Swedish Institute Global Professionals Scholarship 2026

Are you an ambitious professional looking for a fully funded master’s scholarship in Europe? The Swedish Institute Global Professionals Scholarship 2026 (formerly SISGP) is one of the most prestigious awards in the world. Funded by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, this program is designed to develop future global leaders who contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, the Swedish government is offering approximately 300 scholarships. If you want to study in Sweden for free, this guide will break down the SI Scholarship 2026 eligibility, required documents, and the specific two-step application process you must follow to succeed.

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Types of Swedish Institute Scholarships & Benefits

The primary program is the Global Professionals Scholarship, which targets high-achieving professionals from 34 eligible countries. There is also a specific “Pioneering Women in STEM” track for female leaders in technical fields.

Scholarship Coverage (High Value)

The Swedish Institute Scholarship monthly stipend and benefits make it one of the highest-paying scholarships globally:

Full Tuition Fees: Paid directly to the Swedish university.
Monthly Allowance: SEK 12,000 (approx. $1,150) for living expenses.
Travel Grant: A one-time payment of SEK 15,000 (or SEK 10,000 for specific regions).
Insurance: Comprehensive health and accident insurance.
Professional Network: Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP) and the Sweden Alumni Network.

The Application Process: A Two-Step Guide

Applying for the Swedish Institute Scholarship 2026 is different from other programs. You cannot apply for the scholarship until you have applied for a university seat.

Step 1: Apply to Universities (Oct 2025 – Jan 15, 2026)

Browse English-taught master’s programs on the University Admissions Sweden portal. You can select up to four programs. Ensure the programs you choose are on the SI Eligible Master’s Programs list.

Step 2: Apply for the Swedish Institute (Feb 9 – Feb 25, 2026)

Once you have your university application number, apply through the Swedish Institute’s portal. This window is very short (only two weeks!).

Required Documents for Swedish Institute

The Swedish Institute is very strict about formatting. You must use their official templates, which are usually released in November.

Curriculum Vitae (CV): Maximum 3 pages on the SI template.
Letters of Reference: Two letters (one must be based on work experience).
Proof of Work and Leadership Experience: Signed and stamped by your employer.
Copy of Valid Passport: Attached to the end of your CV.
Motivation Statement: Usually submitted as part of the online application form.

Important Dates for the 2026 Cycle

University Application Deadline: January 15, 2026.
University Application Fee Deadline: February 2, 2026.
SI Scholarship Application Portal: February 9 – February 25, 2026.
Admissions Results: March 26, 2026.
Scholarship Announcement: April 23, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I calculate 3,000 hours of work experience?

Standard full-time work is about 40 hours per week. 3,000 hours is roughly equivalent to 1.5 to 2 years of full-time work. You can combine multiple jobs.

2. Can I apply if I am already living in Sweden?

Generally, no. You must not have lived in Sweden for more than two years total before the scholarship period begins.

3. Is IELTS/TOEFL required?

The Swedish Institute does not require a language test, but the universities do. You must meet the university’s English requirements to be admitted, which is a prerequisite for the scholarship.