The Swedish Institute (SI) is inviting eligible women from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa to begin applications for the Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027/2028, which provides fully funded master’s studies at Swedish universities.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 and a one-time travel grant of SEK 15,000 for eligible recipients.
About the Scholarship
The Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship supports women with professional and leadership experience who want to pursue postgraduate studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Administered by the Swedish Institute, a Swedish public agency, the programme supports full-time, English-taught master’s degrees lasting one or two years, beginning in autumn 2027.
Scholars also join professional networks intended to strengthen international collaboration, career development and leadership.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars receive:
- Full tuition coverage: Fees are paid directly to the Swedish university.
- Monthly living allowance: SEK 12,000 throughout the scholarship period.
- Travel grant: A one-time payment of SEK 15,000, excluding recipients already living in Sweden.
- Professional networking: Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals.
- Alumni opportunities: Access to the Sweden Alumni Network after completing the scholarship.
The scholarship does not cover insurance, the University Admissions application fee or additional grants for family members.
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is available to female citizens of ten countries across Africa and Asia.
Eligible African countries:
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- South Africa
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be female citizens of one of the ten eligible countries.
- Apply to an eligible English-taught STEM master’s programme at a Swedish university.
- Be liable to pay tuition fees and pay the University Admissions application fee on time.
- Have at least 3,000 hours of documented work experience before February 2027, accumulated from no more than three employers.
- Demonstrate leadership experience through employment, entrepreneurship or civil society engagement.
- Be admitted or conditionally admitted to an eligible master’s programme when university admission decisions are announced.
Application Requirements
Scholarship applicants will need:
- A CV using the Swedish Institute’s template, limited to three pages.
- Documented proof of work and leadership experience.
- Two reference letters from different referees.
- A copy of a valid passport or national identity card.
- A written motivation submitted through the scholarship portal.
Required reference and experience forms must use the prescribed templates and meet the signing and stamping requirements.
The scholarship application must be completed in English.
How to Apply and Key Dates
Step 1 — Apply for a master’s programme
Apply through University Admissions Sweden between October 16, 2026, and January 15, 2027. Applicants may select up to four programmes.
Step 2 — Submit the scholarship application
Eligible applicants must submit their scholarship application between February 8 and February 24, 2027. The portal closes at 14:59 Central European Time on February 24.
Applicants use the same portal as the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals. Those meeting the Pioneering Women in STEM criteria are considered automatically; a separate scholarship application is not required.
Step 3 — Await selection results
University admission decisions are expected on April 1, 2027, followed by scholarship results on April 22, 2027.
Applicants must meet both the university admission and scholarship deadlines to remain eligible.
