The Swedish government has officially opened applications for the 2026 Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals, offering a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue master’s degrees in Sweden. According to the Swedish Institute, the application portal opened on February 9, 2026, and will remain accessible for a narrow two-week window, closing strictly on February 25, 2026, at 14:59 CET.
This highly competitive scholarship is designed for experienced professionals from 34 eligible countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Rwanda, who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to sustainable development. The program covers more than 700 English-taught master’s degrees at top-tier Swedish universities across fields such as STEM, governance, public health, and entrepreneurship.
The financial package is comprehensive, ensuring that scholars can focus entirely on their studies. It includes full coverage of tuition fees paid directly to the university, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 (approximately $1,150), and a one-time travel grant of SEK 15,000. Additionally, recipients gain membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals, providing a unique platform for international networking and leadership development.
To be eligible, candidates must have applied for an eligible master’s program via Sweden’s central university admissions portal. A critical requirement is documented work experience; applicants must prove at least 3,000 hours of professional involvement, alongside verifiable leadership experience from their workplace or civil society engagement.
The application process requires specific digital templates provided by the Swedish Institute for CVs and proof of experience. Following the close of the portal later this month, applications will undergo a rigorous screening process. University admission results are expected on March 26, while the final list of successful scholarship recipients will be published on April 23, 2026. This represents a major gateway to world-class education and a global network of changemakers.
