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Scholarship in Sweden: Requirements and more
Access the best scholarships to study in Sweden. We tell you how to apply and what programmes they offer for international students.
We know that the costs of a university tuition fee are usually high, and the budget gets even fatter if you study in a country that is not your own, due to the costs of visas, accommodation, food, health insurance, study materials and so on. If your next academic goal is to do a master’s or postgraduate degree in the Home of the Nobel Laureates, fortunately there are a variety of scholarships to study in Sweden that can help you take this next step.
Get to know your friends at Holafly, which offers you ample connection in any destination with monthly global internet plans,find out about the best scholarships to study in Sweden, the requirements, the areas of study available and how to apply for the next calls for applications in 2025.
Main scholarships to study in Sweden
Sweden receives between 20 and 40,000 international students a year interested in one of its more than 1,000 doctoral and postgraduate programmes in the fields of social and political sciences, engineering, technology, medicine, natural sciences, mathematics, art, design, architecture, business, economics and sustainability.
Scholarships to study in Sweden are grants funded by renowned universities and government institutions that reward academic excellence with full or partial tuition fees. This effort has led universities such as Karolinska Institute, Lund University and Uppsala University to rank among the best universities in the world. Now, let’s take a look at the main scholarships you could apply for this year as an international student.
1. Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SI Scholarship for Global Professionals)
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is an exceptional opportunity for professionals from developing countries who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in Sweden. This programme, funded by the Swedish government through the Swedish Institute, aims to develop leaders committed to sustainable development in their home countries.
This scholarship to study in Sweden is intended for one- or two-year full-time Master’s degree programmes in English at Swedish universities:
| University | Featured programmes |
| Lund University | Social Sciences, Engineering, Biomedicine, Humanities, Technology, Law. |
| Uppsala University | Law, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Social Sciences, History, Philosophy. |
| Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) | Engineering, Architecture, Information Technology, Energy, Industrial Design. |
| Stockholm University | Social Sciences, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Psychology, Law. |
| University of Gothenburg | Economics, Social Sciences, Humanities, Philosophy, Medicine, Business Administration. |
| Chalmers University | Engineering, Technology, Industrial Design, Innovation, Energy, Product Design. |
| Linköping University | Engineering, Computer Science, Health, Social Sciences, Information Technology. |
| Malmö University | International Studies, Business, Social Sciences, Technology, Product Design. |
| Stockholm School of Economics | Economics, Business, Finance, Marketing, Business Studies, Innovation. |
General requirements:
- 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, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam and Zambia.
- Work experience: At least 3,000 hours of verifiable work experience. This experience may have been acquired in a maximum of three different jobs.
- Leadership: Demonstrate leadership experience, either professionally or through involvement in civil society organisations.
- University admission: Have applied for admission to an eligible master’s programme at a Swedish university and be subject to Swedish tuition fees.
Coverage and benefits:
- Tuition: Full coverage of tuition fees, paid directly to the Swedish university.
- Living allowance: Monthly stipend of kr12,000 SEK (just over $1,000 approximately) to cover living expenses during the period of study.
- Travel costs: A one-off allowance of kr15,000 SEK (just over $1,300 approx.) to cover travel costs.
- Networking: Access to the SI Network for Future Global Professionalsfor professional growth and networking in Sweden.
How to apply?
- Apply for Master’s programmes at Swedish universities Through the University Admissions portal (www.universityadmissions.se).
- Scholarship application: After applying to the Master’s programme, candidates can apply for the scholarship via the Swedish Institute’s portal (www.si.se). Documentation required: Various documents must be submitted, including work and leadership experience forms, letters of reference and a copy of the passport. It’s essential to follow the instructions provided by the Swedish Institute to ensure a complete application.
- Opening of applications: 15 October for master’s programmes; 10 February for the scholarship.
- Closing of applications: 15 January for master’s programmes; 26 February for the scholarship.
- Announcement of university admissions: 27 March.
- Announcement of scholarships: 24 April.
2. Chalmers University of Technology IPOET Scholarships
Among the scholarships to study in Sweden, the IPOET Scholarship at Chalmers University of Technology is an outstanding opportunity for international students who wish to pursue Master’s programmes in engineering, architecture, information technology and natural sciences in Sweden. Funded by the Swedish Council for Higher Education, this scholarship aims to attract students of academic excellence from outside the EU/EEA.
The IPOET Scholarship is aimed at prospective Master’s students at Chalmers University of Technology. Each year, around 50 scholarships are awarded to candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and potential in their fields of study.
General requirements:
- Be a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA that is obliged to pay tuition fees in Sweden.
- Have applied for admission to a Master’s programme at Chalmers University of Technology.
- Outstanding academic record. It’s assessed through the weighted grade point average and the reputation of the home university.
Coverage and benefits:
- 75% reduction of tuition fees for two-year (four-semester) Master’s programmes.
- Students who excel during their first year of study can receive a further 85% tuition reduction during the second year.
- Note: The scholarship doesn’t cover living expenses, accommodation, insurance or study materials.
How to apply?
- Application for admission: Submit an application for a Master’s programme at Chalmers University of Technology via the University Admissions portal (www.universityadmissions.se).
- Application number: After completing the application for admission, an application number will be assigned which will be required for the scholarship application.
- Scholarship application: Complete the scholarship application through the Chalmers Scholarship Portal, providing the application number and the required documentation.
- Closing date: Generally at the end of November.
- Closing date: Approximately until 15 January of the following year.
Additional considerations
- Selection: Selection is based on academic excellence, grade point average and the reputation of the home university.
- The results of the scholarship are communicated to those selected before the start of the academic year.
