SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027/2028 in Sweden: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship Worth SEK 12,000 Monthly

The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027/2028 offers international professionals an opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree at a Swedish university. The scholarship supports talented individuals who want to strengthen their academic knowledge, develop professional leadership skills, and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries and regions.

Through this competitive scholarship programme, successful applicants can receive full tuition fee coverage, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000, a travel grant, and access to international professional networks. The programme is designed for people who have demonstrated work experience and leadership potential and who want to use their education to create positive change.

Applications for eligible master’s programmes through University Admissions open on 16 October 2026, while the SI scholarship application portal is scheduled to open on 8 February 2027.

If you are a citizen of an eligible country and are interested in studying in Sweden, this guide explains the scholarship benefits, eligible study fields, application requirements, required documents, and important dates for the 2027/2028 academic year.

Overview of the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027/2028

The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is a competitive scholarship administered by the Swedish Institute, a Swedish public agency. It supports international students who demonstrate professional experience, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to the sustainable development of their home countries.

The scholarship provides an opportunity to access Sweden’s higher education system, engage with new perspectives, and build connections with professionals from different countries and backgrounds.

Key details at a glance

• Scholarship name: SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027/2028
• Host country: Sweden
• Host institutions: Eligible Swedish universities and university colleges
• Study level: Master’s degree
• Study duration: One or two years, depending on the programme
• Funding: Fully funded, subject to the scholarship conditions
• Tuition fees: Fully covered for the awarded master’s programme
• Monthly living allowance: SEK 12,000
• Travel grant: SEK 15,000 for eligible recipients, with specified exceptions
• Eligible study fields: Governance, Public Health, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and STEM
• Master’s programme application period: 16 October 2026 to 15 January 2027
• SI scholarship application period: 8 February to 24 February 2027
• Scholarship announcement: 22 April 2027
• Official information: Swedish Institute website, under SI Scholarship for Global Professionals

The scholarship is intended for professionals who can explain how their chosen master’s degree will support sustainable development in their home country or region. Applicants should therefore consider not only the academic reputation of their chosen programme but also how the knowledge and skills they gain could be applied after graduation.

What Does the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals Offer?

The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals provides several forms of financial and professional support to successful applicants.

1. Full tuition fee coverage

The scholarship covers the tuition fees for the master’s programme for which the applicant is awarded the scholarship.

The Swedish Institute pays the tuition fees directly to the Swedish university each semester. This means that successful scholarship recipients do not have to cover the tuition fees themselves for the duration of the awarded scholarship, subject to the programme’s conditions.

Applicants must nevertheless meet the university application requirements and be liable to pay tuition fees under Sweden’s higher education admissions system. This is an eligibility condition, not a requirement to finance the tuition independently after receiving the scholarship.

2. Monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000

Successful recipients receive a monthly allowance of SEK 12,000 to help cover living expenses throughout the scholarship period.

This financial support is intended to contribute towards the costs of living while studying in Sweden. Applicants should plan their finances carefully and consider their expected accommodation, food, transport, study-related, and personal expenses.

The scholarship information provided does not specify an additional allowance for dependants or family members.

3. Travel grant

The scholarship includes a one-time travel grant of SEK 15,000 for eligible recipients.

However, the amount is reduced to SEK 10,000 for scholars from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The travel grant does not apply to students who are already living in Sweden.

Applicants should review the official scholarship conditions to understand how the travel grant applies to their circumstances.

4. Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals

Scholarship recipients become members of the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP).

The network offers opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and relationship-building with other scholarship holders and professionals. Membership can help recipients exchange ideas, expand their professional networks, and explore ways to contribute to development in their respective countries and regions.

For professionals interested in public policy, governance, innovation, public health, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, this network can be an important part of the broader learning experience.

5. Access to the Sweden Alumni Network

After completing the scholarship period, recipients become members of the Sweden Alumni Network.

This network offers continued opportunities for professional networking and development after graduation. It also supports longer-term connections between scholarship alumni and Sweden.

The scholarship is therefore designed to provide more than financial assistance for university studies. It also aims to build lasting professional relationships and international partnerships.

What Is Not Covered by the SI Scholarship?

Although the scholarship is fully funded in relation to its stated benefits, applicants should understand its limitations before applying.

The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals does not:

• Provide insurance coverage. Applicants are advised to contact their universities to find out what insurance arrangements are available to international students.
• Provide additional grants for family members.
• Cover the application fee charged through University Admissions.
• Allow recipients to change to a different master’s programme after the scholarship has been awarded.
• Allow extensions or changes to the awarded scholarship period.

