Dreaming of studying a master’s in Sweden with generous funding and a powerful professional network? The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is one of Europe’s most sought-after awards for emerging leaders and changemakers.
This complete guide walks you through what the scholarship covers, who’s eligible, how to apply in 2026, the key deadlines, and expert tips to stand out. If you’re aiming for a one- or two-year master’s in Sweden and want a scholarship that values leadership, impact, and global cooperation, you’re in the right place.
Overview: What is the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals?
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals (often called SISGP) funds full-time, one- or two-year master’s studies at Swedish universities. The scholarship is financed by Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and opens once a year for programs beginning in the autumn semester . It supports a wide range of fields across many English-taught master’s programs at Swedish universities . It specifically targets talented students from selected countries who demonstrate strong leadership potential and the capacity to contribute to sustainable development.
Key points:
- The scholarship supports full-time master’s programs of one or two years and is announced annually for the autumn intake .
- A wide array of disciplines and hundreds of English-taught programs in Sweden are included .
- It’s aimed at future global professionals from selected countries who show leadership and impact potential.
Quick Facts (at a glance)
- University Name: Various participating Swedish universities (you choose when you apply)
- Country: Sweden (host country)
- Degree Level: Master’s (full-time)
- Program Duration: 1–2 years
- Funding Type: Scholarship-based financial aid (covers tuition, monthly allowance, travel grant, and network benefits)
- Deadline: Apply to master’s programs via University Admissions from 16 Oct 2025 to 15 Jan 2026 for the 2026 intake . The SI scholarship application window is announced annually by the Swedish Institute .
Eligibility Criteria
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is designed for international candidates with leadership experience and strong academic/professional profiles. In general, applicants should:
- Apply to a master’s program that is eligible for the SI scholarship .
- Be liable to pay tuition fees at University Admissions in Sweden .
- Demonstrate leadership experience from work or civil society (current or previous roles) .
- Come from selected eligible countries targeted by the scholarship.
- Apply during the official master’s admissions window for the 2026 autumn intake: 16 October 2025 – 15 January 2026 .
- Note: The scholarship call is opened once annually by the Swedish Institute; exact SI application dates are released ahead of time .
Because programs and country lists are updated, always confirm your country’s eligibility and whether your chosen master’s is on the eligible list before submitting your scholarship application.
Coverage / Benefits: What the funding includes
The SI Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support that makes studying in Sweden more accessible:
- Tuition fees: Paid directly to the Swedish university by the Swedish Institute .
- Monthly living allowance: A stipend is provided to cover living costs during your studies (amount specified in each year’s call).
- Travel grant: One-time support to help cover travel to Sweden; typically SEK 15,000 for scholarship recipients not already living in Sweden .
- Professional networks: Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP) during studies, and automatic entry into the Sweden Alumni Network after your scholarship ends .
- Note: The travel grant is a one-time payment and does not apply to students who are already residing in Sweden .
These benefits combine to ease financial pressure while connecting you to Sweden’s high-impact professional and alumni communities.
Host Country & University Info
Sweden is globally recognized for innovation, sustainability, and a student-centered approach to learning. With hundreds of English-taught master’s programs and research-driven faculties, Swedish universities emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem solving.
You will apply to the university (or universities) of your choice through the centralized portal and, separately, to the SI Scholarship. The scholarship is valid at participating Swedish universities and across many fields—from engineering and IT to social sciences, public policy, health, and sustainability .
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to maximize your chances for the 2026 round:
- Choose eligible master’s programs
- Shortlist programs that align with your goals and are eligible for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals. SI publishes a list of eligible programs for each intake.
- Apply to Swedish master’s programs
- Submit your application through University Admissions during the official window for the autumn 2026 intake: 16 October 2025 – 15 January 2026 .
- You must be liable to pay tuition fees at University Admissions (i.e., non-EU/EEA generally) to qualify for the scholarship .
- Keep your application number
- After applying via University Admissions, you will receive an application number. You’ll need this number when you apply for the SI Scholarship.
- Prepare for the SI Scholarship call
- The Swedish Institute opens the scholarship call once per year for autumn-start programs .
- SI announces the exact dates and document requirements in advance. Expect to submit items such as a CV, motivation letter, documentation of leadership experience, and proof related to your professional background (SI’s official call will specify the exact list each year).
- Submit the SI Scholarship application
- Apply during the specific SI Scholarship window (typically announced in late autumn for a February application period). Monitor the SI website closely for the 2026 dates .
- Ensure your university program choices and scholarship application align; the scholarship applies only to eligible programs .
- Await results and next steps
- If successful, you’ll receive an offer outlining the scholarship coverage and conditions.
- You’ll then proceed with university admissions results and practical preparations for your move to Sweden.
Pro tip: SI also shares results and impact stories. For example, 402 individuals were awarded scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year showing both prestige and competitiveness. Use this as motivation to submit a standout application.
Important Deadlines (2026 Intake)
- Master’s application (University Admissions): 16 October 2025 – 15 January 2026.
- SI Scholarship application: The Swedish Institute opens the call once annually; the 2026 window will be published on SI’s official page. Check regularly and plan documents early .
Because exact scholarship dates vary by year, build your timeline around the University Admissions window first and then the SI call as soon as it’s released.
Tips for Applicants (How to Stand Out)
- Lead with impact: Clearly show how your leadership has created measurable change (team, community, or sector) and how your master’s will amplify that impact.
- Align with Sweden’s strengths: Connect your goals to themes like sustainability, innovation, gender equality, digitalization, public health, or inclusive development.
- Choose programs strategically: Apply to eligible master’s that directly fit your experience and future goals, making your case for relevance airtight.
- Be specific and evidence-based: Use data, outcomes, and concise storytelling in your motivation letter and CV.
- Show a “return on scholarship”: Articulate how you’ll contribute to your home country or region after graduation socially, economically, or environmentally.
- Build credible references: Select referees who can confirm leadership, teamwork, ethics, and impact with concrete examples.
- Prepare early: Gather documents, verify eligibility, and track both University Admissions and SI call timelines to avoid last-minute issues.
- Network with purpose: Engage with SI’s NFGP community during your studies and the Sweden Alumni Network afterward to grow your professional footprint.
Ready to take the next step? Bold your future with the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals apply via the official page.
Conclusion
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is more than financial aid it’s a launchpad into Sweden’s innovation ecosystem and a global community of change-makers. If you bring leadership, vision, and a commitment to impact, start planning now: shortlist eligible programs, prepare your documents, and track the SI call.
Share this guide with a friend who should apply and take your shot. Sweden is waiting.
Q&A: SI Scholarship for Global Professionals (2026)
Q1: Who can apply for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals?
A: Talented master’s applicants from selected countries with leadership experience, admitted to eligible programs and liable for tuition in Sweden.
Q2: What does the scholarship cover?
A: Tuition is paid directly to the university, monthly allowance provided, plus a one-time travel grant and professional/alumni networks .
Q3: When should I apply for master’s studies for autumn 2026?
A: Apply via University Admissions from 16 October 2025 to 15 January 2026 and retain your application number .
Q4: When will the scholarship application open?
A: SI opens the scholarship call once annually; exact 2026 dates will be announced on the official website.
Q5: Is the travel grant available if I already live in Sweden?
A: No. The travel grant is a one-time payment and not available to students already residing in Sweden .
Q6: How competitive is the scholarship?
A: Highly competitive; for 2025/2026, 402 scholarships were awarded across Swedish universities .
