The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2026–2027, a fully funded programme by the Swedish Institute (SI), is a highly reputable and financially blessed scholarship programme that provides international students from 33 eligible countries a life-altering experience. The programme is particularly aimed at individuals with a high leadership capacity and who are devoted to influencing sustainability in their respective countries.
This scholarship provides financial support to outstanding students who wish to acquire a one- or two-year master’s degree in Sweden. The program can be offered in any of the 700 over English-taught programmes in Sweden.
Who Can Apply for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals?
To be eligible for the 2026 SI Scholarship for Global Professionals, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of one of the 33 eligible countries:
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Zambia. - Apply to an eligible master’s programme in Sweden.
- Be liable to pay tuition fees to Swedish universities.
- Have at least 3,000 hours of verified work experience (for most countries).
- Demonstrate leadership experience from work or civil society.
Key Dates for SI Scholarship 2026–2027
As of now, the official deadlines for the 2026–2027 academic year have not yet been announced by the Swedish Institute. However, based on previous application cycles, the tentative timeline is:
- Mid-October 2025 – Mid-January 2026: Apply for master’s programmes via UniversityAdmissions.se.
- November 2025: Eligible master’s programme list and SI scholarship documents expected to be published.
- February 2026: Scholarship application window expected to open for about two weeks.
- March 2026: Admission results announced by University Admissions.
- April 2026: SI Scholarship results announced.
Note: These dates are provisional. Please regularly check the official SI website for confirmed application dates and updates.
What Does the SI Scholarship Cover?
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is fully funded and includes:
- Full tuition fees, paid directly to your university in Sweden.
- Monthly stipend of SEK 12,000 to cover living expenses.
- One-time travel grant: SEK 15,000 for most countries, SEK 10,000 for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
- Professional network access: Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP).
- Alumni benefits: Lifetime membership in the Sweden Alumni Network for continued learning and connections.
Please note: The scholarship does not cover:
- Application fees to University Admissions.
- Family member expenses.
- Additional insurance (students must arrange this through their university or independently).
Click here to check out more Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in Europe
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Requirements
- Those who wish to be considered for admission to a Swedish master’s degree programme should have a university degree corresponding to a bachelor’s degree in Sweden.
- Individuals should have applied to a master’s degree that is recognised by University Admissions by the due date.
Work Experience
- Regarding the majority of nations, future students are expected to be in possession of a total of 3,000 hours of practical work by the end of February 2026.
- This work experience can be accumulated through a stable or flexible job, an internship, or even self-employment, all of which should not exceed three separate positions.
You may also like:
- Top 10 Countries Offering Scholarships Without IELTS in 2025
- France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program 2026 (Fully Funded)
- Chinese Government Scholarship 2025–2026 | Fully Funded CSC Scholarships in China
Leadership Experience
Applicants must provide evidence of their leadership either in the workplace or through civic engagement, like, for instance, by:
- Leading teams or projects.
- Having a role in making decisions.
- Guiding the strategy of an organisation or NGO in which they are involved (as a volunteer).
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The main purpose of your motivation letter and study plan should mirror the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is crucial to present your point of view on how your academic years in Sweden will be a part of the solutions to the major universal issues and if it will also be a part of the change in your native country.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for 2026
Step 1: Apply to Swedish Master’s Programs
- Submit your application via UniversityAdmissions.se between October 2025 and January 2026 (tentative).
- You can apply for up to 4 eligible programmes.
Step 2: Apply for the SI Scholarship
Submit the following documents during the scholarship application window (expected to be February 2026):
- Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages using SI’s template).
- Proof of Work and Leadership Experience (SI-provided format).
- Two Letters of Reference (one must be work-related; both must use the SI template).
- Photocopy of Valid Passport or National ID Card.
- Motivation Statement (entered directly into the online portal).
- Optional video presentation (if selected).
Applications must be submitted in English, and all templates must be used as provided by SI. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
Step 3: Evaluation and Selection
- SI reviews complete and eligible applications based on leadership, work experience, motivation, academic potential, and alignment with development goals.
- Admission to one of the eligible programmes is required by March 2026.
Step 4: Final Results
- Final results will be announced in April 2026.
- Only applicants admitted (not waitlisted) to an eligible programme will be considered.
Who Is Not Eligible?
- Current students at Swedish universities or colleges.
- Previous recipients of any Swedish Institute scholarship.
- Applicants who have resided in Sweden for 2 years or more before the start of the scholarship.
- Citizens or permanent residents of EU/EEA countries (with limited exceptions, e.g., Moldova).
- Applicants submitting multiple scholarship applications under different citizenships.
Official Application Portal
- University Admissions: https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/start
- SI Scholarship Information: https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/swedish-institute-scholarships-for-global-professionals/#how-to-apply
Final Thoughts
Global Professionals 2026–2027 SI Scholarships is a great chance for hard-working professionals of today to visit Sweden and carry forward advanced education. Where they can pick up their skills to contribute to the global development upon their coming back. This generous scholarship, apart from providing full financial assistance, also helps participants to become familiar with exclusive networks and thus be future leaders with a global mission.
Subscribe to the Swedish Institute website to keep up with the latest news. The chances of being chosen can be significantly increased when you start doing so early enough and prepare your documents carefully.