The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) 2025–2026, funded by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, is a prestigious, fully funded program for ambitious international students from 33 eligible countries.
Aimed at developing global leaders committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SISGP supports full-time, one- or two-year Master’s programs at top Swedish universities.
With approximately 402 scholarships awarded in 2025 across 198 programs at 27 institutions, SISGP fosters academic excellence, leadership, and sustainable change.
This comprehensive guide details eligibility, benefits, application process, and tips for success. Start your journey by applying at Apply for SISGP Scholarships.
Why Choose the SISGP Scholarship?
Sweden, renowned for innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, is a top destination for higher education, with universities like Uppsala and Lund ranking in the global top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2025). SISGP offers:
Fully Funded Support: Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance, removing financial barriers.
Global Leadership Network: Membership in the SI Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL) and SI Alumni Network for professional development.
Top-Tier Education: Access to over 700 English-taught Master’s programs in diverse fields.
Cultural Immersion: Experience Sweden’s progressive society, fostering cross-cultural connections.
Career Impact: Scholars like Damilola Balogun from Nigeria have leveraged SISGP to empower youth and drive sustainable change.
With a 2–6% acceptance rate, SISGP is highly competitive, prioritizing candidates with leadership potential and a commitment to sustainability. Apply at Apply for SISGP Scholarships.
Eligibility Criteria for SISGP 2025–2026
SISGP targets professionals from 33 eligible countries with work and leadership experience. Key requirements include:
Citizenship: Be a citizen of one of the 33 eligible countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Vietnam; full list on the SI website).
Work Experience: Minimum 3,000 hours of work experience (full-time, part-time, or freelance) from up to three organizations.
Leadership Experience: Demonstrated through employment or civil society engagement (e.g., volunteering, community projects).
University Admission: Be admitted to an eligible Master’s program by March 27, 2025, and liable to pay tuition fees at Swedish universities.
Language Proficiency: Meet program-specific requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 90+ for English-taught programs).
Restrictions: No dual citizenship with Sweden, no prior residence in Sweden for over one year, and no previous Swedish Master’s degree.
Applicants must align their studies with sustainable development goals. Check eligibility at Apply for SISGP Scholarships.
Benefits of the SISGP Scholarship
SISGP provides comprehensive support for the duration of your Master’s program (one or two years), including:
Full Tuition Coverage: Paid directly to the university by the Swedish Institute.
Living Allowance: SEK 12,000/month (approximately USD 1,150) to cover living expenses.
Travel Grant: SEK 15,000 (SEK 10,000 for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine) for one round-trip to/from Sweden.
Insurance: Coverage for illness and accidents during the scholarship period.
Networking Opportunities: Membership in the SI Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL) and SI Alumni Network for events, seminars, and professional growth.
Note: The scholarship does not cover additional family grants or university application fees. Apply at Apply for SISGP Scholarships.
Fields of Study Covered
SISGP supports over 700 English-taught Master’s programs across disciplines aligned with sustainable development, including:
Humanities
Agricultural Science
Medicine and Public Health
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences
Technology and Engineering
Eligible programs, such as those at Örebro University or Lund University, focus on areas like environmental sustainability, public health, and innovation. The full list will be published in November 2025. Check eligible programs at Apply for SISGP Scholarships.
Application Process for SISGP 2025–2026
The SISGP application involves two steps: applying for a Master’s program and submitting a scholarship application. Follow these steps:
Apply for Master’s Programs: Between October 15, 2024, and January 15, 2025, apply for up to four eligible Master’s programs via UniversityAdmissions.se. Save your eight-digit application number.
Prepare Scholarship Documents:
Motivation Letter: Use the SISGP 2025/2026 template, uploaded as a PDF.
CV: Use the SISGP template, not exceeding three pages, including a passport copy as the fourth page.
Two Reference Letters: Use SISGP forms; one must be work-related, the second preferably from civil society. Letters must be typed, printed, signed, stamped, and uploaded as one PDF.
Proof of Work/Leadership: Use the SISGP form, signed and stamped, uploaded as a PDF.
Submit Scholarship Application: From February 10–26, 2025, submit documents via the SI online portal. Separate applications are needed for each Master’s program.
Await Admission Results: University admissions are announced on March 27, 2025. Only admitted applicants are considered for SISGP.
Scholarship Notification: Successful candidates are notified by April 24, 2025, with offers sent by April 25–27, 2025. Accept by May 1, 2025.
SISGP scholars study at Sweden’s top universities, immersing in a culture of innovation and equality. Scholars like Thelma Kaliu from Malawi have used SISGP to advance gender equality initiatives.
The SI Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL) offers workshops, seminars, and networking with global professionals, while the SI Alumni Network supports lifelong connections.
Sweden’s vibrant cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg provide a high quality of life, with 80% of SISGP graduates contributing to sustainable development in their home countries. Apply at Apply for SISGP Scholarships.
Other Funding Opportunities in Sweden
If ineligible for SISGP, consider:
SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM: Targets women in STEM fields, offering similar benefits.
University-Specific Scholarships: Offered by institutions like Uppsala or KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
Visby Programme Scholarships: For students from Baltic Sea Region countries.
The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) 2025–2026 offer a transformative opportunity for international students to pursue fully funded Master’s degrees in Sweden.
With comprehensive financial support, access to top universities, and a global leadership network, SISGP empowers scholars to drive sustainable change. Start your application early to join this prestigious program and contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda. Apply now at Apply for SISGP Scholarships.