Scholarships in Sweden for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden is quickly emerging as a top destination for international students thanks to its high academic standards, progressive society, and globally ranked universities. Although Sweden does not offer free education to non-EU/EEA students, it provides a variety of scholarships and tuition waivers that significantly reduce the financial burden.

This guide explores the top scholarships in Sweden for international students, including eligibility requirements, coverage details, and how to apply.

Why Study in Sweden?

Sweden is home to world-class institutions such as Lund University, Uppsala University, Stockholm University, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Students are drawn to Sweden’s focus on innovation, research, sustainability, and its reputation for academic freedom.

While non-EU students are required to pay tuition fees, many universities and government agencies offer generous scholarships to help cover these costs.

Top Scholarships in Sweden for International Students

1. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)

Funded by the Swedish government, SISGP is a highly competitive scholarship for master’s degree students.

Eligibility:

• Non-EU/EEA nationals

• Work experience and demonstrated leadership skills

• Admission to a full-time master’s program in Sweden

Coverage:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly stipend for living expenses

• Travel grant

• Insurance

2. University-Specific Scholarships

Many Swedish universities offer their own scholarships for international students.

Examples:

• Lund University Global Scholarship

• Uppsala University Global Scholarship

• KTH Scholarship

• Chalmers IPOET Scholarship

• Stockholm University Scholarship Scheme

Eligibility:

• Non-EU/EEA students with outstanding academic results

Coverage:

• Partial to full tuition waivers (varies by university)

3. Karlstad University Global Scholarship

Awarded to high-achieving non-EU students enrolled in degree programs.

Coverage:

• Partial tuition fee reduction

4. Halmstad University Scholarships

Available to qualified students applying to master's programs in areas like IT, engineering, and business.

Coverage:

• 25% to 50% tuition fee reductions

How to Apply for Scholarships in Sweden

Step 1: Apply for Admission You must first apply for admission to a Swedish university through the national application portal UniversityAdmissions.se.

Step 2: Check Scholarship Availability Each university and the Swedish Institute publish their scholarships separately. Check requirements and deadlines.

Step 3: Submit Scholarship Application Most scholarships require a separate application that includes:

• Academic transcripts

• Motivation letter

• CV/resume

• Proof of leadership/work experience (for SISGP)

Step 4: Monitor Results Scholarship results are usually announced between March and April.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Apply early (well before deadlines)

• Focus on academic excellence and leadership experience

• Personalize your motivation letter for each scholarship

• Provide complete and clear documentation

Final Thoughts

Sweden offers an ideal environment for forward-thinking students seeking a global education. While tuition fees apply to non-EU/EEA students, a wide range of scholarships makes studying in Sweden more accessible and affordable. Whether through government-funded programs or university-specific awards, you can find opportunities that align with your academic goals and financial needs.

Need support navigating the application process for Swedish universities or scholarships? Contact our academic advisors for tailored assistance.