SI Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027/2028: Study in Sweden

The Swedish Institute Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027/2028 supports women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to advance their careers through master’s study in Sweden. It combines study funding with opportunities to develop leadership, professional networks and expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Organization: Swedish Institute (SI)
Location: Swedish universities, Sweden
Level: Full-time, English-taught STEM master’s programmes
Duration: One or two years
Master’s application deadline: 15 January 2027
Scholarship application period: 8–24 February 2027
Scholarship deadline: 24 February 2027, 14:59 CET
Eligible programme list and templates: Published on 13 November 2026

Current status: University applications are open. The SI scholarship portal opens on 8 February 2027.

What the scholarship covers

• Full tuition fees, paid directly to the Swedish university each semester.
• SEK 12,000 per month for living expenses throughout the study period.
• A one-time SEK 15,000 travel grant. Students already living in Sweden do not receive this payment.
• Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals, followed by the Sweden Alumni Network after the scholarship.

The scholarship does not include insurance, extra grants for family members or the University Admissions application fee. Check the university’s insurance arrangements. SI does not permit changes to the awarded programme or extensions to the scholarship period.

Eligible countries

Applicants must be female citizens of one of these 10 countries:

Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam.

You do not need to live in your country of citizenship when applying. If both citizenships are eligible, choose one; using dual citizenship to submit multiple applications leads to disqualification.

Study and admission requirements

Apply for a designated master’s programme in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. SI will publish the 2027/2028 eligible programme list on 13 November 2026.

You must be liable for tuition fees, pay the university application fee on time and be admitted or conditionally admitted to an eligible programme on admissions announcement day. Reserve-listed programmes and late admissions cannot receive the scholarship.

Your application should explain how your chosen studies will help you contribute to sustainable development in your home country and region.

Work and leadership experience

Applicants need at least 3,000 hours of work experience before February 2027, accumulated across no more than three employers. Full-time or part-time employment, freelancing and entrepreneurship can count. You need not be employed when applying.

You must also document leadership experience through work, entrepreneurship or civil society. There is no minimum number of leadership hours. SI prioritises relevant work experience and strong leadership experience from employment or entrepreneurship.

Other eligibility restrictions

Restrictions cover applicants currently enrolled at or holding a degree from a Swedish university, those who have already spent two or more cumulative years in Sweden, and previous SI scholarship recipients. Certain earlier SI summer-programme participants may still apply.

Swedish or EU/EEA citizenship, specified Swedish residence permits and dual citizenship involving countries outside the current DAC list of aid recipients can also make an applicant ineligible. Read the full official criteria before applying.

Documents to prepare

• CV using SI’s 2027/2028 template, maximum three pages.
• Proof of work and leadership experience using SI’s template, signed and stamped as instructed.
• Two reference letters from different referees, using SI’s template. At least one must be based on work experience.
• A copy of a valid passport or national ID showing your name, citizenship and photograph.
• Motivation entered in the portal. Some applicants may be randomly asked to record a short video presentation.

Complete the application in English and follow the official PDF, signature and stamp requirements. Templates will be available on 13 November 2026.

How to apply

1. Apply for master’s programmes through University Admissions by 15 January 2027.
2. Check SI’s eligible STEM programme list and prepare the required documents when the templates are published.
3. Submit one SI scholarship application between 8 and 24 February 2027, including up to four eligible master’s programmes.
4. Submit before 14:59 CET on 24 February 2027. Apply early to avoid pressure on the portal near closing.

The portal is shared with SI Scholarships for Global Professionals. Eligible women applying for eligible STEM programmes are automatically considered for Pioneering Women in STEM. You do not need to choose the scholarship or submit an additional application for it.

Results and key dates

• 13 November 2026: eligible programme list and application templates.
• 15 January 2027: master’s application deadline.
• 8–24 February 2027: scholarship application window.
• 1 April 2027: university admissions results.
• 22 April 2027: SI scholarship results.

Official scholarship details and application guidance ↗

University Admissions · Official scholarship FAQ