What the funding covers
- Full tuition fees at the Swedish university.
- A monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000.
- A one-time travel grant and insurance while you study.
- Membership of SI's Network for Future Global Professionals during and after your studies.
Who can apply
- Citizens of the countries on SI's eligible-countries list for the intake (the list is published each year and covers about 30 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America).
- Demonstrated work experience (at least 3,000 hours) and leadership experience.
- Admission to an eligible master's programme at a Swedish university through the regular admissions round.
Which nationalities can apply
Citizens of 34 countries can apply. The 34 countries for the 2026–27 intake; the Swedish Institute publishes the next list in mid-November. Official list, as of Oct 10, 2026.
See all 34
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia
How to apply
- Step 1: apply for up to four eligible master's programmes on universityadmissions.se in the first round for autumn 2027, which opened on 16 October 2026 and closes on 15 January 2027.
- Pay the Swedish university application fee or check whether you are exempt, and submit supporting documents, both by 1 February 2027. Master's admission results come on 1 April 2027.
- Step 2: apply for the scholarship on SI's own portal, open from 8 to 24 February 2027. SI announces its scholarships on 22 April 2027.
- Include a CV, a motivation letter and proof of work and leadership experience in SI's format.
Before you apply: things to know
- The scholarship portal is open for only about two weeks, 8 to 24 February 2027, and late applications are not accepted.
- Check the eligible-countries list for your intake every year: countries are added and removed.
- SI values leadership and a clear plan for how you will contribute to your country's development; generic motivation letters rarely succeed.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next deadline (Jan 15, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Oct 23, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Nov 6, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Nov 20, 2026Write the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Dec 4, 2026Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Dec 18, 2026Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Jan 1, 2027Finalise every document and complete the online form
Jan 8, 2027Submit, but never on the last day
Jan 15, 2027Deadline