The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027 will open by February 2027, offering fully funded master’s degree opportunities at Swedish universities for outstanding international students from selected countries. For international professionals looking for a fully funded Master’s degree in Europe, the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP) 2027 is one of Sweden’s most important government-funded scholarship opportunities.
The scholarship is designed for professionals from eligible countries who have demonstrated work experience and leadership potential and want to pursue an eligible full-time Master’s programme in Sweden. Unlike the NL Scholarship in the Netherlands, which provides a €5,000 contribution, the SI Scholarship is designed as a full funding package, covering tuition and providing a monthly living allowance together with other support.
There is, however, an important distinction for applicants planning for 2027: the official Swedish Institute has not yet published the final 2027/28 scholarship call and all of its exact dates and conditions as of August 2026. The most recently published SI information confirms the programme’s structure, while the previous cycle and current 2027 planning information point to a scholarship application window in February 2027. Applicants should therefore treat unconfirmed 2027 dates as provisional until SI publishes the official call.
This publication explains the scholarship, what it actually covers, who should apply, the expected 2027 timeline, common mistakes and how to build a competitive application.
Facts & Quick Verification Tracker for Swedish Institute Scholarship
| Scholarship Detail | Swedish Institute Scholarship 2027 |
|---|---|
| Official name | SI Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP) |
| Previous related programme | Swedish Institute Study Scholarships (SISS) |
| Host country | Sweden |
| Study level | Master’s |
| Study format | Full-time |
| Applicant nationality | Citizens of selected eligible countries |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Tuition | Full tuition fee |
| Living allowance | Monthly allowance |
| Travel grant | One-time travel grant |
| Insurance | Included under scholarship terms |
| University | Participating Swedish universities |
| Programme | Eligible Master’s programmes |
| Work experience | Required |
| Leadership | Required |
| Undergraduate | ❌ |
| PhD | ❌ |
| Application route | University Admissions + separate SI scholarship application |
| 2027/28 scholarship deadline | Expected February 2027; exact date not yet officially confirmed |
| Study start | Autumn 2027 |
| Official provider | Swedish Institute |
| Main purpose | Develop future global leaders who contribute to sustainable development |
The Swedish Institute describes SISGP as a scholarship for ambitious global professionals undertaking full-time Master’s studies in Sweden.
Swedish Institute Scholarship Coverage & Requirements Matrix
| Requirement/Benefit | SISGP 2027 |
|---|---|
| International applicants | ✅ |
| Selected eligible countries | ✅ |
| Bachelor’s degree | Required as previous qualification |
| Master’s study | ✅ |
| PhD | ❌ |
| Full tuition | ✅ |
| Monthly living allowance | ✅ |
| Travel grant | ✅ |
| Insurance | ✅ |
| Work experience | Required |
| Leadership experience | Required |
| Eligible Master’s programme | Required |
| Swedish university admission | Required |
| Separate SI application | Required |
| Fully funded | Yes |
| Automatic scholarship after admission | ❌ |
What the 2027 Scholarship Actually Covers
The SI Scholarship is substantially more comprehensive than partial awards such as the NL Scholarship.
Under the latest published SISGP structure, the scholarship provides:
1. Full tuition fee
The scholarship pays the tuition fee directly to the Swedish university.
This is particularly important because international students from outside the EU/EEA generally pay tuition fees for Swedish Master’s programmes.
2. Monthly living allowance
The latest published SISGP package provides a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000. However, applicants should verify the final amount when the 2027/28 call is officially released because scholarship benefits can change between cycles.
3. Travel grant
The scholarship also provides a one-time travel grant under the programme’s applicable terms.
4. Insurance
The scholarship package includes insurance coverage according to SI’s scholarship conditions.
5. SI Network for Global Professionals
Successful scholars become part of the SI professional network, creating opportunities for international collaboration and alumni engagement.
Benefits Breakdown
| Benefit | Latest Published SISGP Structure |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 100% tuition fee |
| Monthly allowance | SEK 12,000/month |
| Travel grant | SEK 15,000 one-time under the latest published structure |
| Insurance | Included |
| Networking | SI Network for Global Professionals |
| Tuition payment | Paid to university |
| Accommodation | Not separately guaranteed |
| Family allowance | Not a general core benefit |
Is the Swedish Institute Scholarship Fully Funded?
Yes.
SISGP is one of the stronger fully funded Master’s scholarships in Europe because it combines:
Full tuition + monthly living support + travel support + insurance.