Applicants should budget for expenses that are not covered and carefully consider whether the scholarship arrangements meet their individual circumstances.

Eligible Fields of Study for the SI Scholarship 2027/2028

The scholarship supports eligible, English-taught master’s programmes in four broad study areas.

The complete list of eligible programmes for the 2027/2028 academic year is scheduled to be published on 13 November 2026. Applicants should use the official list when choosing their programmes.

1. Governance

Governance-related programmes may appeal to applicants interested in public administration, institutional development, policy, accountability, and the management of public institutions.

This field is particularly relevant to professionals who want to strengthen their ability to contribute to effective governance and sustainable development.

2. Public Health

Public Health programmes are relevant to applicants interested in population health, health systems, public health policy, and improving health outcomes.

Professionals seeking to strengthen health services, address public health challenges, or contribute to health-related development initiatives may find this field relevant to their career objectives.

3. Entrepreneurship and Innovation

This category focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the development of ideas and approaches that can contribute to economic and social progress.

It may be suitable for applicants who want to develop entrepreneurial capabilities, support innovation, or contribute to sustainable business and development initiatives.

4. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

STEM encompasses science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Applicants interested in technical knowledge, scientific research, technological development, and related fields should review the official programme list to identify eligible master’s degrees that align with their academic backgrounds and professional ambitions.

Important: A master’s programme is not automatically eligible simply because it belongs to one of these broad fields. Applicants must select a programme included on the Swedish Institute’s official list for the 2027/2028 scholarship cycle.

General Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the Swedish Institute’s citizenship, programme, university admission, work experience, and leadership experience requirements.

1. Citizenship of an eligible country

Applicants must be citizens of one of the 34 countries listed as eligible for the scholarship.

Applicants do not need to be residing in their country of citizenship when applying. However, citizenship must meet the programme’s requirements.

If an applicant has dual citizenship and both countries are eligible, they must select only one eligible citizenship for the scholarship application. Submitting multiple applications using different eligible citizenships will result in disqualification.

2. Application to an eligible master’s programme

Applicants must apply for one or more eligible master’s programmes at Swedish universities through University Admissions.

The scholarship supports full-time master’s studies lasting one or two years. The programmes must be taught in English and included on the official SI list for the 2027/2028 academic year.

Applicants should review the programme requirements carefully to make sure that their academic background and qualifications meet the university’s admission criteria.

3. Liability to pay tuition fees in Sweden

Applicants must be liable to pay tuition fees at Swedish universities under the applicable admissions rules.

They must also follow the University Admissions procedure and pay the required application fee by the relevant deadline.

Being eligible for the SI scholarship does not remove the need to complete the university admissions process correctly.

4. Work experience

Applicants must demonstrate work experience. They do not need to be employed at the time of application, but they must be able to document their relevant experience using the Swedish Institute’s prescribed forms.

Accepted experience can include:

• Full-time employment.
• Part-time employment.
• Freelancing.
• Entrepreneurship.

Work experience relevant to the applicant’s chosen field of study will be prioritised.

The required amount of work experience depends on the applicant’s country of citizenship, as explained in the country-specific requirements below.

5. Leadership experience

Applicants must also demonstrate leadership experience gained through employment, entrepreneurship, or involvement in civil society organisations and networks.

The Swedish Institute describes leadership experience as including responsibilities such as:

• Leading colleagues, teams, or organisations.
• Influencing an organisation’s development strategy.
• Allocating tasks and responsibilities to colleagues.
• Participating in or having familiarity with organisational decision-making.
• Taking leadership roles in entrepreneurial activities or civil society initiatives.

There is no stated minimum number of hours for leadership experience. However, applicants with strong and relevant leadership experience gained through employment will receive priority.

Applicants should provide clear examples of their responsibilities and demonstrate how their experience reflects leadership potential.

Eligible Countries for the SI Scholarship 2027/2028

Citizens of the following 34 countries are eligible to apply, subject to the scholarship’s other requirements:

1. Armenia
2. Azerbaijan
3. Bangladesh
4. Belarus
5. Bolivia
6. Brazil
7. Colombia
8. Ecuador
9. Egypt
10. Ethiopia
11. Georgia
12. Guatemala
13. Indonesia
14. Iraq
15. Jordan
16. Kenya
17. Liberia
18. Malaysia
19. Mexico
20. Moldova
21. Morocco
22. Nigeria
23. Peru
24. Philippines
25. Rwanda
26. Senegal
27. South Africa
28. Tanzania
29. Thailand
30. Uganda
31. Ukraine
32. Uzbekistan
33. Vietnam
34. Zambia

The list includes countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Applicants should confirm that their citizenship is eligible before beginning the application process.

