Hey future global leader! Ready to take your education to the next level in Sweden? We’re super excited to tell you about the incredible Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals! This isn’t just any funding; it’s a fantastic opportunity for students from South Africa and other eligible countries to pursue a Master’s degree in Sweden, fully funded!
The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) is a prestigious academic scholarship program designed for talented individuals who want to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. If you’re looking to dive deep into a Master’s program in Sweden and become part of a global network of changemakers, this could be your golden ticket! It supports full-time, one- or two-year Master’s studies at top Swedish universities, covering a wide range of English-taught programs including Governance, Public Health, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and STEM fields.
Who Can Apply?
Wondering if you fit the bill? Listen up!
First off, you need to be a citizen of one of the eligible countries – and yes, great news, South Africa is on that list! You don’t necessarily need to be living in South Africa at the time of application, but your citizenship counts. Other eligible African countries include Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Next, you must be aiming for one of the eligible Master’s programmes at a Swedish university. The full list of these programs is usually published in mid-November 2025, so keep an eye out for that!
You also need to be liable to pay tuition fees to Swedish universities and have successfully applied and been admitted to one of the eligible Master’s programmes through the University Admissions process. This means you need to apply to the university separately!
Finally, demonstrated work experience and leadership experience are key. This could be from your current or previous employer, or through your involvement in civil society. They’re looking for global professionals who are ready to make an impact!
What Does It Cover?
This scholarship is fully-funded, meaning you can focus on your studies without worrying about the finances. Here’s what’s included:
- Full tuition fee coverage: Yep, the Swedish Institute pays your university directly each semester.
- A monthly allowance of SEK 12,000 (that’s about R20,000!) to cover your living expenses throughout your study period.
- A one-time travel grant of SEK 15,000 to help with your journey. (Note: this doesn’t apply if you’re already living in Sweden).
- Exclusive membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP), a fantastic platform for professional growth and networking.
- Once you’ve completed your scholarship, you’ll join the Sweden Alumni Network, offering continued connections and development opportunities.
Just a heads-up: the scholarship doesn’t cover personal insurance (check with your university!), additional grants for family members, or the application fee for University Admissions. Also, you can’t change your study program or extend the scholarship period once it’s awarded.
How to Apply?
Ready to kick off your application journey? Here’s the timeline and steps you need to follow:
- 16 October 2025 – 15 January 2026: Apply for your chosen Master’s programmes through University Admissions (universityadmissions.se). This is the first crucial step!
- Mid-November 2025: Keep an eye on the official SI Scholarships webpage for the exact application documents and the final list of eligible Master’s programmes.
- 9-25 February 2026: This is your window! The application portal for the SI Scholarships will be open for these two weeks. Make sure to submit your application during this time.
- 26 March 2026: University admissions announcements are made.
- 23 April 2026: The exciting SI Scholarship announcements are made!
Don’t forget, you need to first apply to a Master’s programme through University Admissions and be admitted *before* you can be considered for the SI Scholarship!
For more detailed information and to access the application portal when it opens, visit the official website:
Official Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals Webpage
If you’re a South African professional dreaming of a Master’s degree in Sweden and ready to make a global impact, this Swedish Institute Scholarship is definitely for you! Don’t let this incredible opportunity pass you by. Start preparing your application today, and remember to explore even more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!
