Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP): In-Depth Benefits Overview

The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship program aimed at highly qualified professionals from specific countries who wish to pursue full-time master’s studies in Sweden. Funded by the Swedish government, this program not only eliminates the financial burden of studying abroad but also invests in future global leaders committed to sustainable development.

 1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage

One of the most substantial benefits of the SISGP is the complete waiver of tuition fees for your master’s studies in Sweden.

Tuition fees for international students at Swedish universities generally range between SEK 80,000 to SEK 295,000 per academic year (approximately €8,000 to €29,500 depending on the program and university).

Under SISGP, the Swedish Institute pays your tuition directly to your host university, so recipients do not have to worry about out-of-pocket academic expenses.

The tuition support lasts for the entire duration of the program (usually 1 or 2 years), and there is no repayment obligation.

This ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their academic and professional development without financial stress.

 2. Travel Grant

To assist with relocation, the SISGP provides a one-time travel grant, which varies based on the recipient’s country of citizenship.

SEK 15,000 (approximately €1,300) is offered to most eligible countries.

SEK 10,000 (approximately €870) is awarded to scholars from countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.

This grant is paid after arrival in Sweden and is intended to cover the cost of airfare and initial settling-in expenses. It’s important to note that the grant is non-recurring, so it’s paid only once, not annually.

3. Monthly Stipend for Living Expenses

Another highlight of the SISGP is its generous monthly living allowance, provided to help scholars afford life in Sweden, which can be costly for international students.

Scholars receive SEK 12,000 per month (approximately €1,050–€1,100) throughout the duration of their master’s program.

This stipend is designed to cover:

Accommodatio

Food

Local transport

Study materials

Personal expenses

The stipend is not taxable, and there are no restrictions on how it can be used, as long as it supports the student’s cost of living. This amount is sufficient to live comfortably in most Swedish cities, although costs may be slightly higher in Stockholm or Gothenburg.

4. Health and Accident Insurance

International students are required to have adequate insurance while studying in Sweden. The SISGP takes care of this requirement by providing comprehensive health insurance coverage through Kammarkollegiet, Sweden’s Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency.

This insurance covers:

Emergency medical care

Emergency dental care

Personal injury (accidents)

Disability and death

Property theft and loss

Repatriation

This policy ensures scholars are well-protected during their stay in Sweden and eliminates the need for purchasing separate private insurance.

 5. Open to Select Non-EU Nationalities (Not All Countries)

Although the scholarship is not open to all nationalities, it is available to a wide range of countries across several continents. The scholarship is targeted toward citizens of 41 eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

A few examples of eligible countries include:

Africa: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Asia: Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam

Europe (non-EU): Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine

Middle East: Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria

Latin America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru

Note: EU/EEA citizens are not eligible, as they do not pay tuition fees in Sweden. Also, if you already reside in Sweden or have previously received an SI scholarship, you are generally ineligible.

 6. No IELTS Required (Conditional)

One of the attractive features of applying for studies in Sweden — including the SISGP — is the flexible language requirement.

IELTS is not mandatory if you can prove English proficiency through other means, such as:

Completing your previous degree in an English-medium institution (if accepted by the Swedish university)

Holding proof of English proficiency from an accepted test (TOEFL, Cambridge English)

If you’re from a country where English is the official language or if the university waives the test requirement

Important: The scholarship itself does not impose any separate language test requirement beyond what is required by the university and the program you’re applying for.

Additional Opportunities Beyond Funding

The SISGP experience includes more than just financial benefits. Recipients are offered the chance to become part of a professional development and global leadership network, including:

SI Network for Future Global Professionals (NFGP): A platform where current scholars participate in events, leadership workshops, and sustainability dialogues.

SI Alumni Network: Post-study, you join a global alumni community involved in projects and initiatives aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This can lead to grants, fellowships, and international collaborations.

✅ In Summary: Key Takeaways