The Swedish Institute - Scholarships

What you get

You can receive a fully funded scholarship to study for a Master’s degree in Sweden. There are two main sources of funding. The Swedish Institute (SI), a Swedish government agency, covers the full cost of your studies. It also brings you into contact with other scholarship holders through events, online sessions and mentoring (guidance from experienced individuals). In addition, most Swedish universities offer their own scholarships, with each university setting the amount of the scholarships and the relevant rules itself.

Who can apply

• Degree level: SI scholarships are intended solely to fund Master’s degree programmes. Bachelor’s degree programmes are not eligible for funding.
• Start date: Your degree programme must begin in the autumn semester. SI does not support enrolment in the spring semester.
• Nationality: SI scholarships are available exclusively to international students from specific countries. Please check whether your country is on the SI list.
• Field of study: Open to many academic disciplines. Some SI programmes have a specific focus, such as ‘Pioneering Women in STEM’ for women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
• University scholarships: The regulations vary from one university to another. Please check directly with the university where you wish to study.

How to apply

First, apply for your degree programme via ‘University Admissions’ and obtain an application number. To apply for an SI scholarship, apply directly to the Swedish Institute, quoting this number. The SI’s application deadline is 11 February. To apply for a scholarship from the relevant university, apply directly to that university, which sets its own application deadline.

How realistic are your chances?

The SI scholarships are fully funded and very well-known, so they are highly competitive and awarded on the basis of merit. Your chances are improved if you are a clear fit for a specific programme – for example, as a professional seeking to drive change in your home country, or as a woman in a STEM field – and if your country is on the list of eligible countries. Scholarships administered by universities are often less competitive, so you’ll broaden your options by applying for both.