Swedish Institute Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027

The Swedish Institute Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027–2028 is a fully funded educational initiative offered by the Swedish Institute (SI), a Swedish public agency. The programme aims to empower women from selected African and Asian countries to develop their expertise and leadership in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The scholarship supports full-time, English-taught master's degree programmes lasting one or two years at participating Swedish universities. Successful applicants can pursue advanced education and research-based learning while gaining exposure to Sweden's academic and innovation environment.

The initiative focuses on developing future female leaders who can use scientific knowledge, technological innovation and professional experience to address important societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

Eligible academic areas include science, engineering, technology, mathematics and related interdisciplinary subjects. Applicants must select their degree from the Swedish Institute's officially approved programme list for the 2027–2028 academic year.

Alongside academic studies, scholarship recipients join the SI Network for Global Professionals, which supports international professional connections, leadership development and collaboration. After completing their scholarship, participants can continue their professional engagement through the Sweden Alumni Network.

An important part of the programme is its emphasis on practical experience. Applicants must demonstrate substantial previous work experience and leadership capability, showing how their chosen master's education can contribute to professional and societal development.

The scholarship application process is separate from admission to a Swedish university. Applicants must satisfy both the Swedish Institute's scholarship criteria and the admission requirements of their chosen master's degree programme.

Applicants must meet the following officially published requirements:

• Gender: Be a female applicant.

• Nationality: Hold citizenship of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand or Vietnam.

• Academic Qualification: Meet the general requirements for admission to a master's degree, normally including a recognised bachelor's degree.

• Eligible Programme: Apply for a designated, full-time, English-taught STEM master's programme included in the Swedish Institute's 2027–2028 eligible programme list.

• Tuition Fee Status: Be liable to pay tuition fees at a Swedish university.

• Application Fee: Pay the University Admissions application fee within the official deadline.

• University Admission: Be admitted or conditionally admitted to an eligible master's programme on the official admissions announcement date.

• Work Experience: Have at least 3,000 hours of work experience before February 2027, accumulated from a maximum of three employers.

• Acceptable Experience: Full-time employment, part-time employment, freelancing and entrepreneurship may count towards the work experience requirement.

• Leadership Experience: Demonstrate leadership experience through employment, entrepreneurship, civil society organisations or professional networks.

• Previous Swedish Education: Must not currently be enrolled at, or hold a degree from, a Swedish university or university college.

• Previous Residence: Must not have lived in Sweden for a cumulative period of two years or more before the scholarship period begins in August 2027.

• Previous SI Scholarship: Must not have previously received a Swedish Institute scholarship for studies, subject to the published exceptions for certain short programmes.

• Citizenship and Residence Restrictions: Applicants with Swedish or EU/EEA citizenship, certain Swedish residence permits, or disqualifying dual citizenship are ineligible under the published rules.

The Swedish Institute Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027–2028 offers the following confirmed benefits:

• Full Tuition Fee Coverage: The Swedish Institute pays the full tuition fee directly to the university each semester.

• Monthly Living Allowance: SEK 12,000 per month throughout the approved study period.

• Travel Grant: A one-time payment of SEK 15,000 for recipients who are not already living in Sweden.

• Professional Networking: Membership of the SI Network for Global Professionals during the scholarship period.

• Career Development: Access to networking and professional development opportunities through the SI network.

• Alumni Membership: Membership of the Sweden Alumni Network after completing the scholarship.

• Academic Opportunities: Study at participating Swedish universities in recognised STEM master's programmes.

There are two separate application stages with different document requirements.

For Swedish University Admission:

• Bachelor's degree certificate or acceptable evidence of degree completion, according to University Admissions rules.

• Academic transcripts documenting previous university studies.

• Evidence of English-language proficiency meeting the selected master's programme's requirements.

• Any additional documents required by the individual university or programme.

• Application fee payment or applicable fee documentation through University Admissions.

For the Swedish Institute Scholarship:

• Documentation proving at least 3,000 hours of eligible work experience.

• Evidence of relevant leadership experience.

• Information about the selected eligible master's programmes.

• University Admissions application number.

• Scholarship application information explaining the applicant's background, professional aims and contribution to sustainable development.

The Swedish Institute's published eligibility and priority statements identify the following considerations:

• Eligibility Compliance: Applicants must meet the citizenship, university admission, tuition fee and previous experience requirements.

• Relevant Work Experience: Work experience closely connected to the selected academic field is prioritised.

• Leadership Experience: Strong and relevant leadership experience through employment or entrepreneurship receives priority.

• Professional Motivation: Applicants should clearly explain how their chosen master's studies relate to their professional development.

• Sustainable Development Contribution: Applicants should demonstrate how their studies can contribute to sustainable development in their home country or region.

• Programme Relevance: The selected master's programme must be included in the official eligible programme list.

• Internationally Recognised Education: Study in Sweden's research-focused higher education environment.

• Women in STEM: Join an initiative dedicated to supporting women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

• Leadership Development: Strengthen professional leadership and international collaboration skills.

• Global Networking: Connect with professionals and scholarship recipients through the SI Network for Global Professionals.

• Sustainable Development: Develop knowledge and expertise that can help address challenges in your home country.

• Long-Term Professional Connections: Continue networking through the Sweden Alumni Network after graduation.