But “fully funded” should not be interpreted as unlimited funding.
Students may still have expenses associated with:
- Personal travel
- Additional accommodation costs
- Deposits
- Clothing
- Entertainment
- Family expenses
- Expenses outside scholarship conditions
Official Source & Portal Verification for Swedish Institute Scholarship
The Swedish Institute is the official organisation responsible for the scholarship.
Its scholarship page identifies the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals as a fully funded scholarship for international professionals pursuing eligible Master’s degrees in Sweden.
The application process involves two separate but connected applications:
- Application for an eligible Master’s programme through the Swedish national admissions system.
- Application for the SI scholarship through the Swedish Institute’s scholarship portal.
This is one of the most important things applicants should understand.
Being admitted to a Swedish university does not automatically mean you have won the SI Scholarship.
The Step-by-Step Roadmap for Swedish Institute Scholarship
Step 1: Check whether your country is eligible
SI does not open the scholarship to every nationality.
The eligible-country list is published by SI and can change between cycles.
Applicants should therefore check the official 2027/28 country list before preparing the scholarship application.
Step 2: Find an eligible Master’s programme
SI only funds Master’s programmes included in its eligible-programme list.
The eligible programme list is updated for each scholarship cycle.
The latest published programme list demonstrates that eligible programmes span multiple Swedish universities and academic disciplines.
Step 3: Apply through University Admissions
Applicants must submit their Master’s programme application through Sweden’s central admissions system.
For the 2027/28 cycle, the university application is expected to take place before the SI scholarship application window.
Step 4: Prepare your SI documents
Start preparing:
- CV
- Motivation statement
- Work experience evidence
- Leadership evidence
- Reference letters
- Passport
- Academic documents
- University application information
Step 5: Apply for the SI Scholarship
The scholarship application is separate from your university application.
The 2026/27 SI scholarship window ran in February, and current 2027 information indicates that the 2027/28 application is expected to follow a similar February schedule.
Do not wait until February 2027 to start preparing.
The scholarship window is short.
Step 6: Secure admission
You need to be admitted to an eligible Master’s programme according to SI’s applicable conditions.
Step 7: Wait for the scholarship decision
SI evaluates eligible applications and selects scholarship recipients.
Supporting Academic Collaboration
The SI Scholarship is not simply a tuition-payment programme.
One of its broader purposes is to create relationships between Sweden and international professionals.
Scholarship recipients become part of an international network where they can build connections with:
- Swedish professionals
- Other international scholars
- Swedish universities
- Researchers
- Businesses
- Civil-society organisations
- Alumni
This can be particularly valuable for applicants who plan to return home and use their Swedish education in government, business, research, development or entrepreneurship.
Duration and Funding Opportunities
The scholarship is designed to cover eligible full-time Master’s studies.
Swedish Master’s degrees can be:
- One year
- Two years
The exact scholarship duration depends on the eligible programme and the terms of the award.
Example
| Programme | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| One-year Master’s | 1 year |
| Two-year Master’s | 2 years |
Applicants should check whether their selected programme is one or two years before creating their financial plan.
Focus on Development Through Scientific Research
The SI Scholarship is not limited to STEM.
However, applicants working in scientific and technological fields can make particularly strong cases where their education connects to major development challenges.
Examples include:
- Renewable energy
- Climate technology
- Artificial intelligence
- Biotechnology
- Public health
- Sustainable agriculture
- Environmental science
- Engineering
- Digital transformation
- Water management
- Sustainable urban development
The important point is not simply choosing a “development-related” degree.
Your application should explain how your professional experience, Master’s education and future career connect.
Growing Importance of International Research Partnerships
Sweden has a strong reputation for research, innovation and technology.
International students can therefore gain exposure to:
- Swedish research institutions
- European research networks
- Innovation ecosystems
- Multinational companies
- Sustainability initiatives
- Technology start-ups
- International academic communities
For professionals from developing countries, this can create opportunities to transfer knowledge and build collaborations after returning home.
Swedish Institute Scholarship’s Mission
The scholarship’s purpose extends beyond individual academic advancement.
The Swedish Institute positions SISGP around developing future global professionals who can contribute to sustainable development and create positive change.
This explains why the scholarship places considerable emphasis on:
professional experience + leadership + academic plans + future impact.
It is not simply a competition for students with the highest GPA.
Research Expectations and Academic Responsibilities
SISGP is primarily a Master’s scholarship, rather than a doctoral research fellowship.
