Application Deadline: 15 January 2027
Applications are now open for the 2027 Swedish Institute (SI) Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship. The Pioneering Women in STEM scholarship supports women who want to lead innovation, strengthen their professional capacity, tackle complex challenges, and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable societies. The scholarship is awarded for master’s studies in Sweden to women in Africa and Asia who are committed to advancing their careers and driving change through STEM.
The scholarship supports 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 (STEM). Through world-class education and research-based learning, you will deepen your academic excellence while gaining new perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future.
You will also become part of the SI Network for Global Professionals, a platform for career development, collaboration and lifelong connection with fellow leaders from around the world.
Eligibility
The scholarship is open for applications once every year, for master’s studies beginning in the autumn semester. To apply, you must:
- Be a female citizen of one of the 10 eligible countries in Africa and Asia.
- Apply to a STEM-related master’s programme eligible for the Pioneering Women in STEM scholarship.
- Be liable to pay tuition fees at University Admissions (SI will cover the fees if you are awarded the scholarship);
- Have documented work and leadership experience from a current or previous employer, entrepreneurship or from civil society engagement.
- Not have previously received an SI scholarship for studies or hold a Swedish degree.
Benefits
The SI scholarship Pioneering women in STEM is a competitive fully-funded scholarship that includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage. The fee is paid directly by SI to your Swedish university each semester.
- A monthly allowance of SEK 12,000 to cover your living expenses throughout the study period.
- A travel grant of SEK 15,000. This is a one-time payment and does not apply for students already living in Sweden.
- Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP) – a platform to help you grow professionally and build a network while in Sweden.
- After your scholarship period has ended, you become a member of the Sweden Alumni Network. As a member, you get a unique opportunity for continued networking and professional development.
The scholarship does not…
- Include an insurance.
- Provide additional grants for family members.
- Cover the application fee to University Admissions.
- Allow changes to the study programme. We are only able to support you through the awarded master’s programme.
- Allow extensions or changes to the awarded scholarship period.
Criteria
Country of Citizenship
To apply for the scholarship you must be a female citizen of one of the 10 eligible countries listed below.
Master’s programmes
The list of eligible English-taught master’s programmes will be published on 13 November 2026.
University Admissions
You must follow the steps of University Admissions and be admitted to one of the eligible master’s programmes on the day of admissions announcements.
Previous Experience
You must have demonstrated work experience. In addition, you must have demonstrated leadership experience from your current or previous employer, entrepreneurship or from civil society engagement.
Country of citizenship
Female citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply for Pioneering Women in STEM:
Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam.
Application Timeline:
- 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 on this page.
- 8-24 February 2027: The application portal for SI Scholarships is open for two weeks. Please note that the portal closes at 14:59 CET on the final day.
- 1 April 2027: University admissions announcement.
- 22 April 2027: SI Scholarship announcement.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Swedish Institute (SI) Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship
