Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) — Fully Funded Masters in Sweden 2026/2027

Overview

The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) is one of the world’s most prestigious government-funded programmes, offering talented individuals the opportunity to pursue fully funded master’s degrees at top universities across Sweden.

Designed to develop future global leaders, the scholarship empowers professionals who are passionate about contributing to sustainable development in their home countries.

Applicants from developing nations — including Nigeria and most African countries — are eligible to apply.

Scholarship Benefits

The SISGP is a fully funded scholarship that covers almost every major expense, including:

• ✅ Full tuition fees (paid directly to the university)

• ✅ Monthly living allowance of approximately SEK 12,000

• ✅ Travel grant of up to SEK 15,000 (depending on country)

• ✅ Health and accident insurance

• ✅ Access to global leadership networks like the SI Network for Future Global Professionals (NFGP) and the SI Alumni Network

Note: The scholarship does not cover dependents (spouse or children) or the initial university application fee.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship

• Must be a citizen of an eligible country (Nigeria is eligible).

• Must be required to pay tuition fees to Swedish universities.

Academic & Professional Requirements

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

• Applied to an eligible master’s programme in Sweden starting autumn 2026.

• Have at least 3,000 hours (about 18 months) of work experience.

• Demonstrate leadership experience in a professional, community, or NGO setting.

Residency Condition

• You cannot apply if you currently reside in Sweden or hold EU/EEA citizenship.

Eligible Programmes

Only full-time, on-campus, English-taught master’s programmes beginning in August 2025 are eligible.
A detailed list of qualifying programmes is available on the Swedish Institute website each year:
🔗 View Eligible Master’s Programmes

Application Timeline (2026/2027 Cycle)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Apply for a Master’s Programme

• Visit UniversityAdmissions.se

• Apply for up to four master’s programmes in Sweden.

• Pay the SEK 900 application fee (unless exempt).

• Save your application number — you’ll need it for the scholarship.

Step 2: Apply for the SISGP Scholarship

Once the scholarship portal opens:

• Go to Apply-Scholarships.SI.SE

• Log in or create an account.

• Enter your university application number.

• Upload required documents (see below).

• Submit before the deadline.

Required Documents

🟡 All documents must be in English or Swedish, uploaded as PDFs, and labelled according to SI guidelines.

Selection Process

The Swedish Institute assesses applicants based on the following:

• Work experience and relevance of professional background

• Leadership potential and ability to drive positive change

• Motivation and alignment with Sweden’s development priorities

• Academic excellence and eligibility for master’s admission

Approximately 350 scholarships are awarded each year to professionals worldwide.

How to Strengthen Your Application

• Choose programmes closely related to your career path and national development goals.

• Highlight measurable leadership impact — e.g., projects managed, community initiatives led.

• Clearly articulate how your Swedish education will benefit your home country.

• Prepare references early and ensure they use official organisational letterheads.

• Avoid generic statements — make your motivation letter personal and result-driven.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying to programmes not eligible under SISGP.

• Submitting incomplete applications or missing attachments.

• Using vague motivation letters with no development impact.

• Misstating or failing to verify work hours and leadership roles.

• Submitting after the deadline — SI does not grant extensions.

For Nigerian Applicants

Nigerian candidates are among the most successful SISGP recipients in Africa. When applying:

1. Focus on programmes addressing Nigeria’s development needs (renewable energy, health, ICT, education reform, governance).

2. Strengthen your leadership profile through NGO, community, or entrepreneurial experience.

3. Ensure your passport and international documents are valid for at least 18 months beyond your expected start date.

4. Prepare to apply for a Swedish residence permit immediately after scholarship confirmation.

Life After the Scholarship

Graduates automatically join the SI Alumni Network, which includes over 17,000 global professionals. The network supports collaboration, project funding, and ongoing engagement with Sweden’s diplomatic and development communities.

Many alumni have gone on to become senior government officials, entrepreneurs, NGO directors, and global advocates for sustainability.

Summary of Key Facts

Final Advice

The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals are more than just funding — they’re a leadership opportunity. Beyond tuition and stipends, recipients gain the tools, network, and inspiration to influence sustainable change across industries and countries.

For Nigerian professionals determined to create impact at home and abroad, the SISGP is one of the most life-changing opportunities you can pursue.

Start early, plan intentionally, and when the portal opens — apply without hesitation.

🔗 Official Application Link:
👉 https://apply-scholarships.si.se

📘 Scholarship Information:
👉 https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/swedish-institute-scholarships-for-global-professionals/