Therefore, applicants should not approach the scholarship like a PhD grant.
Your application should instead demonstrate:
- Relevant professional experience
- Clear academic goals
- Leadership
- Motivation
- A credible career plan
- Social or professional impact
If your Master’s programme includes research, explain how the research connects with your professional experience and future plans.
Swedish Institute Scholarship Overview and Academic Purpose
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is designed for people who have already begun building a professional career.
This is a major difference between SISGP and many university merit scholarships.
A recent graduate with excellent grades but no substantial professional or leadership experience may be less suitable than a professional with several years of relevant work and a convincing development plan.
What This Scholarship Offers: The Advantage
The biggest advantage is that it addresses the two largest costs of studying abroad:
Tuition + living expenses.
This makes Sweden considerably more financially accessible to selected international scholars.
But the second major advantage is professional.
The programme is designed to connect scholars with a broader network of international professionals.
Features of the Swedish Institute Scholarship
- Government-backed Swedish scholarship
- Master’s-level study
- Full tuition funding
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel grant
- Insurance
- Professional network
- Leadership emphasis
- International applicants
- Eligible Swedish universities
- Eligible English-taught Master’s programmes
- Separate scholarship application
- Highly competitive
Eligible Courses at Swedish Institute Scholarship
SISGP does not fund every Master’s programme in Sweden.
The Swedish Institute publishes a specific list of eligible Master’s programmes for each cycle.
The latest published programme list includes programmes across universities such as:
- Chalmers University of Technology
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology
- Lund University
- Stockholm University
- Uppsala University
- University of Gothenburg
- Linköping University
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
- Other participating institutions
The exact 2027/28 programme list should be checked once SI publishes the new cycle’s official list.
Who Can Apply for Swedish Institute Scholarship?
The scholarship is aimed at:
- Professionals from eligible countries
- Applicants seeking Master’s-level study
- Applicants with relevant professional experience
- Applicants with leadership experience
- Applicants committed to contributing to sustainable development
- Applicants applying to eligible Swedish Master’s programmes
Eligibility Requirements to Apply for Swedish Institute Scholarship
1. Citizenship
You must be a citizen of a country included in SI’s eligible-country list for the relevant cycle.
2. Master’s programme
You must apply for an eligible Master’s programme.
3. Tuition-fee status
The scholarship is generally aimed at applicants who are required to pay tuition fees in Sweden.
4. Professional experience
Applicants need documented professional experience under SI’s applicable requirements.
For the latest SISGP cycle, 3,000 hours of work experience has been a major eligibility requirement.
Because SI can update the conditions, applicants should confirm the exact 2027/28 requirement when the call opens.
5. Leadership experience
You must demonstrate leadership experience.
This can come through:
- Employment
- Business
- Civil society
- Community organisations
- Professional organisations
- Entrepreneurship
- Other leadership activities recognised by SI
Eligibility Comparison Table
| Requirement | SISGP |
|---|---|
| International student | ✅ |
| Selected countries only | ✅ |
| Bachelor’s degree | Required for Master’s admission |
| Master’s degree | ❌ as study level |
| Master’s programme | ✅ |
| PhD | ❌ |
| Professional experience | Required |
| Leadership | Required |
| Academic excellence | Important |
| Work hours | 3,000 hours under latest published criteria |
| Tuition-paying student | Generally required |
| Swedish previous degree | Restrictions apply |
| Residence in Sweden | Restrictions apply |
| Age limit | No simple universal age cutoff |
| English proficiency | Required by university |
| Separate SI application | ✅ |
Study Period and Funding
The scholarship is linked to the duration of the eligible Master’s programme.
A two-year Master’s can therefore provide a much longer period of support than a one-year programme, subject to SI’s terms.
Applicants should not select a course simply because it qualifies for funding.
The better question is:
Which eligible Master’s programme best connects my previous career, leadership experience and future impact?
What Past Winners & Student Forums Say
Public profiles and scholarship discussions suggest a recurring pattern: successful applicants often have more than academic qualifications.
The strongest profiles tend to combine:
- Strong academic preparation
- Relevant professional experience
- Demonstrated leadership
- Clear career direction
- A convincing reason for choosing Sweden
- A realistic plan for creating impact
The important lesson is that applicants should not treat the scholarship essay as a generic personal statement.
It should read like a professional development story.
