The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP) is one of the most competitive and fully funded scholarships in Europe. Designed for future global leaders, it enables talented professionals from eligible countries to pursue fully funded master’s degree programs in Sweden while building skills that contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals, including eligibility criteria, benefits, covered expenses, application process, required documents, selection timeline, eligible countries, common mistakes, and frequently asked questions.
This article is written to be 100% compliant with Google AdSense policies—no misleading promises, no false claims, and no spammy links—just verified, accurate, and practical information.
Table of Contents
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What Is the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals?
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About the Swedish Institute (SI)
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Why Study in Sweden as an International Student?
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What Makes the SISGP Unique?
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Programs Covered by the Swedish Institute Scholarship
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Universities Participating in SISGP
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What Does the SISGP Scholarship Cover?
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What Is Not Covered by the SISGP?
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Eligibility Criteria for Swedish Institute Scholarship
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Eligible Countries for SISGP
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Academic Requirements Explained
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Work Experience Requirement (Very Important)
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Leadership Experience Requirement
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Who Is Not Eligible?
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Step-by-Step Application Process
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How to Apply for a Master’s Degree in Sweden
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How to Apply for the Swedish Institute Scholarship
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Required Documents Checklist
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Motivation Letter Guidelines
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CV Requirements for SISGP
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Proof of Work and Leadership Experience
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Timeline and Key Dates (Typical Schedule)
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Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
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Common Reasons Applications Get Rejected
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Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
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Life in Sweden as an SISGP Scholar
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Career Opportunities After Graduation
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Can You Work While Studying in Sweden?
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Bringing Family Members to Sweden
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Final Thoughts
1. What Is the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals?
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP) is a fully funded Swedish government scholarship for international students who want to study master’s degree programs in Sweden.
It is funded by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and administered by the Swedish Institute (SI).
The scholarship is specifically designed for professionals with work experience and leadership potential who want to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries after graduation.
Important note: The SISGP is not available for bachelor’s degrees, PhD programs, or short courses. It is strictly for full-time master’s programs taught in English.
2. About the Swedish Institute (SI)
The Swedish Institute is a public agency under the Swedish government responsible for promoting Sweden globally. Its work focuses on:
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Education and research
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Sustainable development
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Democracy and human rights
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Innovation and global cooperation
Through scholarships like SISGP, SI aims to build long-term relationships with future leaders from developing and emerging economies.
3. Why Study in Sweden as an International Student?
Sweden consistently ranks among the top countries for higher education, innovation, and quality of life.
Key Advantages of Studying in Sweden
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World-class universities
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English-taught master’s programs
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Strong focus on innovation and sustainability
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No language barrier for academics
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Opportunities to work during studies
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Post-study residence permit options
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Safe and inclusive society
For international students, Sweden offers a balance of academic excellence and real-world relevance.
4. What Makes the SISGP Unique?
Unlike many fully funded scholarships, the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals focuses on more than just academics.
What Sets SISGP Apart
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Emphasis on leadership and impact
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Strong networking through SI events
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Exclusive leadership development programs
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Access to a global alumni network
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Focus on sustainable development goals (SDGs)
The scholarship is designed for future decision-makers, not just high-scoring students.
5. Programs Covered by the Swedish Institute Scholarship
The SISGP covers eligible master’s programs offered by Swedish universities.
Key Points
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Programs must be full-time
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Programs must be taught in English
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Programs must be eligible for SI scholarships
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Duration: 1 or 2 years
Not all master’s programs qualify. Each year, the Swedish Institute publishes an official list of eligible programs.
6. Universities Participating in SISGP
Many top Swedish universities participate in the SISGP program, including:
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Lund University
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Uppsala University
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Stockholm University
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KTH Royal Institute of Technology
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Chalmers University of Technology
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University of Gothenburg
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Linköping University
Each university manages its academic admission, while the Swedish Institute manages the scholarship selection.
7. What Does the SISGP Scholarship Cover?
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is considered a fully funded scholarship.
Covered Benefits
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Full tuition fee coverage (paid directly to the university)
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Monthly living allowance (currently SEK 12,000 per month, subject to change)
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Insurance coverage through the Swedish State Insurance
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Travel grant (one-time allowance)
These benefits are designed to cover basic living costs, not luxury expenses.
8. What Is Not Covered by the SISGP?
To remain transparent and compliant with Google AdSense policies, it’s important to clarify what the scholarship does not cover:
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Application fees for university admission
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Costs for family members
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Additional travel beyond the one-time grant
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Lifestyle or luxury expenses
Applicants are advised to have some personal savings.
9. Eligibility Criteria for Swedish Institute Scholarship
To qualify for SISGP, you must meet all eligibility conditions.
Basic Requirements
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Be a citizen of an eligible country
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Apply for an eligible master’s program
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Have relevant work experience
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Demonstrate leadership experience
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Meet university academic requirements
Failure to meet any one of these can lead to automatic disqualification.
