About the opportunity
The Pioneering Women in STEM scholarship, offered by the Swedish Institute, supports women who want to lead innovation, strengthen their professional capacity, tackle complex challenges, and contribute to inclusive and sustainable societies. The scholarship is awarded for full-time, one- or two-year master’s studies at Swedish universities across a range of English-taught programmes focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Scholars also join the SI Network for Global Professionals for career development and lifelong connection.
Funding and benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage paid directly to the Swedish university each semester
- Monthly allowance of SEK 12,000 to cover living expenses throughout the study period
- One-time travel grant of SEK 15,000 (does not apply to students already living in Sweden)
- Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals
- Membership in the Sweden Alumni Network after the scholarship period ends
Who can apply?
- Be a female citizen of one of the 10 eligible countries: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, or Vietnam
- Apply to a STEM-related master's programme eligible for the Pioneering Women in STEM scholarship via University Admissions
- Be liable to pay tuition fees at University Admissions
- Have at least 3,000 hours of documented work experience prior to February 2027 accumulated from a maximum of three employers
- Have demonstrated leadership experience from current or previous employment, entrepreneurship, or civil society engagement
- Not have previously received a Swedish Institute scholarship or hold a Swedish degree
- Not have already resided in Sweden for cumulatively two years or more prior to the scholarship period
- Not hold Swedish, EU, EEA, or Swiss citizenship, a Swedish permanent residence permit, or a temporary work/residence permit based on work or family ties
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae using the provided SI template (maximum three pages)
- Proof of work and leadership experience using the provided SI template, signed by the referee and stamped with an official stamp
- Two letters of reference from two different referees using the provided SI template, signed and officially stamped
- Photocopy of a valid passport or National ID card showing personal data, citizenship, and photograph
- Written motivation in the online application portal
When to apply
- 16 October 2026 – 15 January 2027: Apply to Swedish master's programmes through University Admissions
- 13 November 2026: Pioneering Women in STEM application documents and eligible master's programmes are published
- 8 February 2027 – 24 February 2027: Application portal for SI Scholarships is open (closes at 14:59 CET on the final day)
- 1 April 2027: University admissions announcement
- 22 April 2027: SI Scholarship announcement
How to apply
- Apply for up to 4 eligible master's programmes on UniversityAdmissions.se by 15 January 2027 and obtain an eight-digit personal application number
- Prepare required application documents using the official Swedish Institute templates published on 13 November 2026
- Submit the scholarship application through the online application portal between 8 February and 24 February 2027
- Await university admission results announced on 1 April 2027 and final scholarship results announced on 22 April 2027
Additional information
- The scholarship does not cover insurance, application fees to University Admissions, or grants for family members
- Applicants must complete their application in English
- Applicants are automatically considered for the Pioneering Women in STEM scholarship when applying to an eligible STEM master's programme and meeting criteria through the main SI Scholarship portal
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Women professionals in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, or Vietnam with a solid background in STEM disciplines
- Applicants who meet the threshold of 3,000 hours of work experience and can clearly demonstrate active leadership in their workplace, community, or entrepreneurship
- Candidates seeking comprehensive financial support covering both full tuition and living expenses for a master's degree in Sweden
What should you think carefully about?
- The application process requires strict adherence to specific Swedish Institute templates and deadlines, with little room for error
- Admission to an eligible master's programme through University Admissions is a strict prerequisite alongside the separate scholarship application
- The scholarship does not cover health insurance, application fees to University Admissions, or dependents' allowances, requiring independent planning for those expenses
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship is an exceptional pathway for mid-career women in developing STEM sectors to acquire advanced European academic credentials, build international networks, and return home with enhanced capacity to drive sustainable development.
Our take
Female STEM professionals from the eligible countries aiming for leadership and sustainable impact through a master's degree in Sweden should thoroughly prepare their applications well before the February deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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