About the Universities Offering the Swedish Institute Scholarship
Sweden has several internationally recognised universities participating in the SI scholarship ecosystem.
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
KTH is particularly strong in engineering, technology, architecture and computer-related disciplines.
Lund University
Lund offers a broad research environment covering engineering, sciences, medicine, economics, social sciences and humanities.
Uppsala University
Uppsala is one of Sweden’s historic research universities, with strong programmes across sciences, medicine, humanities and social sciences.
University of Gothenburg
The University of Gothenburg offers programmes across areas including social sciences, humanities, health sciences, business and natural sciences.
Chalmers University of Technology
Chalmers is particularly relevant to applicants interested in engineering, technology, sustainability and innovation.
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
This institution is particularly attractive for applicants working in agriculture, forestry, food systems, environmental science and sustainability.
The specific programmes eligible for SISGP should always be checked against the official SI programme list for the relevant year. The latest published list confirms the breadth of eligible Master’s programmes.
Who Should Apply and Who Should Skip This Scholarship?
You should apply if:
- You have professional experience.
- You can demonstrate leadership.
- Your Master’s programme fits your career.
- You have a clear development or impact goal.
- Your country is eligible.
- You can demonstrate what you have already achieved.
You should probably skip it if:
- You are applying directly after secondary school.
- You have no Bachelor’s degree.
- You have little or no professional experience.
- You cannot demonstrate leadership.
- Your programme is not on the SI eligible list.
- Your country is not eligible.
- Your only reason for applying is that Sweden is free with a scholarship.
Realistic Chances of Winning the Swedish Institute Scholarship
The SI Scholarship is highly competitive.
The Swedish Institute awards only a limited number of scholarships compared with the number of international applicants.
This means simply meeting the minimum requirements is not enough.
A realistic profile
| Profile | Competitiveness |
|---|---|
| Strong academics + relevant work + leadership + impact | Very strong |
| Good academics + strong professional achievements | Strong |
| Excellent GPA + little work experience | Weak for SISGP |
| Strong work history + weak academic preparation | Risky |
| Generic career goals | Weak |
| Clear professional impact + leadership + course fit | Strong |
The key lesson:
SISGP is not primarily a “highest GPA wins” scholarship.
Hidden Requirements or Common Rejection Reasons
1. Treating work experience as a formality
If SI requires professional experience, don’t simply list jobs.
Explain what you achieved.
Instead of:
Project Manager, 2022–2025.
Show:
Led a team of 12 to implement a digital health programme reaching 8,000 patients.
2. Weak leadership evidence
Being employed does not automatically demonstrate leadership.
Show decisions, responsibilities, teams, projects and measurable outcomes.
3. Choosing a Master’s unrelated to your career
A major career disconnect can weaken your application.
4. Applying to a non-eligible programme
This can make an otherwise strong application useless.
5. Waiting for the scholarship window
The SI scholarship application window is short.
The university application must normally happen first.
Document Checklist for Swedish Institute Scholarship Application
Prepare these documents before the scholarship portal opens.
| Document | Advice |
|---|---|
| Passport | Ensure it remains valid |
| Bachelor’s certificate | Obtain official copy |
| Academic transcripts | Request early |
| CV | Use SI’s required format/template where applicable |
| Work experience evidence | Document dates and responsibilities |
| Leadership evidence | Show measurable results |
| Reference letters | Choose people who know your work |
| Motivation statement | Connect career → study → impact |
| University application details | Keep application number |
| English-language evidence | Follow university requirements |
How to Write a Strong SI Scholarship Motivation
A powerful SI application should tell a coherent story:
Part 1 — Where you started
Explain your academic and professional background.
Part 2 — What problem you encountered
Identify a real problem through your work or community experience.
Part 3 — What you have already done
Show your leadership and achievements.
Part 4 — What you need to learn
Explain why the Master’s programme provides the skills you lack.
Part 5 — Why Sweden
Identify specific academic or professional advantages.
Part 6 — What happens after graduation
This is crucial.
Explain how you will use the knowledge and network to create measurable impact.