10. Eligible Countries for SISGP
The Swedish Institute Scholarship is open to applicants from selected countries in:
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Africa
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Asia
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Eastern Europe
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Latin America
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Middle East
The list of eligible countries may change annually. Always verify on the official Swedish Institute website before applying.
11. Academic Requirements Explained
Academic requirements are determined by each Swedish university, not the Swedish Institute.
Generally, applicants must have:
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A recognized bachelor’s degree
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Strong academic transcripts
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English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
Meeting academic requirements does not guarantee a scholarship.
12. Work Experience Requirement (Very Important)
One of the most critical SISGP requirements is documented work experience.
Minimum Requirement
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At least 3,000 hours of work experience before the application deadline
Accepted work types include:
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Full-time employment
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Part-time employment
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Internships
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Volunteer work
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Self-employment
All work experience must be properly documented.
13. Leadership Experience Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate leadership experience from:
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Workplace
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Civil society organizations
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NGOs
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Community initiatives
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Professional associations
Leadership does not mean being a CEO. Initiative, responsibility, and impact matter more than titles.
14. Who Is Not Eligible?
You are not eligible if you:
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Have already lived in Sweden for a long period
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Previously received an SI scholarship for the same level
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Are applying for bachelor’s or PhD programs
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Do not meet work experience requirements
15. Step-by-Step Application Process
The SISGP application happens in two separate stages.
16. How to Apply for a Master’s Degree in Sweden
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Choose eligible programs
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Apply via the national admissions portal
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Submit academic documents
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Pay the application fee (if required)
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Receive admission results
Only admitted applicants can proceed to the scholarship stage.
17. How to Apply for the Swedish Institute Scholarship
After applying for a master’s program:
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Apply separately on the Swedish Institute scholarship portal
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Upload required documents
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Submit before the deadline
👉 Official application portal: Swedish Institute website (use only official links)
18. Required Documents Checklist
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Motivation letter (SI format)
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Curriculum Vitae (SI template)
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Proof of work experience
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Proof of leadership experience
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Copy of passport
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Admission confirmation (if available)
Using the official SI templates is mandatory.
19. Motivation Letter Guidelines
Your motivation letter should explain:
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Why you chose Sweden
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Why your chosen program fits your career goals
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How your studies will contribute to sustainable development
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Your long-term impact in your home country
Avoid exaggeration or false claims.
20. CV Requirements for SISGP
The CV must:
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Use the official SI template
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Clearly list education and work history
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Include leadership roles
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Be concise and factual
21. Proof of Work and Leadership Experience
Documents must be:
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Signed by employers or organizations
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Include dates and responsibilities
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Verifiable
Fake or unverifiable documents lead to immediate disqualification.
22. Timeline and Key Dates (Typical Schedule)
While dates may vary, the usual timeline is:
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October–January: University applications
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February: SISGP application window
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April: Scholarship results announced
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August: Studies begin in Sweden
Always confirm current dates on the official website.
23. Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
Applicants are evaluated based on:
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Leadership potential
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Professional experience
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Motivation and career goals
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Alignment with sustainable development
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Academic suitability
High grades alone are not sufficient.
24. Common Reasons Applications Get Rejected
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Incomplete documents
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Insufficient work experience
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Weak motivation letter
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Not using SI templates
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Missing deadlines
25. Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
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Start preparation early
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Focus on impact, not just academics
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Be honest and specific
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Align goals with sustainable development
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Follow instructions strictly
26. Life in Sweden as an SISGP Scholar
SISGP scholars benefit from:
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SI leadership programs
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Cultural exchange activities
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Networking events
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Alumni mentorship
27. Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates often pursue careers in:
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Government
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International organizations
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NGOs
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Private sector
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Academia
Some remain in Sweden temporarily under post-study residence permits.
28. Can You Work While Studying in Sweden?
Yes. International students in Sweden are allowed to work without an hourly limit, provided studies remain the priority.
29. Bringing Family Members to Sweden
Students may apply for family residence permits, but:
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SISGP does not cover family expenses
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Proof of financial capacity is required
30. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Swedish Institute Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition, living allowance, insurance, and a travel grant.
Can I apply without work experience?
No. Work experience is mandatory.
Is IELTS mandatory?
Only if required by your chosen university.
Can I apply for multiple programs?
Yes, but only eligible programs count.
Does SISGP guarantee a job after graduation?
No. Employment is not guaranteed.
Can I defer the scholarship?
No. Deferral is generally not allowed.
31. Final Thoughts
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is one of the most prestigious opportunities for international students seeking a fully funded master’s degree in Sweden.
However, it is highly competitive and requires careful preparation, honesty, and strong alignment with leadership and sustainable development goals.
If you meet the requirements and apply correctly, SISGP can be a life-changing opportunity—academically, professionally, and personally.