholarship must be nominated by a participating Swedish university.
Applicants must have a clear plan for how their education in Sweden will contribute to sustainable development and positive change in their home countries.
Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential through work experience, volunteer activities, or involvement in civic organizations.

It is important to note that individuals who have previously resided in Sweden for more than two years, or who have already received a Swedish Institute scholarship for a master’s level program, are not eligible to apply.

Selection Criteria

The selection process for the SI Scholarships is highly competitive and merit-based. Candidates are assessed against a number of critical criteria:

Academic excellence: Applicants must have strong academic records from previous studies.

Leadership experience: Applicants must provide evidence of leadership capabilities, either in professional, volunteer, or civic settings.
Work experience: Priority is given to candidates with relevant professional experience that aligns with the goals of the SI Scholarship program.
Motivation: Applicants must present a compelling statement of purpose outlining their motivation, professional aspirations, and how they plan to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

Impact potential: Applicants must demonstrate the potential for making a significant positive impact in their fields or communities.
For STEM scholarships, the nomination by the participating Swedish university plays a critical role in the selection process.

The Swedish Institute seeks to create a diverse cohort representing various professional backgrounds, geographic regions, and gender identities, with a strong focus on contributing to the global Sustainable Development Goals.

Eligible Countries

Eligibility for the SI Scholarships is determined by the applicant’s country of citizenship:

For the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals, applicants must be citizens of one of the 33 countries eligible under the program, which include countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Examples include Nigeria, Kenya, Bangladesh, India, Brazil, Ukraine, and others.
For the SI Scholarship for Pioneering Women in STEM, applicants must be women citizens of one of the 10 selected countries in Africa and Asia. These countries are carefully chosen based on regional priorities and Sweden’s focus areas for international cooperation.

Candidates are encouraged to check the complete list of eligible countries on the official Swedish Institute scholarship webpage to confirm their eligibility.

Documents Required

Applicants will need to prepare and submit specific documents to support their scholarship application:

A complete and properly filled SI scholarship application form

Motivation letter outlining professional goals, leadership experience, and commitment to development
Proof of leadership experience, such as letters from employers, certificates, or voluntary organizations
Proof of work experience in a relevant field

Valid passport copy showing personal data and citizenship
Admission letter from UniversityAdmissions.se confirming acceptance to an eligible Swedish master’s programme
Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements, professional experience, and leadership activities

References or letters of recommendation (optional at initial stage but may be requested later)

Applicants must ensure that all documents are prepared according to the instructions on the Swedish Institute’s website. Incomplete or incorrect applications will not be considered.

Benefits of the Sweden Fully Funded Scholarships

The Sweden Fully Funded Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support and professional development opportunities:

Full coverage of tuition fees to the Swedish university offering the master’s programme
Monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 to cover living expenses during the study period
One-time travel grant for expenses to and from Sweden

Insurance coverage for medical and accident-related incidents throughout the scholarship period
Membership in the Swedish Institute Network for Future Global Professionals (NFGP), which offers exclusive networking opportunities, seminars, leadership training, and future career support
Access to the global SI Alumni Network after completion of the studies, facilitating continued professional growth and international collaboration

Beyond financial support, SI Scholars gain lifelong membership in a prestigious network of global professionals dedicated to fostering sustainable development and social change.

How to Apply

The application process for the Sweden Fully Funded Scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year involves two major steps:

Apply for Admission to Eligible Master’s Programmes
- Candidates must first apply for up to four eligible master’s programmes through the centralized application portal
- Applicants must ensure that they submit all required documents for university admission before the application deadline.
- Successful admission to at least one eligible master’s programme is mandatory to proceed to the scholarship application stage.

Apply for the Swedish Institute Scholarships
- After applying for university admission, candidates must submit a separate scholarship application to the Swedish Institute.
- The scholarship application must include all necessary supporting documents.
- Applications must be submitted within the official scholarship application period announced by the Swedish Institute.

Applicants are advised to start the process early, pay close attention to all instructions, and ensure that their applications are complete and well-prepared. Only candidates who are admitted to a Swedish master’s programme and who have submitted a complete scholarship application will be considered.