Timeline: From Application to Arrival to Sweden
Because the official 2027/28 SI call has not yet published its final dates, the following should be treated as a planning timeline based on the established application cycle rather than a confirmed official calendar.
| Period | What Applicants Should Do |
|---|---|
| August–October 2026 | Research eligible Master’s programmes |
| October 2026 | Prepare university application |
| November 2026 | Check 2027/28 SI eligible-programme list |
| November–December 2026 | Prepare CV and leadership evidence |
| December 2026–January 2027 | Submit Master’s application |
| January 2027 | Finalise SI scholarship documents |
| February 2027 | Expected SI scholarship application window |
| March–April 2027 | University and scholarship selection |
| Spring 2027 | Scholarship decisions |
| May–August 2027 | Residence permit, housing and travel |
| August–September 2027 | Arrive in Sweden |
| Autumn 2027 | Begin Master’s programme |
The previous cycle’s SI scholarship application window ran in February, while current third-party 2027 projections place the next window in February 2027.
Life as a Scholarship Student in Sweden
Sweden offers a highly international study environment, but students should understand that the country can be expensive.
Major expenses include:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transportation
- Clothing
- Mobile/internet
- Personal expenses
- Travel
The monthly SI allowance is designed to support living expenses, but students should still budget carefully.
Housing deserves special attention
Students should begin accommodation planning immediately after receiving admission.
Popular university cities can have competitive housing markets, particularly at the beginning of the academic year.
What Happens After You Win?
Winning the SI Scholarship is followed by several practical steps.
1. Accept the scholarship
Follow SI’s instructions within the specified period.
2. Complete university admission
Make sure all admission conditions are satisfied.
3. Apply for a Swedish residence permit
International students normally need the appropriate residence permit before beginning their studies.
4. Find accommodation
Begin the housing process as soon as possible.
5. Arrange travel
Plan your journey to Sweden.
6. Attend university orientation
This helps you understand academic and student life in Sweden.
7. Join the SI professional network
The scholarship’s professional network is an important part of the wider experience.
Sweden Student Visa (Residence Permit) Process – 2026
Non-EU/EEA students who plan to study in Sweden for more than 90 days must apply for a residence permit for studies. You cannot travel to Sweden to study until the permit is granted.
Step-by-Step Process
- Get admitted to a full-time programme
You must first receive an official admission offer from a Swedish university or university college for a full-time Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programme. - Pay the first tuition fee instalment (if applicable)
Most universities require proof of payment of the first tuition fee before they support your residence permit application. - Prepare the required documents
- Valid passport (copy of all pages)
- Admission letter / Notification of Selection Results
- Proof of financial support (see below)
- Proof of health insurance (if your studies last less than 1 year)
- Passport photo and biometric data (fingerprints + photo)
- Apply online
Submit your application through the Swedish Migration Agency website (migrationsverket.se).
You must apply from outside Sweden. - Pay the application fee
The fee is currently SEK 1,500 (subject to change). - Visit an embassy or consulate (if required)
- If you need an entry visa, you must provide fingerprints and a photo at a Swedish embassy/consulate.
- After approval, you collect your residence permit card before travelling (or in some cases after arrival).
- Wait for the decision
Processing times vary (often 1–3 months). You must wait for approval before travelling to Sweden. - Travel to Sweden and collect your residence permit card (if not already collected)
Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission | Final admission to full-time studies |
| Financial means | At least SEK 10,656 per month (2026) for the entire period of the permit |
| Passport | Valid for the duration of your stay |
| Health insurance | Required if studying less than 12 months |
| Clean record | No serious criminal issues |
Scholarship students: An official scholarship letter covering living costs is usually accepted as proof of financial means.
Important New Rules (from 11 June 2026)
According to Swedish Migration Agency, applicants must follow these instructions below;
- Maximum 15 hours of work per week during the semester (unlimited in June–August).
- Higher study progress requirements for permit extensions (37.5 credits in year 1, 45 credits per year afterwards).
- You must notify the Migration Agency of your Swedish address within 30 days.
For the list of required documents to bringing family members, check the Schengen Area (European Union) updates.
Cost of Living Reality in Sweden
The scholarship provides a monthly allowance, but applicants should not assume that the same amount will feel identical in every Swedish city.
Costs can vary depending on:
- Stockholm
- Gothenburg
- Lund
- Uppsala
- Linköping
- Smaller university towns
Housing is usually one of the biggest expenses.
Therefore, when comparing eligible programmes, don’t look only at university ranking.
Look at the total cost of living in the city.
