SI Scholarships for Global Professionals 2026/27 – Masters in Sweden (Open to African Students)

The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships for Global Professionals 2026/27 provide exceptional opportunities for talented international students, including Africans, to pursue full-time master’s programs in Sweden. The scholarship supports ambitious individuals who aim to develop professional skills, advance their careers, and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

The Swedish Institute, funded by the Swedish Government, selects high-achieving candidates who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to global development. Awardees receive financial support covering tuition, living expenses, and travel, making it a fully-funded opportunity for students who want to combine top-quality education with international exposure.

Recipients also gain access to:

Sweden’s innovative academic system and research facilities.
Global professional networks, connecting scholars from Africa and beyond.
Leadership development programs and seminars organized by the SI.

This scholarship is ideal for:

African graduates aspiring to a career in global development, policy, business, or technology.
Students who want to gain European education experience and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:

Nationality: Must be an international student, including African countries.
Academic Requirements:
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, meeting the master’s program entry requirements.
- Demonstrated strong academic performance.
University Admission:
- Must have applied for or been admitted to a master’s program at a Swedish university by 15 January 2026.
Professional & Leadership Potential:
- Candidates should show leadership experience, involvement in societal development, or a clear vision for professional impact.
English Proficiency:
- Must meet the English language requirements of the Swedish university (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent).
Scholarship Application Window:
- Must submit the SI Scholarship application between 9 February 2026 – 25 February 2026.

Tip: Review the full SI eligibility requirements on the official website to avoid disqualification.

Scholarship Benefits

SI Scholarships provide comprehensive support, including:

Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition costs for the selected master’s program.
Living Allowance: Monthly stipend to cover accommodation, meals, and daily expenses.
Travel Allowance: Round-trip airfare between home country and Sweden.
Insurance: Health insurance coverage for the duration of the scholarship.
Professional Development: Access to workshops, leadership programs, and networking events.

Insight: Many alumni of the SI Scholarships have gone on to high-impact roles in government, NGOs, academia, and multinational organizations, leveraging their international education experience.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents as part of the SI Scholarship application:

University Application Number: From UniversityAdmissions.se or the relevant Swedish university.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting academic, professional, and leadership experience.
Motivation Letter: Explaining career goals, societal impact, and why Sweden is the ideal study destination.
Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates: From previous education.
English Language Test Results: TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent.
Letters of Recommendation: Optional but recommended to strengthen the application.

Pro Tip: Ensure all documents are clear, translated into English if necessary, and follow the SI file format guidelines.

How to Apply

Apply for a Master’s Program in Sweden:
- Submit your application through UniversityAdmissions.se before 15 January 2026.
Prepare SI Scholarship Application:
- Collect all required documents, including CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
Submit Application to Swedish Institute:
- Apply online between 9 February 2026 – 25 February 2026.
Follow Up:
- Ensure submission confirmation and monitor email notifications for further instructions.
Selection:
- SI selects candidates based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and relevance of study to development goals.

Quick Tip: Submit early within the application window to avoid technical issues and increase your chance of success.

Application Deadlines

Master’s Program Application: 15 January 2026
SI Scholarship Application: 9 February – 25 February 2026

Note: Late applications will not be considered, so plan carefully.

FAQs

Q1: Can African students apply?
Yes, the SI Scholarships are open to all international students, including Africa.

Q2: Are part-time programs eligible?
No, only full-time master’s programs are supported.

Q3: Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
Yes, the scholarship includes monthly stipend, travel allowance, and insurance.

Q4: Is prior work experience required?
Not strictly required, but leadership potential and societal engagement strengthen the application.

Q5: Can I apply to multiple universities?
Yes, but the SI Scholarship application is linked to your chosen Swedish university and program.

Tips for a Strong Application

Highlight Leadership & Impact: Show how your studies will benefit your community or home country.
Write a Compelling Motivation Letter: Clearly state why Sweden, the program, and SI Scholarship are vital for your career.
Prepare Accurate CV: Focus on academic, professional, and volunteer experiences.
Provide Strong Academic Evidence: Submit transcripts, certificates, and test scores.
Check Deadlines & Documents: Missing or incorrect documents may lead to automatic rejection.