The Swedish government has opened applications for the 2026 edition of the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals, a fully funded scheme for international candidates seeking to study for a master’s degree in Sweden.
The Swedish Institute announced that the application window opened on February 9, 2026, and will run until later this month.
The scholarship is aimed at experienced professionals who are interested in advanced academic training and leadership development ahead of the 2026 academic session.
According to the institute, successful applicants are expected to return to their home countries after graduation and contribute to national development.
Under the programme, beneficiaries will receive full tuition coverage for eligible master’s courses, paid directly to Swedish universities by the Swedish Institute.
Awardees will also be given a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 to cover accommodation, food, and other expenses, as well as a one-off travel grant of up to SEK 15,000.
In addition, scholars will gain access to the SI Network for Global Professionals, which provides leadership training, professional development activities, and international networking opportunities.
The scholarship covers full-time, one-year or two-year master’s programmes taught in English at Swedish universities. Eligible fields include governance, public health, entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
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The Swedish Institute said the scheme is strictly open to applicants with verified professional and leadership experience.
Candidates must also be citizens of one of the 34 eligible countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zambia.
Other eligibility requirements include documented work experience gained through employment, freelancing or business activities, as well as proof of leadership roles in professional or civil society organisations.
Applicants must secure admission or conditional admission into an approved English-taught master’s programme in Sweden for the autumn 2026 intake.
The institute stressed that candidates are required to first apply for their chosen programme through Sweden’s official university admissions portal, noting that scholarship applications submitted without a valid programme application will not be considered.
Prospective candidates were also advised to prepare all required documents in advance, including evidence of work and leadership experience, motivation statements, and the official templates provided by the Swedish Institute.
Applications will be assessed after an initial screening. University admission results will be released before the Swedish Institute announces the final list of scholarship recipients. Successful applicants will subsequently receive guidance on travel arrangements and preparations for their studies in Sweden.
The deadline to submit applications for the SI Scholarship is February 25, 2026.
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