Special restriction: Public sector employees in Georgia and Belarus are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Applicants whose countries are not on the eligible list should consult the Study in Sweden scholarship database to explore other funding opportunities.

Country-Specific Work Experience Requirements

Work experience is a central eligibility requirement, but the number of hours required varies according to the applicant’s country of citizenship.

Applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine

Applicants from these six countries must provide proof of work experience.

The Swedish Institute does not specify a minimum number of work hours for this group. However, applicants with more work experience will be prioritised.

Public sector employees from Georgia and Belarus remain ineligible under the restriction described above.

Applicants from the other 28 eligible countries

Applicants from the following countries must have accumulated at least 3,000 hours of work experience before February 2027:

Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zambia.

The 3,000-hour requirement does not have to be fulfilled in one continuous period of employment. Applicants can combine qualifying experience from a maximum of three employers.

Applicants should begin calculating and documenting their experience early to make sure they meet the applicable requirement and can provide the necessary evidence.

How to document work experience

The Swedish Institute will publish the prescribed forms for documenting work and leadership experience on 13 November 2026.

Applicants must use the official templates and follow the instructions provided. The required forms must be completed and signed by the relevant referee, then stamped with an official stamp from the referring organisation or a notary office.

The completed forms must be typed, printed, signed, stamped, and uploaded as one PDF file, following the official instructions.

Applicants should not assume that a general CV or an ordinary employment letter can replace the prescribed documentation.

Who Is Not Eligible for the Scholarship?

According to the supplied scholarship conditions, applicants are not eligible if they fall into any of the following categories:

• They are currently enrolled in, or already hold a degree from, a Swedish university or university college.
• They have already resided in Sweden for a cumulative period of two years or more before the scholarship period begins in August 2027.
• They have previously received a Swedish Institute scholarship for studies in Sweden.
• They hold Swedish or EU/EEA citizenship, a Swedish permanent residence permit, or a qualifying 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.
• They have dual citizenship in countries not included on the latest update of the OECD Development Assistance Committee list of official development assistance recipients, subject to the stated exceptions.

The Swedish Institute specifies two exceptions to the conditions above:

1. Ukrainian applicants residing in Sweden under the Temporary Protection Directive remain eligible to apply.
2. Moldovan applicants who also hold Romanian citizenship may apply, provided they state the eligible Moldovan citizenship when submitting their scholarship application.

Applicants should consult the official call for applications to confirm how these rules apply to their individual circumstances.

How to Apply for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027/2028

The application process consists of several stages. Applicants must first apply for eligible master’s programmes through University Admissions and then submit a separate scholarship application to the Swedish Institute.

Step 1: Choose and apply for eligible master’s programmes

Application period: 16 October 2026 to 15 January 2027

Applications for Swedish master’s programmes are managed centrally through University Admissions, which is administered by the Swedish Council for Higher Education.

Applicants can apply for up to four master’s programmes through the centralised application system, subject to the applicable admissions rules.

To complete this stage:

1. Visit the official University Admissions website.
2. Review available English-taught master’s programmes.
3. Check the Swedish Institute’s eligible programme list when it is published on 13 November 2026.
4. Select programmes that match your academic background, professional experience, and future goals.
5. Submit your university application by 15 January 2027.
6. Pay the required university application fee by the relevant deadline.
7. Save your personal eight-digit application number.

The personal application number is important because it must be entered correctly in the subsequent SI scholarship application. Entering an incorrect number can result in disqualification.

Applicants to Stockholm School of Economics and Konstfack follow separate admissions arrangements and will not receive the same personal application number. They should follow the specific instructions for those institutions.

Missing the university application deadline or failing to follow the required admissions procedure will make an applicant ineligible for the SI scholarship.

Step 2: Prepare and submit the SI scholarship application

Application period: 8 February to 24 February 2027

The Swedish Institute’s scholarship application portal is scheduled to remain open during this period. On the final day, the portal closes at 14:59 Central European Time (CET).

Applicants must prepare the required documents and complete the application in English.

The required documents are outlined below.

A. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must use the Swedish Institute’s official CV template for the 2027/2028 application cycle.

The CV must not exceed three pages. Additional pages will not be considered during the evaluation.

Applicants should select relevant academic, professional, leadership, entrepreneurial, and civil society experiences that demonstrate their suitability for the scholarship.

B. Proof of work and leadership experience

Applicants must use the official Swedish Institute template for documenting work and leadership experience.

The forms must be completed according to the instructions, signed by the referee, and stamped by the relevant organisation or a notary office.

The documents must be typed, printed, signed, stamped, and uploaded as one PDF file.

