Swedish Institute
Applications are open for the Swedish Institute (SI) Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027, an international scholarship programme supporting women who want to advance their careers through science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The scholarship enables eligible candidates to pursue full time master's studies at Swedish universities while developing the knowledge, professional networks and leadership skills needed to contribute to innovation and sustainable development.
The programme is offered by the Swedish Institute, a public agency that promotes Sweden internationally and supports educational and professional exchanges. Through this scholarship, the institute aims to support women who can use advanced STEM education to address complex challenges, strengthen their professional capacity and contribute to more inclusive societies.
The scholarship supports eligible one year or two year master's programmes taught in English and beginning in autumn 2027. Successful applicants receive full tuition fee coverage, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 and a one time travel grant of SEK 15,000, subject to the scholarship conditions. Scholars also become members of the SI Network for Global Professionals and, after completing the scholarship period, the Sweden Alumni Network.
The Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship is intended to help women develop advanced expertise in fields that contribute to scientific progress, technological innovation and sustainable development.
STEM disciplines play an important role in addressing challenges such as climate change, public health, digital transformation, energy security, food systems and environmental protection. By supporting women's access to advanced education, the scholarship aims to strengthen the contribution of women to these areas and encourage future leadership in STEM related careers.
Scholars study at Swedish universities, where they can benefit from research based education, international academic environments and opportunities to develop specialised knowledge. The programme also provides access to the SI Network for Global Professionals, which supports professional development, collaboration and connections with other scholarship recipients and leaders.
The scholarship is competitive. Applicants should therefore choose master's programmes that match their previous education, professional experience and future goals.
Successful applicants can receive the following benefits:
• Full tuition fee coverage: Tuition fees are paid directly to the Swedish university by the Swedish Institute for the duration of the awarded scholarship.
• Monthly living allowance: SEK 12,000 per month to help cover living expenses throughout the study period.
• Travel grant: A one time payment of SEK 15,000 for eligible scholars. This grant does not apply to students already living in Sweden.
• Professional networking: Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals during the scholarship period.
• Alumni network: Membership in the Sweden Alumni Network after the scholarship period ends.
• International education: The opportunity to complete an eligible master's degree at a Swedish university.
• Professional development: Opportunities to strengthen academic expertise, build international connections and develop leadership capacity.
• Knowledge exchange: Exposure to new research, perspectives and professional experiences that can support future work in STEM.
Applicants should understand the limits of the award before applying.
• Health insurance is not included as a scholarship benefit.
• No additional allowance is provided for family members.
• The application fee charged through University Admissions is not covered.
• The scholarship cannot be transferred to a different master's programme after the award is made.
• Extensions or changes to the awarded scholarship period are not permitted under the published conditions.
Applicants should budget for expenses that are not covered by the scholarship.
The scholarship is open to women who hold citizenship in one of the following 10 countries.
• Bangladesh
• Indonesia
• Kenya
• Malaysia
• Nigeria
• Philippines
• Rwanda
• South Africa
• Thailand
• Vietnam
Applicants must meet the citizenship requirement. Living in one of these countries does not by itself establish eligibility if the applicant is not a citizen of an eligible country.
To qualify for the Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027, applicants must satisfy the Swedish Institute's requirements.
• Gender and citizenship: Applicants must be women and citizens of one of the 10 eligible countries.
• Eligible master's programme: Applicants must apply for a STEM related master's programme included in the official scholarship programme list for the 2027 to 2028 academic year.
• Tuition fee status: Applicants must be liable to pay tuition fees through the Swedish university admissions system.
• Documented work experience: Applicants must have at least 3,000 hours of qualifying work experience accumulated before the scholarship application period, subject to the official rules.
• Leadership experience: Applicants must demonstrate leadership experience through current or previous employment, entrepreneurship or civil society engagement.
• Previous scholarship restriction: Applicants must not have previously received a Swedish Institute scholarship for studies.
• Swedish degree restriction: Applicants must not already hold a Swedish degree.
• University application: Applicants must submit an application for eligible master's programmes through the central University Admissions portal within the specified period.
The Swedish Institute places importance on documented experience. Applicants should prepare employment records and evidence of leadership well in advance, using the official templates when they become available.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. The scholarship is competitive, and applicants should demonstrate how their education, professional experience and leadership goals align with the purpose of the programme.
The scholarship application requires applicants to provide information and supporting documents in accordance with Swedish Institute instructions.
Applicants should prepare the following materials:
• Curriculum vitae: Use the official Swedish Institute CV template, following the page limit and formatting instructions.
• Proof of work and leadership experience: Document relevant experience using the prescribed template. The form must be completed and authenticated according to the official requirements.
• Letters of reference: Prepare two reference letters from two different referees using the official template. The required signatures and official stamps must be included.
• Passport or national identity document: Provide a copy showing the required personal information, citizenship and photograph.
• Motivation statement: Explain your reasons for pursuing the selected master's programme and how the education will contribute to your professional development and wider goals.
• University application number: Save the eight digit personal application number generated by University Admissions. This number must be entered correctly in the scholarship application.
The official scholarship templates and eligible programme list are scheduled for publication on 13 November 2026. Applicants should use the current templates rather than relying on documents from previous scholarship cycles.
Follow these steps to apply for the Swedish Institute Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027.
Swedish Institute
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