SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2025
The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for future leaders committed to contributing to the sustainable development of their home countries. This scholarship, aimed at supporting master's studies in Sweden, provides global professionals with the chance to gain an international education while working towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Whether you are a seasoned professional or an emerging leader, this scholarship enables you to develop leadership skills, grow professionally, and create a network of global peers with the same passion for making a lasting impact.
Overview of the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is designed for full-time, one- or two-year master’s degree programs at numerous Swedish universities. The scholarship covers over 700 of the 1,000 English-taught master’s programs available in Sweden. It is aimed at developing a community of global leaders who are dedicated to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in their home countries.
Each year, the scholarship is open for applications from students starting their master’s studies in the autumn semester. Candidates must meet several eligibility criteria, including demonstrating leadership skills, work experience, and being citizens of eligible countries, which are announced annually.
Key Dates for the 2025/2026 Academic Year:
- 15 October 2025 – 15 January 2025: Apply for Swedish master’s programs via University Admissions.
- 1 November 2026: SI publishes the list of eligible master’s programs and scholarship application documents.
- 10 February – 26 February 2026: The scholarship application portal is open for submissions.
- 27 March 2026: University Admissions will release admissions results.
- 24 April 2026: SI Scholarship recipients will be announced.
What's Included in the SI Scholarship
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is a competitive, fully-funded program that offers a range of financial support and professional development opportunities:
- Full tuition fee coverage: The Swedish Institute pays the tuition fees directly to the university each semester.
- Monthly allowance: Scholarship holders receive SEK 12,000 per month for living expenses.
- Travel grant: A one-time travel grant of SEK 15,000 is awarded to students, with reduced amounts for certain countries (SEK 10,000 for scholars from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine).
- Network opportunities: Students gain membership in the SI Network for Future Global Professionals (NFGP), a platform for building a professional network while studying in Sweden.
- Alumni network: After completing the scholarship, recipients become part of the SI Alumni Network, which offers ongoing networking and professional development opportunities.
Important Note:
The scholarship does not include insurance coverage, additional grants for family members, or funding for the application fee to University Admissions.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals, applicants must meet several key criteria, including citizenship, admission to an eligible master’s program, work experience, and leadership experience.
1. Country of Citizenship
Applicants must be citizens of one of the eligible countries for the SI Scholarship. While the list of eligible countries is updated annually, it typically includes countries from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Western Balkans. Note that applicants do not need to reside in their country of citizenship at the time of application.
- Dual citizenship: Applicants with dual citizenship from eligible countries must choose one nationality for their application. Using dual citizenship to submit multiple applications will result in disqualification.
2. Eligible Master’s Programs
The master’s programs eligible for the SI Scholarship will be announced on 1 November 2024. About 700 English-taught programs across various fields are typically covered. Applicants must apply to one of these programs via the University Admissions portal.
Applicants are required to explain how their chosen program relates to the SDGs and how it will contribute to the sustainable development of their home country.
3. University Admission
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be liable to pay tuition fees to Swedish universities.
- Apply to master’s programs through University Admissions and be admitted (or conditionally admitted) to one of the eligible programs by 27 March 2025.
- Pay the application fee for their chosen program on time. Applications listed as reserves or for late admissions are ineligible for the scholarship.
4. Work Experience
Work experience is a critical eligibility criterion for the SI Scholarship. This experience can be full-time or part-time and does not necessarily require ongoing employment at the time of application. Eligible forms of employment include working as an employee, freelancer, or employer.
- Work Experience Requirements:
- For certain regions (to be announced), there is no required number of work hours, but applicants with more experience will be prioritized.
- For other regions (to be announced), applicants must have at least 3,000 hours of work experience by February 2025. This experience can be accumulated from up to three employers.
Applicants must provide certified proof of work experience using the template forms provided by SI, which are available in the "How to Apply" section.
5. Leadership Experience
Leadership experience is another essential requirement for the SI Scholarship. It includes leading colleagues or organizations, contributing to strategic decision-making, allocating tasks, and influencing development strategies.
Applicants must demonstrate leadership experience, which can come from work or civil society engagement. Although there is no minimum number of hours required, priority will be given to candidates with strong, relevant leadership experience.
Ineligibility for the SI Scholarship
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is not open to all applicants. You are ineligible if you:
- Are currently enrolled in, or have already completed, a degree from a Swedish university.
- Have lived in Sweden for two or more years prior to the scholarship period.
- Hold Swedish or EU/EEA citizenship.
- Have previously received a Swedish Institute scholarship.
- Have dual citizenship from countries not listed as eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Exceptions:
- Ukrainian Applicants: Ukrainians residing in Sweden under the Temporary Protection Directive are still eligible to apply.
- Moldovan Applicants: Moldovans with dual citizenship in Romania are eligible and must state their Moldovan citizenship when applying.
How to Apply for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals
The application process for the SI Scholarship consists of several steps. Each step must be followed precisely to increase the chances of receiving this highly competitive scholarship.
Step 1: Apply for a Master's Program
- Dates: 15 October 2025 – 15 January 2026
- Candidates must apply to one of the eligible master’s programs through University Admissions. Admission results will be announced on 27 March 2025.
Step 2: Apply for the SI Global Professionals Scholarship
- Dates: 10 February – 26 February 2026
- The SI application portal will open for scholarship applications. Candidates must submit all required documents, including proof of work and leadership experience, by the deadline.
Step 3: Screening and Evaluation
- Dates: 27 February – 26 March 2026
- The Swedish Institute will screen and evaluate all applications based on eligibility criteria, work and leadership experience, and the candidate's commitment to sustainable development.
Step 4: University Admissions Results
- Date: 27 March 2026
- University Admissions will release the results of master’s program applications. Scholarship applicants must have been admitted or conditionally admitted to their program by this date.
Step 5: Final Evaluation and Scholarship Announcements
- Dates: 27 March – 24 April 2026
- The Swedish Institute will conduct a final evaluation of shortlisted candidates, and the recipients of the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals will be announced on 24 April 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply if I have dual citizenship?
Yes, but you must choose only one citizenship for your application. Submitting more than one application will result in disqualification.
2. What if my country is not eligible?
If your country is not on the list of eligible countries, you cannot apply for the SI Scholarship. However, other scholarship options are available through the Study in Sweden portal.
3. Do I need a job to apply?
You do not need to be employed at the time of application, but you must have sufficient prior work experience.
APPLY FOR THE SI Global Scholarship
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals offers an incredible opportunity for individuals from developing countries to pursue a master’s degree in Sweden while contributing to the sustainable development of their home countries. With a focus on leadership and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, this scholarship equips future global leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to create lasting change.
To learn more and apply, visit SI Global Scholarship Official Application page.
>>> SI Global Scholarship Official Application page.