Because work experience requirements differ by country, applicants should ensure that their documentation clearly demonstrates compliance with the requirements applicable to their citizenship.

C. Two letters of reference

Applicants must submit two letters of reference from two different referees.

• One letter must be based on work experience.
• The second letter may also be based on work experience or may describe engagement outside work.

The Swedish Institute indicates that it is an advantage if the second letter documents entrepreneurship or involvement in networks or civil society organisations outside employment.

Applicants must use the official letter-of-reference template. Each letter must be typed, printed, signed by the referee, and stamped with an official stamp from the relevant organisation or company, or a notary office.

Both letters must be scanned and uploaded together as one PDF file.

Applicants should contact their referees well in advance to allow enough time for preparation, signatures, and official stamps.

D. Valid passport or national identity card

Applicants must submit a photocopy of a valid passport or national identity card.

The document must clearly display the applicant’s personal information, including:

• Full name.
• Citizenship.
• Photograph.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their identification document is valid when they apply.

The document must be uploaded through the online scholarship application portal.

E. Motivation statement

Applicants must provide a motivation statement explaining why they are applying for the scholarship.

A strong application should clearly explain how the proposed master’s studies relate to the applicant’s professional ambitions and how the knowledge gained could contribute to sustainable development in their home country or region.

Applicants should connect their chosen programme to relevant sustainability goals and demonstrate that they have a realistic plan for applying their education.

Some applicants may also be randomly selected to record a short video presentation as part of the application process.

Important document instructions

The Swedish Institute states that applicants must use the prescribed templates and submit all required documents. Incomplete applications, incorrect forms, missing signatures or stamps, or other failures to follow the instructions can lead to disqualification.

No additional documents beyond those requested will be considered.

Applicants should submit only one scholarship application, regardless of how many master’s programmes they have applied to through University Admissions, Stockholm School of Economics, or Konstfack.

The scholarship application can include up to four eligible master’s programmes under the standard arrangements. Programmes at Stockholm School of Economics and Konstfack may be added as a fifth programme under the stated rules.

The Swedish Institute strongly advises applicants not to wait until the final days to submit their applications because the portal may experience heavy traffic. Late applications will not be accepted.

Step 3: SI screening and evaluation

Scheduled period: 25 February to 31 March 2027

After the application deadline, the Swedish Institute will screen submitted applications for compliance with the eligibility requirements.

Applications may be disqualified if applicants do not meet the eligibility criteria or fail to follow the required documentation instructions.

Examples of potential problems include incomplete applications, incorrect forms, missing official stamps, or other documentation errors.

Eligible applications then undergo an evaluation based on the objectives of the scholarship programme and the relevant government strategy.

The Swedish Institute looks for talented professionals who demonstrate the ability, existing platform, and ambition to contribute to the development of their home countries and regions.

The quality of the application is crucial, so applicants should pay particular attention to the clarity of their motivation, the relevance of their professional experience, and their demonstrated leadership capacity.

Step 4: Receive the university admission decision

Date: 1 April 2027

University Admissions is scheduled to announce admission results on 1 April 2027. The Swedish Institute will receive relevant admissions information directly from University Admissions.

To remain under consideration for the scholarship, applicants must be admitted or conditionally admitted to an eligible master’s programme on that date.

Applicants must also retain their original admissions results. If they make changes to their original admissions results, such as declining an offer, their scholarship application will no longer remain under consideration.

Applicants who are only listed as reserves or placed on a waiting list will not be considered for the scholarship. Late admissions will not qualify.

Those who receive conditional admission should follow the instructions from University Admissions for finalising their admission.

Step 5: Final evaluation and announcement of scholarship recipients

Final evaluation period: 1 April to 22 April 2027

After the university admission results are announced, the Swedish Institute will conduct its final evaluation of applications that remain eligible.

The selection process is competitive and takes several factors into account, including the quality of the applications and the objectives of the scholarship programme.

The Swedish Institute aims for equal gender representation among scholarship recipients. It also seeks to include as many eligible countries as possible, provided there are enough strong applications, while remaining within its budget.

The institute does not operate fixed quotas for individual countries, study fields, or Swedish universities. Consequently, the number of recipients from different countries and programmes may vary from year to year.

Applicants who also qualify for the Pioneering Women in STEM scholarship will be considered under both scholarship programmes.

Successful recipients are scheduled to be announced on 22 April 2027 through the Swedish Institute website. Due to the high volume of applications, only applicants who receive a scholarship offer will be notified.

Successful applicants will receive an official scholarship offer by email by the end of April 2027. They are responsible for ensuring that the email address provided in their application is correct and must accept or decline the offer within the deadline specified in the offer.

