Swedish Institute Scholarships 2026 for African Students (Fully Funded Master’s in Sweden)

Swedish Institute Scholarships 2026 for African Students (Fully Funded Master’s in Sweden)

The Swedish Institute Scholarships 2026 offer an incredible opportunity for global professionals — including talented South Africans — to study in Sweden for free. The scholarship covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel, enabling young leaders to gain a world-class education while building skills to promote sustainable development in their home countries.

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About the Swedish Institute (SI)

The Swedish Institute is a government agency that promotes Sweden internationally through education, culture, and research partnerships. It supports global talent by funding scholarships that encourage leadership, innovation, and sustainable development in partner countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Overview of the Swedish Institute Scholarships 2026

• Country: Sweden
• Study Level: Master’s Degree
• Duration: 1–2 years (full-time)
• Host Institutions: Accredited Swedish universities
• Application Deadline: 25 February 2026
• Eligible Regions: Africa, Asia, Latin America (including South Africa and Tanzania)

Fields of Study

Applicants can apply for English-taught Master’s programmes in diverse fields, including:

• Governance and Public Policy
• Public Health
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)

Aim and Benefits

The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is a fully funded programme that includes:

• Full tuition fee coverage paid directly to the university.
• Monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000.
• Travel grant of up to SEK 15,000 (depending on country).
• Insurance and membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP).
• Access to alumni networks and long-term career opportunities in Sweden and beyond.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the SI Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of an eligible country (including South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and more).
• Be liable to pay tuition fees to Swedish universities.
• Have at least 3,000 hours of work experience before February 2026.
• Demonstrate leadership experience in their workplace or through civil society engagement.
• Be admitted to an eligible master’s programme via UniversityAdmissions.se.

Work Experience Requirements

Applicants must show professional experience equivalent to 3,000 hours (approximately two years of full-time work). This can include employment, self-employment, freelancing, or volunteer work.

Leadership Experience

Leadership may include supervising a team, managing a project, influencing organizational goals, or community-based leadership. Applicants with proven leadership impact will be prioritized.

Application Process

Step 1: Apply for a Master’s Programme

Apply to up to four master’s programmes through University Admissions before 15 January 2026. Once submitted, you’ll receive an eight-digit application number — you will need this number for your SI scholarship application.

Step 2: Apply for the SI Scholarship

Applications for the scholarship open shortly after the university application period. You’ll be required to submit the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (using the SI template)
• Proof of work and leadership experience (using the SI template)
• Two letters of reference
• Copy of valid passport or national ID
• A motivation statement (written in English)

All documents must be typed, signed, stamped (where applicable), and uploaded as a single PDF file to the online portal. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.

Selection and Results

Shortlisted candidates will be notified after the university admission results on 26 March 2026. Final scholarship results will be announced on 23 April 2026 via the official Swedish Institute website. Only successful candidates will be contacted by email.

Common Challenges

• Failing to follow SI document templates or deadlines.
• Insufficient evidence of leadership or professional experience.
• Submitting an application for a non-eligible programme.

Tips for Success

• Start early — prepare your documents before November 2025.
• Clearly link your career goals to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Get reference letters from supervisors who know your work and leadership abilities well.
• Double-check eligibility and application deadlines on si.se.

Useful Resources

• Swedish Institute Scholarships – Official Website
• University Admissions Portal (Sweden)
• Study in Sweden – Official Information Portal
• More International Scholarships on Wikihii.co.za

Conclusion

The Swedish Institute Scholarships 2026 offer more than financial support — they open doors to a global network of leaders driving change in their countries. If you’re an ambitious young professional aiming to study in Sweden and contribute to sustainable development, this could be your life-changing opportunity.

🔗 For regular updates on scholarships, internships, and jobs in South Africa, follow our channel Wikihii Updates on WhatsApp and visit Wikihii.co.za Scholarships.