The Swedish Institute has officially opened applications for the 2026 Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP), a prestigious fully funded master’s degree scholarship designed for experienced international professionals with proven leadership capacity.
The application window, which opened on February 9, 2026, will close on February 25, 2026, giving qualified candidates a brief but critical period to submit their scholarship applications.
The programme is targeted at mid-career professionals and emerging leaders who intend to pursue advanced studies in Sweden and later apply their knowledge toward sustainable development and societal transformation in their home countries. The Swedish Institute places strong emphasis on applicants who can demonstrate substantial professional experience as well as active leadership roles in their careers or communities.
To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must have already applied for and received admission or conditional admission to an eligible English-taught master’s programme at a Swedish university for the Autumn 2026 academic session. This admission must be secured through the official University Admissions system before a scholarship application can be considered. Applications submitted without a valid university application number will be automatically disqualified.
The Swedish Institute Scholarship offers comprehensive financial coverage throughout the study period. Successful scholars will have their full tuition fees paid directly to the university by the Swedish Institute. In addition, recipients will receive a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 to cover accommodation, feeding and other personal expenses. A one-time travel grant of up to SEK 15,000 is also provided to assist with relocation costs to Sweden.
Beyond financial support, scholars gain access to the SI Network for Global Professionals, an international platform for networking, leadership development, and professional collaboration. Upon completion of their studies, beneficiaries automatically become members of the Sweden Alumni Network, strengthening long-term global ties.
The scholarship supports full-time one-year and two-year master’s programmes across diverse fields including governance, public health, entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, and STEM disciplines.
Applicants must be citizens of countries approved by the Swedish Institute, a list which includes Nigeria alongside several nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Candidates must also present documented proof of work experience, whether through employment, business, or freelancing, and evidence of leadership engagement either in professional roles or civil society initiatives.
The selection process follows a strict timeline. Candidates were required to apply for their chosen master’s programmes between October 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026. With the scholarship portal now open, eligible applicants must complete their submissions before February 25, 2026. University admission decisions are expected to be released on March 26, 2026, while the final list of scholarship awardees will be announced on April 23, 2026.
This scholarship remains one of Europe’s most competitive and respected funding opportunities for international students, reflecting Sweden’s long-standing commitment to building global leadership capacity through education. For many professionals across developing countries, it presents a rare opportunity to access world-class education, international exposure, and lifelong professional networks — all fully funded.
Eligible applicants can submit their scholarship application through the official portal: https://apply-scholarships.si.se
