Are you a woman working in science, technology, engineering or maths in Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda or South Africa? The Swedish Institute (SI) is offering the Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027, a fully funded master’s scholarship in Sweden for women who want to lead innovation and drive change through STEM. It covers full tuition, SEK 12,000 a month for living costs and a SEK 15,000 travel grant. Applying takes two steps: first apply to a master’s programme by 15 January 2027, then apply for the scholarship between 8 and 24 February 2027.
Scholarship at a Glance
- Funder: Swedish Institute (Svenska institutet)
- For: Women who are citizens of 10 countries in Africa and Asia
- Eligible African countries: Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa
- Level: Full-time, English-taught STEM master’s (1–2 years), starting August 2027
- Covers: Full tuition, SEK 12,000 a month, a SEK 15,000 travel grant and networking
- Experience: At least 3,000 hours of work experience, plus leadership experience
- Step 1, university application: 16 October 2026 – 15 January 2027
- Step 2, scholarship application: 8–24 February 2027 (closes 14:59 CET)
- Results: University admission on 1 April 2027; scholarships announced on 22 April 2027
About the Scholarship
Women remain under-represented in STEM careers and leadership worldwide. Through this scholarship, Sweden supports women who are ready to grow as professionals and shape the future of science and technology through knowledge, leadership and action. Scholars study at Swedish universities, which are known for research-based learning and innovation, and join the SI Network for Global Professionals.
The full list of eligible countries is Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam.
Benefits
- Full tuition fees, paid directly by SI to your university each semester
- A monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 for the whole study period
- A one-off travel grant of SEK 15,000 (not for students already in Sweden)
- Membership of the SI Network for Global Professionals, with leadership development and events
- Lifelong membership of the Sweden Alumni Network after graduation
Not covered:
- insurance
- allowances for family members
- the University Admissions application fee
- any change of programme or extension of the scholarship period
Eligibility
- You’re a woman and a citizen of an eligible country. In Africa, that’s Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda or South Africa.
- You apply for, and are admitted to, an eligible STEM master’s programme. SI publishes the list on 13 November 2026.
- You’re liable to pay tuition fees in Sweden, as most non-EU students are.
- You have at least 3,000 hours of work experience before February 2027, from no more than three employers. Full-time, part-time, freelance and entrepreneurial work all count, and you don’t need to be employed now. Experience related to your chosen field is prioritised.
- You have leadership experience from work, running a business or civil society. Leadership in employment or entrepreneurship is prioritised.
- You haven’t had an SI scholarship before and don’t hold a Swedish degree.
Required Documents (Scholarship Application)
SI publishes the official templates on 13 November 2026, and you must use them.
- CV on SI’s template
- Proof of work and leadership experience on SI’s template, signed and stamped
- Reference letters
- A copy of your passport or national ID
- A motivation statement on how your STEM studies will drive change in your country
Key Dates for 2027/2028
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Apply to master’s programmes on University Admissions | 16 October 2026 – 15 January 2027 |
| SI publishes eligible programmes and templates | 13 November 2026 |
| Apply for the scholarship | 8–24 February 2027 (closes 14:59 CET) |
| University admission results | 1 April 2027 |
| Scholarship results | 22 April 2027 |
| Studies begin | August 2027 |
Tips for a Strong Application
- Don’t miss 15 January. Without a university application and paid fee by then, you can’t get the scholarship.
- Save your eight-digit University Admissions number. A wrong number on the scholarship form disqualifies you.
- Choose STEM programmes that match your work. Experience in your field is prioritised.
- Show leadership as a woman in STEM, such as leading projects or teams, mentoring other women, or starting a tech or science initiative.
- Explain the change you’ll drive at home, such as in health, energy, agriculture or digital innovation.
- Count your hours now. 3,000 hours is about 18 months full-time, and you’ll need signed certificates.
- Check SI’s statistics by country to understand the competition.
How to Apply
- By 15 January 2027: apply for up to four eligible STEM master’s programmes on UniversityAdmissions.se and pay the fee.
- From 13 November 2026: download SI’s templates and check the list of eligible programmes.
- 8–24 February 2027: submit your scholarship application before 14:59 CET on the final day.
- April 2027: receive your admission result (1 April) and scholarship result (22 April).
Read the official SI Pioneering Women in STEM call
Apply for master’s programmes on University Admissions
