Scholarship details
Opportunity for Global Professionals to study a master’s program in Sweden
Are you a global professional who wants to pursue a master’s degree in Sweden and contribute to the sustainable development of your home country and region? Do you have a solid academic background and leadership potential? Do you want to join a network of future leaders who will drive positive change in the world? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may be interested in applying for the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP).
The SISGP is a highly competitive and fully-funded scholarship program offered by the Swedish Institute (SI), a public agency that promotes Sweden’s image and interests abroad. The SISGP aims to attract top foreign students from 41 countries to enroll in Swedish higher education institutions and train them in priority areas of study, such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health, law, economics, and social sciences. The SISGP covers tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, travel expenses, and cultural activities. It also allows you to experience the Swedish culture and society and learn one of the most innovative languages in the world.
In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about the SISGP, including the scholarship provider, the eligible applicants, the host country, the scholarship worth, the level and field of study, the application process, the eligibility criteria, the scholarship deadline, and the scholarship link. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of whether this scholarship suits you and how to apply. So, let’s dive in!
About the Scholarship Provider
The SISGP is administered by SI, a public agency under the supervision of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Research. SI was established in 1945 to promote Sweden’s image and interests abroad and foster international cooperation and understanding. SI works with a network of more than 400 partners in over 50 countries around the world. SI offers various programs and services, such as scholarships, grants, cultural events, exhibitions, publications, digital platforms, and alumni networks.
The SISGP was launched in 2019 to merge all previous SI scholarships at the master’s level. The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs funds the SISGP with the overall aim to contribute to sustainable global development and support the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The SISGP also aims to strengthen the relations between Sweden and its partner countries and regions.
Eligible Applicants
The SISGP is open to foreign students who meet the following requirements:
- They must be nationals of one of the 41 countries that are eligible for the SISGP.
- They must be no older than 35 years old at the time of application.
- They must have an outstanding academic record and potential.
- They must have applied or been admitted to a master’s program that is eligible for the SISGP at a Swedish higher education institution.
- They must be liable to pay tuition fees at University Admissions.
- They must have at least 3,000 hours of demonstrated work experience.
- They must have demonstrated leadership experience from current or previous employment or civil society engagement.
Host Country
The host country for the SISGP is Sweden, one of the most attractive destinations for international students. Sweden is in Northern Europe and shares borders with Norway, Finland, and Denmark. It also has a long coastline along the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. It has a population of about 10 million people and covers an area of approximately 450,000 square kilometers.
Sweden is famous for its innovation, creativity, and sustainability. It has produced some of the most influential inventions, companies, and brands in human history. It is also renowned for its welfare system, gender equality, human rights, and environmental protection. Its iconic symbols include ABBA, IKEA, Volvo, Spotify, Nobel Prize, and Pippi Longstocking.
Sweden has a high-quality education system offers a wide range of programs at different levels and disciplines. It has more than 50 public and private higher education institutions that welcome over 40,000 foreign students every year. Some of its most prestigious universities include Lund University, Uppsala University, Stockholm University, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
Studying in Sweden will not only provide you with an excellent academic experience but also a unique cultural immersion. You will have the chance to learn Swedish or improve your language skills while interacting with locals and other international students. You will also be able to explore the diverse regions of Sweden and discover their natural beauty, heritage, and traditions. You will also benefit from the student discounts, public transportation system, and health care services that are available for students.
Scholarship Worth
The SISGP is a competitive fully-funded scholarship that includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage. The fee is paid directly by SI to your Swedish university in the beginning of each semester.
- A monthly payment of SEK 12,000 to cover your living expenses throughout the study period.
- Insurance against illness and accident.
- A travel grant of SEK 15,000 (*10,000 for scholars from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine).
- Membership in the SI Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL), a platform for networking, learning, and professional development.
- Membership in the SI Alumni Network, a global community of former SI scholarship holders and project participants.
- Access to various cultural and social events organized by SI and its partners.
Level and Field of Study
The SISGP supports master’s level studies in two main disciplinary fields: Science and Technology (STEM) or Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). The specific areas of study are as follows:
- STEM: Biology and Health; Ecological Transition; Mathematics and Digital; Engineering Sciences
- HSS: History; French Language and Civilization; Law and Political Science; Economics and Management
The scholarship covers a predefined number of months, depending on the level and course of study. For the master’s level, the scholarship can last for 12, 24, or 36 months.
How to Apply
The application process for the SISGP is different from other scholarship programs. You cannot apply directly for the scholarship, but you must be nominated by a Swedish higher education institution that offers the program you are interested in. Therefore, the first step is to contact the international relations department of the institution and inquire about their participation in the SISGP and their application procedures. You can find a list of participating institutions on the SI website.
The second step is to prepare and submit your application documents to the institution before their internal deadline. The application documents may vary depending on the institution and the program, but they usually include:
- A completed online application form
- A copy of your passport or ID card
- A copy of your diploma or certificate of enrollment
- A copy of your transcript or academic record
- Two letters of recommendation from non-family members
- A motivation letter or statement of purpose
- A proof of language proficiency (Swedish or English)
The third step is to wait for the institution to review your application and nominate you for the SISGP. The institution will submit your application to SI before the official deadline, which is usually in February each year. The final selection of the scholarship recipients is made by a committee composed of experts from different fields and representatives of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
The results of the selection are announced in April each year. The winners are notified by email and phone by SI. They are also announced on the SI website and social media platforms.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the SISGP are based on the following factors:
- The quality and content of your application documents, especially your motivation letter, statement of purpose or research proposal
- Your academic achievements and extracurricular activities
- Your letters of recommendation from non-family members
- Your financial need and situation
- Your alignment with the priority areas of study and the objectives of the SISGP
The scholarship committee will evaluate your application according to these criteria and rank you among other candidates. The committee will also consider the diversity and balance of the applicants in terms of country of origin, gender, discipline, and level of study.
Scholarship Deadline
The deadline to apply for the SISGP is usually in February each year. However, you should check with the Swedish higher education institution that you are applying to for their internal deadline, which may be earlier than that. It would help if you also started preparing your application documents as soon as possible, as they may take some time to complete.
Scholarship Link
To learn more about the SISGP and to access the online application form, please visit this link. You can also contact SI at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
