Closing Date: 15 January 2027
Swedish Institute Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Studies in Sweden
The Swedish Institute Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027 offers women from selected countries in Africa and Asia an opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at a Swedish university.
The scholarship is designed to support women who want to advance their STEM careers, develop leadership skills and contribute to sustainable development in their communities. Successful applicants receive full tuition coverage, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 and a one-time travel grant of SEK 15,000 for eligible recipients.
The scholarship application period for the 2027/2028 academic year is scheduled for 8–24 February 2027. Prospective applicants should begin preparing by identifying eligible master’s programmes and applying for university admission before the January deadline.
About the Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship
The Swedish Institute Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship is offered by the Swedish Institute (SI), a Swedish government agency that promotes international cooperation and Sweden’s global relationships.
The initiative supports women who are ready to use their STEM knowledge to address complex challenges, encourage innovation and build more inclusive and sustainable societies. It provides funding for full-time master’s studies lasting one or two years at Swedish universities.
Beyond financial assistance, scholars gain access to professional networking opportunities through the SI Network for Global Professionals. After completing their studies, they can also join the Sweden Alumni Network to maintain professional connections and continue developing their careers.
Scholarship Benefits
The Swedish Institute Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship provides the following benefits:
- Full tuition fees: The Swedish Institute pays the tuition fees directly to the university for the scholarship period.
- Monthly living allowance: Scholars receive SEK 12,000 per month to help cover accommodation, food, transport and other living expenses.
- Travel grant: Eligible recipients receive a one-time grant of SEK 15,000. Applicants already living in Sweden are not eligible for this grant.
- Professional networking: Scholars become members of the SI Network for Global Professionals.
- Alumni network: Graduates can join the Sweden Alumni Network for continued professional development and collaboration.
Eligible Fields of Study
The scholarship supports eligible English-taught master’s programmes in STEM disciplines at participating Swedish universities.
Depending on the programmes included in the official list, potential study areas may include engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, biological sciences, environmental science and other science- and technology-related fields.
The list of eligible master’s programmes for the 2027/2028 academic year is scheduled to be published on 13 November 2026. Applicants must verify that their chosen course appears on the official list before applying. Not every STEM programme in Sweden automatically qualifies for the scholarship.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to female citizens of ten eligible countries in Africa and Asia. Applicants must meet the following main requirements:
- Be a female citizen of one of the eligible countries.
- Apply for an eligible English-taught STEM master’s programme in Sweden.
- Be liable to pay tuition fees under Sweden’s university admissions system.
- Have documented work experience.
- Demonstrate leadership experience gained through employment, entrepreneurship or civil society engagement.
- Meet the scholarship’s additional eligibility conditions, including restrictions relating to previous Swedish Institute scholarships and Swedish degrees.
How to Apply for the Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027
The application process involves applying for a master’s programme first and then submitting a separate scholarship application.
Step 1: Identify an eligible master’s programme.
Check the official Swedish Institute website when the 2027/2028 list is published on 13 November 2026. Select a programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
Step 2: Apply for university admission.
Submit your master’s application. The application period runs from 16 October 2026 to 15 January 2027. Applicants can select up to four eligible programmes. Keep your eight-digit application number because it will be needed for the scholarship application.
Step 3: Prepare the required documents.
Review the Swedish Institute’s official instructions and prepare the required CV, proof of work and leadership experience, reference letters, identification document and motivation statement using the prescribed templates.
Step 4: Submit the scholarship application.
The scholarship portal is scheduled to open on 8 February 2027 and close on 24 February 2027 at 14:59 Central European Time (CET). Follow the instructions carefully and ensure that all information and supporting documents are accurate.
Important Application Dates
- 13 November 2026: Eligible master’s programmes and application documents scheduled for publication.
- 15 January 2027: Deadline to apply for master’s programmes.
- 8–24 February 2027: Scheduled scholarship application period.
- 1 April 2027: University admission results.
- 22 April 2027: Scheduled announcement of scholarship recipients.
The Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship is an opportunity for eligible women to pursue advanced STEM education in Sweden without having to cover tuition fees themselves. Check your eligibility early, prepare your documents carefully and make sure you meet both the university admission and scholarship deadlines.
