Want a fully funded master’s degree in Europe with a monthly allowance? The Swedish Institute (SI), a Swedish government agency, is preparing to accept applications for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027/2028. It covers full tuition, a living allowance of SEK 12,000 a month and a SEK 15,000 travel grant for a one- or two-year master’s at a Swedish university. Twelve African countries are eligible. Applying takes two steps: first apply to your 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)
- Level: Full-time, English-taught master’s (1 or 2 years), starting August 2027
- Fields: Governance, Public Health, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and STEM
- Covers: Full tuition, SEK 12,000 a month, a SEK 15,000 travel grant and networking
- Eligible African countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
- 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 SI Scholarship for Global Professionals
Through this scholarship, Sweden invests in future leaders from 34 countries who want to drive sustainable development at home. Scholars study at Swedish universities, which are known for innovation, sustainability and strong research. They also join the SI Network for Global Professionals, which offers leadership training, events and a lifelong network. After graduating, scholars join the Sweden Alumni Network.
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 living in Sweden)
- Membership of the SI Network for Global Professionals, with leadership development and events
- Lifelong membership of the Sweden Alumni Network
Not covered:
- insurance (check what your university provides)
- allowances for family members
- the University Admissions application fee
- any change of programme or extension of the scholarship period
Eligible Countries
You must be a citizen of one of these 34 countries, but you don’t need to live there when you apply.
Africa (12): Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia.
Other regions: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Georgia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Peru, Philippines, Thailand, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
Eligibility
- You’re a citizen of an eligible country. If you have two eligible citizenships, apply with only one, or all your applications will be disqualified.
- You apply for, and are admitted to, an eligible master’s programme. SI publishes the 2027/2028 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.
- You have leadership experience from work, running a business or civil society. There’s no minimum number of hours, but leadership in employment is prioritised.
You’re not eligible if you:
- already study at, or hold a degree from, a Swedish university
- have lived in Sweden for two years or more in total before August 2027
- have had a Swedish Institute scholarship before
- hold Swedish or EU/EEA citizenship, or certain Swedish residence permits
Required Documents (Scholarship Application)
SI publishes the official templates on 13 November 2026, and you must use them.
- CV on SI’s 2027/2028 template, up to three pages
- Proof of work and leadership experience on SI’s template, signed and stamped, as one PDF
- Two reference letters, at least one from work
- A copy of your passport or national ID
- A motivation statement explaining how your studies will support sustainable development in your country
- Possibly a short video, if you’re randomly selected
Everything must be in English.
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 SI scholarship | 8–24 February 2027 (closes 14:59 CET) |
| SI screening and evaluation | 25 February – 31 March 2027 |
| University admission results | 1 April 2027 |
| Scholarship results | 22 April 2027 |
| Studies begin | August 2027 |
Tips for a Strong Application
- Don’t miss step 1. If you don’t apply to an eligible master’s programme by 15 January and pay the application fee on time, you can’t get the scholarship.
- Save your eight-digit University Admissions number. You’ll need it for the scholarship form, and a wrong number disqualifies you.
- Only your first-round admission counts. You can only be funded for a programme you’re admitted to on 1 April. Reserve places and late admissions don’t qualify.
- Count your work hours now. 3,000 hours is about 18 months of full-time work. Gather certificates from up to three employers.
- Show real leadership. Describe teams you led, decisions you influenced or projects you managed.
- Link your studies to development at home. Name the sustainability challenge in your country that your programme will help you tackle.
- Talk to your employer early if you’ll need leave to study.
- Check SI’s statistics on applications by country to understand the competition.
How to Apply
- By 15 January 2027: apply for up to four eligible master’s programmes on UniversityAdmissions.se and pay the application fee.
- From 13 November 2026: download SI’s templates and check the list of eligible programmes.
- 8–24 February 2027: submit your scholarship application in SI’s portal 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 Scholarship for Global Professionals call
Apply for master’s programmes on University Admissions