Start Your Application HERE

Key Dates for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027/2028

Applicants should keep track of the following dates to avoid missing important stages.

Date	Important activity
16 October 2026	Swedish master’s programme applications open through University Admissions
13 November 2026	SI scholarship documents and eligible master’s programme list scheduled for publication
15 January 2027	Deadline to apply for Swedish master’s programmes
8 February 2027	SI scholarship application portal opens
24 February 2027	SI scholarship application deadline; portal closes at 14:59 CET
25 February–31 March 2027	SI screening and evaluation
1 April 2027	University Admissions results announced
1–22 April 2027	Final scholarship evaluation
22 April 2027	Scholarship recipients announced
By the end of April 2027	Successful applicants expected to receive official scholarship offers by email

Applicants should verify the dates and instructions on the official Swedish Institute website in case of changes.

Tips for Preparing a Strong SI Scholarship Application

The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is competitive. Applicants should prepare carefully and make sure their documents clearly demonstrate their suitability for the programme.

1. Start preparing before the application portal opens

Do not wait until February 2027 to begin preparing your application. Review the requirements, identify suitable referees, calculate your work experience, and make sure your identification documents are valid.

Once the official templates are published on 13 November 2026, use them to prepare the required documents.

2. Choose your master’s programmes carefully

Review the official list of eligible programmes and select those that align with your academic background, professional experience, and long-term objectives.

Applicants should not assume that every English-taught master’s programme in Sweden qualifies for SI funding.

3. Explain how your studies will contribute to development

Your motivation statement should go beyond explaining why you want to study abroad.

Explain the problem or development challenge you want to address, how the chosen programme will strengthen your knowledge and skills, and how you intend to apply what you learn in your home country or region.

Make the connection between your programme choice, professional experience, leadership ambitions, and sustainable development as clear as possible.

4. Demonstrate leadership with specific examples

Applicants should provide concrete evidence of leadership rather than relying only on job titles.

Examples may include managing a team, coordinating a project, influencing organisational decisions, leading a civil society initiative, or developing an entrepreneurial activity.

Where possible, explain your responsibilities and the contribution you made.

5. Check your work experience requirements

The required work experience differs across eligible countries. Applicants should check the specific rules applicable to their citizenship and gather the required proof.

Those who must demonstrate 3,000 hours of experience should calculate their qualifying hours carefully and ensure their experience comes from no more than three employers.

6. Give your referees enough time

The reference letters and proof-of-experience forms require the correct templates, signatures, and official stamps.

Contact referees early, explain the requirements, and check that the documents are complete before uploading them.

7. Submit before the final deadline

The scholarship portal closes at 14:59 CET on 24 February 2027. Do not assume that an application can be submitted after the deadline.

Submitting early can help applicants avoid technical problems and give them time to check that all required documents have been uploaded correctly.

Where to Find Official Information and Apply

Applicants should use the official Swedish Institute and University Admissions websites for the most accurate and current information.

• Swedish Institute: Visit the official SI website and navigate to “SI Scholarship for Global Professionals” for scholarship requirements, eligible countries, programme lists, application documents, and announcements.
• University Admissions: Visit UniversityAdmissions.se to search for Swedish master’s programmes and submit your university application.
• Study in Sweden: Visit Study in Sweden to explore additional information about studying in Sweden and discover other scholarship opportunities.

The SI scholarship documents and eligible programme list for 2027/2028 are scheduled to be published on 13 November 2026. Applicants should consult the official page when the updated materials become available.

Visit HERE for more information about the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027/2028.

Conclusion

The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027/2028 offers eligible international professionals the opportunity to pursue a one- or two-year master’s degree in Sweden with substantial financial and professional support. Its benefits include full tuition fee coverage, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000, a travel grant for eligible recipients, and membership in professional networks that can support long-term development and collaboration.

However, the scholarship is competitive and requires more than academic ambition. Applicants must meet the citizenship and university admission requirements, demonstrate work and leadership experience, choose an eligible master’s programme, and submit the prescribed documentation correctly.

The first major deadline is 15 January 2027, when applications for Swedish master’s programmes close. The SI scholarship application portal is then scheduled to open on 8 February 2027 and close on 24 February 2027 at 14:59 CET.

Eligible applicants should begin preparing early, review the official programme list when it is published, and develop a clear explanation of how their studies and future work can contribute to sustainable development in their home countries and regions. Careful preparation and attention to the official instructions are essential for submitting a complete and competitive application.

Disclaimer: Scholarship dates, eligibility conditions, and application procedures may be subject to change. Applicants should verify all details on the official Swedish Institute website before applying.

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