3. Lund University Global Scholarship Programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship is a selective, merit-based programme aimed at students with an outstanding academic record. The main objective is to recognise and support those who have demonstrated excellence in their studies and who wish to continue their training in one of the various academic areas offered by the university:
- Undergraduate: Programmes in science, humanities, engineering, among others.
- Master’s degree: Advanced programmes in disciplines such as social sciences, technology, medicine, law, among others.
General requirements:
- Be a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
- Have applied for admission to a bachelor’s or master’s degree programme at Lund University.
- Demonstrate an exceptional academic record, as the scholarship is awarded on merit.
- Be obliged to pay tuition fees in Sweden.
- There are no specific age restrictions for applicants.
Coverage and benefits:
Scholarships can cover all or part of the tuition fees. The exact value of the scholarship is deducted from the tuition fees of the independent programme or course for which it was awarded. It’s important to note that this scholarship doesn’t cover living costs; therefore, students should ensure that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses during their stay in Sweden.
How to apply?
- Application for admission: Submit a complete application for a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at Lund University via the universityadmissions.se portal.
- Payment of the application fee: Ensure that the application fee is paid before the deadline.
- Scholarship application: Once the application form has been completed, applicants will receive information on how to apply for the scholarship via the university portal. The scholarship application is generally made online and may require the submission of additional documents proving the candidate’s academic excellence.
- Opening date: The call for applications for the scholarship usually opens at the beginning of February each year.
- Closing date: The application deadline is usually late February or early March.
Tips on how to get a scholarship in Sweden
- Proficient in English: Most programmes in Sweden are taught in English. Make sure you have a recognised certification, such as TOEFL or IELTS, to back up your language proficiency.
- Research available scholarships: Sweden offers a variety of scholarships for international students, such as those from the Swedish Institute and those provided by specific universities. Visit www.studyinsweden.se for up-to-date information on funding opportunities.
- Prepare a strong application: Highlight your academic achievements, work experience and motivation to study in Sweden. A well-written motivation letter and solid references can make a difference.
- Get to know Swedish culture: Familiarise yourself with Swedish customs and lifestyle. This won’t only help you in your adaptation, but will also demonstrate your commitment and interest during the selection process.
- Apply to multiple programmes: Some scholarships, such as those of the Swedish Institute, allow you to select up to four Master’s programmes, thus increasing your chances of being admitted.
Top universities to study in Sweden
1. Lund University
Outstanding degrees: Social Sciences, Engineering, Law, Business, Environmental Sciences.
Why choose it: Founded in 1666, this institution combines tradition with academic excellence and is one of the best universities in the world. Lund University is especially attractive to international students because of its research focus and wide range of more than 100 programmes taught in English.
With more than 45,000 students and around 6,000 international students, it gives students access to a global network of contacts that will be useful in their future careers.
2. Karolinska Institute
Outstanding degrees: Medicine, Biomedicine and Public Health.
Why choose it: Specialising in health sciences, the Karolinska Institute is world-renowned for its quality in medical teaching and research. It’s also responsible for selecting the winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, which underlines its prestige. It offers programmes for international students interested in medical innovation and global health improvement.
3. Uppsala University
Outstanding degrees: Humanities, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine.
Why choose it: Founded in 1477, it isn’t only Sweden’s oldest university, but is also known for its advances in areas such as medicine, biotechnology, chemistry and the social sciences. The university has been instrumental in important scientific discoveries, such as insulin, and continues to be a leader in genetics and pharmacologyresearch.
In terms of its student community, Uppsala is an internationalised place, with more than 5,000 international students arriving each year. The university organises cultural events and activities that allow students to learn about and enjoy Swedish culture while interacting with people from all over the world. This diverse and cosmopolitan environment is both an academic and social experience. In addition,
4. University of Gothenburg
Outstanding degrees: Psychology, Economics, Social Sciences, Law, Health Sciences.
Why choose it: Its location in Gothenburg, a city known for its innovation and commitment to sustainable development, provides students with an environment conducive to learning and collaboration with leading industriessuch as Volvo, Ericsson and companies in the renewable energy sector.
The university has a hands-on approach that connects students to real industry projects, thus facilitating an applied educational experience. In addition, it offers a customised education with English-language master’s programmes covering high-demand disciplines such as computer science, business management and environmental studies, preparing them to meet global challenges.
5. Chalmers University of Technology
Outstanding degrees: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Space Technology, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.
Why choose it: Located in Gothenburg, Sweden, it’s a leading institution for engineering, technology and innovation. It’s recognised worldwide for its focus on advanced technologies and sustainable solutions, excelling in applied research and collaboration with leading-edge industries. Chalmers focuses on developing innovative technologies in sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and industrial design.
The university has a close connection with industry, giving students opportunities to work on real projects and access to the latest technologies and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about scholarships to study in Sweden
The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is considered one of the most comprehensive scholarships, as it covers the full cost of tuition, provides a monthly stipend and even covers travel expenses.
-Be admitted to a master’s or doctoral programme at a Swedish university.
-Possess excellent academic performance.
-Submit letters of recommendation and a motivational essay.
-Meet specific criteria, such as professional experience or focus on priority areas (sustainability, innovation, etc.).
Most scholarship and study programmes in Sweden are taught in English. Therefore, it‘s essential to have a good level of English, demonstrated by tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. It isn’t compulsory to speak Swedish, although learning Swedish can be beneficial for everyday life and integration.
Generally, calls for applications for scholarships open between October and January, depending on the programme. For example, the Swedish Institute Scholarship usually accepts applications between December and February. It’s important to check the specific dates of each scholarship in order not to miss the opportunity.
Universities such as Lund University, the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), and Chalmers University of Technology are noted for their scholarship programmes for international students, with a wide variety of academic areas and benefits.