SI Scholarship vs Similar Scholarships
| Scholarship | Country | Study Level | Funding | Main Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SI Scholarship for Global Professionals | Sweden | Master’s | Fully funded | Professionals + leadership |
| NL Scholarship | Netherlands | Bachelor’s/Master’s | €5,000 | Non-EEA students |
| Chevening | UK | Master’s | Fully funded | Leadership + professional experience |
| Erasmus Mundus | Europe | Master’s | Often fully funded | International Master’s students |
| DAAD | Germany | Master’s/PhD/research | Varies | Academic/research applicants |
| Swedish university scholarships | Sweden | Mostly Master’s | Varies | Academic merit |
The major difference
The SI Scholarship is particularly attractive for working professionals who already have leadership experience.
Chevening is another strong comparison because both programmes value professional experience, leadership and future impact.
SI Scholarship vs Chevening
| Feature | SI Scholarship | Chevening |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Sweden | UK |
| Main level | Master’s | Master’s |
| Tuition | Fully covered | Fully covered |
| Living support | Yes | Yes |
| Professional experience | Required | Required |
| Leadership | Important | Important |
| Eligible programmes | Selected Swedish programmes | Eligible UK Master’s |
| Application route | University + SI | University + Chevening |
| Duration | Programme-dependent | Generally one year |
| Country restriction | Selected countries | Broad eligible-country list |
For applicants deciding between the two, course fit and country eligibility should come before scholarship prestige.
Pros and Cons of Swedish Institute Scholarship
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Full tuition funding | Extremely competitive |
| Monthly living allowance | Limited eligible countries |
| Travel grant | Work experience required |
| Insurance | Leadership evidence required |
| Study in Sweden | Short scholarship application window |
| International professional network | Not all Master’s programmes qualify |
| Strong innovation ecosystem | University application comes first |
| Master’s-focused | Not for PhD study |
Alternatives If You Don’t Get the SI Scholarship
Applicants should never depend on one scholarship. There are many others including Gates Foundation Scholarship, the University of Twente €22,000 Scholarship for 1 year or the University of Queensland Australia Scholarship.
Applicants can also Consider:
University scholarships in Sweden
Many Swedish universities offer their own tuition scholarships.
Erasmus Mundus
Excellent for international Master’s study across Europe. Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
Chevening
A strong alternative for professionals seeking a fully funded UK Master’s. Apply for Chevening Scholarship. Pick below and make use of their Winning Strategy to Apply:
DAAD
Useful for Master’s and doctoral applicants interested in Germany. Choose a DAAD Scholarship program while using better Winning Strategy to Apply below:
- Architecture DAAD Scholarships
- Bi-nationally DAAD Doctoral
- German DAAD RISE Worldwide
- DAAD Study for STEM Disciplines
- DAAD Research Grants & Financial Aid
- Central American DAAD Third Country Programme
- African DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme
- DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
NL Scholarship
A partial funding option for non-EEA students in the Netherlands.
University-specific awards
Check the scholarship pages of:
- KTH
- Lund University
- Uppsala University
- University of Gothenburg
- Chalmers
- Stockholm University
- University of Alabama Freshman Scholarships
- SWISS Government Excellence Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Swedish Institute Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. SISGP is a fully funded Master’s scholarship under its published terms, covering tuition and providing a living allowance and other benefits.
How much is the SI Scholarship?
The latest published SISGP structure provides SEK 12,000 per month, plus tuition and a one-time travel grant. Applicants should verify the final 2027/28 amount when the official call is published.
Can Nigerians apply?
Nigerians can apply if Nigeria is included in the official eligible-country list for the 2027/28 cycle and they satisfy all other requirements. Applicants should verify the final country list when SI releases it.
Can fresh graduates apply?
The scholarship is specifically designed for professionals and requires documented professional experience under its eligibility rules. A fresh graduate without the required experience is therefore generally not a suitable SISGP applicant.
Is a Bachelor’s degree required?
Yes. You need the academic qualification required for admission to your selected Master’s programme.
Can I apply for a PhD?
No. SISGP is a Master’s scholarship.
Do I need work experience?
Yes. The latest published criteria require substantial documented work experience, with 3,000 hours used in the recent cycle. The exact 2027/28 rules should be confirmed from SI’s official call.
Do I need leadership experience?
Yes. Leadership experience is a major component of the scholarship’s selection criteria.
Does SI pay tuition directly?
The scholarship covers the tuition fee according to its terms, with payment made to the university.
Does SI provide accommodation?
There is no general separate accommodation package. The living allowance is intended to support living expenses.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
Yes. You first apply to eligible Master’s programmes through Sweden’s university admissions system and then submit the separate SI scholarship application.
When does the 2027 scholarship open?
The exact official 2027/28 dates have not yet been published by SI. The previous cycle opened in February, and current 2027 information points to a similar February 2027 window.
What is the expected 2027 deadline?
February 2027 is the expected application period, but the precise closing date should not be published as confirmed until SI officially announces it.
Current Application Deadlines
2027/28 University Application
The Master’s application through Sweden’s national admissions system is expected to take place before the SI scholarship application window.
SI Scholarship Application
Expected: February 2027
The 2026/27 application window ran from 9–25 February 2026, providing a useful indication of the normal annual pattern.
Important 2027 verification warning
As of August 2026, the Swedish Institute’s official website has not yet published the complete final 2027/28 SISGP call with all dates and conditions.
“Applications for the 2027/28 SI Scholarship for Global Professionals are expected to open in February 2027. The Swedish Institute will confirm the official application dates and 2027/28 eligibility conditions.”
Contact Information for Applicants
Applicants should use the Swedish Institute’s official scholarship information and application channels for scholarship-specific questions.
For questions concerning:
- Master’s admission
- Programme requirements
- Application documents
- Tuition
- University deadlines
contact the relevant Swedish university or use Sweden’s national admissions system.
For scholarship questions, use the official Swedish Institute scholarship portal and information pages.
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
Swedish Institute Scholarships Application page
How To Apply for Swedish Institute Scholarship 2027
Step 1: Confirm your country
Check the official 2027/28 SI eligible-country list.
Step 2: Find an eligible Master’s
Search the official SI list of eligible Master’s programmes.
Step 3: Apply to Swedish universities
Submit your university application through the Swedish admissions system before its deadline.
Step 4: Obtain your application number
Keep your University Admissions application number because it may be required for the scholarship application.
Step 5: Prepare your professional profile
Document:
- Work experience
- Leadership
- Community involvement
- Achievements
- Career progression
Step 6: Prepare the SI application
Complete the required SI forms and templates.
Step 7: Write your motivation carefully
Connect:
Past experience → Master’s programme → Sweden → future impact.
Step 8: Submit during the SI window
The scholarship application window is short, so submit before the official deadline.
Step 9: Wait for university admission and SI results
These are separate decisions.
Step 10: Prepare for Sweden
If selected:
- Accept the award
- Complete university requirements
- Apply for residence permit
- Find accommodation
- Arrange travel
- Prepare for arrival
Practical Application Strategy: Start Before the Portal Opens
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is waiting for the SI application portal to open.
By February, you should already have:
- Selected your programme
- Submitted your university application
- Prepared your CV
- Documented your work history
- Identified your leadership achievements
- Contacted your referees
- Drafted your motivation statement
- Obtained your passport copy
- Reviewed the SI requirements
The scholarship application period is too short to begin everything from zero.
What Makes a Strong SI Applicant?
A strong applicant might look something like this:
A Nigerian professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, five years of experience managing renewable-energy projects, leadership experience in community energy initiatives, measurable results from previous projects, and a clear plan to use a Swedish Master’s in Sustainable Energy Systems to expand renewable-energy access in Nigeria.
Notice that the strength comes from the connection.
The applicant’s:
education → work → leadership → Master’s choice → future impact
all tell the same story.
That is much stronger than simply saying:
“I have a good GPA and want to study in Sweden.”
Concluding Remarks
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027 should be high on the list of international professionals looking for a fully funded Master’s opportunity in Europe.
Its biggest advantage is the combination of:
full tuition + living support + travel assistance + professional networking.
But the scholarship is not designed for everyone.
It is specifically suited to applicants who can demonstrate professional experience, leadership and a clear plan to use their education to create positive change.
For the 2027/28 intake, applicants should start preparing now rather than waiting for the scholarship portal to open. The university application process comes first, while the SI scholarship application is expected to open during a short window in February 2027. The exact 2027/28 dates and final eligibility conditions should be confirmed by the Swedish Institute when the official call is released.
The key takeaway for applicants
Don’t build your application around the scholarship money. Build it around your professional story.
Show:
What you have achieved → what problem you understand → what you need to learn → why Sweden → how you will use that knowledge to create impact.
That is the type of application that can turn a basic eligibility profile into a genuinely competitive scholarship application.
A Travel Consultant dedicated to helping students, job seekers, and professionals discover life-changing opportunities around the world. He holds a Diploma in Human Resource Management, Project Management & Ticketing, Degree in Microbiology, and Master’s in Public Health.