Sweden is one of the most creative and forward-thinking countries in the world, which makes it a great place for international students to study. Swedish universities are always among the best in the world because they focus on research, technology, and sustainability. But for students from outside the EU/EEA, tuition and living costs can be high.
The good news is that Sweden has a lot of scholarships for international students, including fully funded and high-value ones. This in-depth guide will show you the best scholarships in Sweden, what they cover, who can apply, and how to do it right.
Why should you study in Sweden on a scholarship?
There are many reasons why Sweden is a great place to study:
- A good school system
- A strong focus on research and new ideas
- More than 1,000 programmes taught in English
- A society that is safe, modern, and open to everyone
- Work opportunities while you study
But because international students have to pay for their own tuition, scholarships are very important. The government and universities offer a lot of different ways to help talented students pay for school.
Different kinds of scholarships in Sweden
Most scholarships in Sweden can be put into these groups:
1. Scholarships that cover all costs
These cover the costs of living, going to school, and travelling.
2. Scholarships for Tuition Fees
These pay for some or all of the tuition, but not the cost of living.
3. Scholarships from the government
Paid for by the Swedish government.
4. Scholarships for college
Given directly by colleges based on merit.
5. Scholarships from organisations and foundations
Given by private or international groups.
In Sweden, most scholarships are for master’s programmes, not undergraduate studies.
Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Sweden
These are the most highly regarded scholarships.
1. Swedish Institute of Scholarships
This is Sweden’s most popular fully funded scholarship.
What It Talks About:
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment of about SEK 12,000
- Travel grant
- Building connections and improving your skills
The scholarship is for future leaders and professionals from around the world and helps pay for master’s degrees in Sweden.
2. Scholarships from the Swedish Institute for Women in STEM
A special programme that helps women in science and technology.
What It Talks About:
- Full cost of school
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
This scholarship supports equal opportunities for men and women in STEM fields.
3. Joint Master’s Degrees from Erasmus Mundus
A well-known European programme that includes Swedish universities.
What It Talks About:
- Full cost of school
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
- Study in more than one country
This is one of the most attractive in Europe.
The Best University Scholarships in Sweden
Several Swedish universities give out large scholarships.
4. Global Scholarship from Lund University
One of the hardest university scholarships to get.
What It Talks About:
- 25% to 100% of the cost of school
It is based on merit and is meant for high-achieving international students.
5. Global Scholarships from Uppsala University
What It Talks About:
- All tuition costs
Available for master’s programmes and given to students who do well in school.
6. The Global Master’s Scholarship from the Karolinska Institute
What It Talks About:
- All tuition costs
Very competitive, with only a few awards given out each year.
7. Scholarships for the Chalmers IPOET
What It Talks About:
- A 75% discount on tuition
For students who want to study engineering or technology.
8. Axel Adler Scholarship from the University of Gothenburg
What It Talks About:
- Full waiver of the tuition fee
Made for master’s students from other countries.
9. The Stockholm University Scholarship Programme
What It Talks About:
- All tuition costs
Open to master’s degree programmes.
10. Scholarships for Linnaeus University
What It Talks About:
- Full or partial payment of tuition
Given to exceptional students from other countries.
Other notable scholarships in Sweden
There are many more chances at other schools.
11. Scholarships for Mälardalen University
- Pays for all of the tuition.
12. Scholarships for Halmstad University
- Covers between 25% and 50% of tuition
13. The Global Scholarship from Karlstad University
- Covers up to 100% of the cost of school.
14. Scholarships from the Blekinge Institute of Technology
- Lowering the cost of tuition
A lot of Swedish universities give out scholarships that pay for 25% to 100% of tuition.
Scholarships for people from Africa and other developing countries
Sweden helps students from developing countries, like Nigeria, in a big way.
SISGP: Swedish Institute Scholarship
- Open to a few countries, like Nigeria
- Pay attention to the effects on leadership and development.
The International Science Programme (ISP).
- Helping research students from developing countries
- Concentrate on the scientific and technological domains.
These programmes aim to help developing areas grow and become better leaders.
Requirements for eligibility
Most scholarships have their own requirements, but they all need:
- Good school grades
- Getting into a Swedish university
- IELTS or TOEFL tests for English language skills
- Letter of motivation or a personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
You might also need the following for some scholarships:
- Experience at work (especially SISGP)
- Experience as a leader
- Proposal for a PhD research project
How to Get a Scholarship in Sweden
You need to plan ahead if you want to apply for scholarships in Sweden.
Step 1: Pick Your Programme
Choose a course that will help you reach your career goals.
Step 2: Apply through the Central Admission Office
Before you can apply for a scholarship, you need to apply to Swedish universities.
Step 3: Get your papers ready
Common requirements include:
- Transcripts from school
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose:
- Letters of recommendation
- Passport
Step 4: Apply for financial aid
Please send your scholarship application separately.
Step 5: Get to the interview.
You may have to interview for scholarships.
Sample Checklist for Scholarship Applications
- Passport that is still valid
- Transcripts from school
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose:
- Letters of recommendation
- Results of the English test
- Letter of acceptance
Sweden has scholarships that don’t require IELTS.
Some colleges might let you apply without IELTS if
- You learned English before.
- You can show that you know English well.
But many top universities still want IELTS scores.
Ways to Improve Your Odds
1. Get started early.
Most deadlines are in January or February.
2. Put your mind on school success
Good grades is very critical.
3. Show that you can lead
Make a difference in your community or at work.
4. Write a letter of strong motivation
Make it clear what your goals are and how the scholarship will help you reach them.
5. Apply for more than one scholarship
Don’t depend on one chance.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- Not meeting deadlines
- Sending incomplete applications
- Writing general or personal statements
- Not paying attention to eligibility requirements
Last Thoughts
International students can get very generous scholarships in Sweden, especially at the master’s level. There are many ways to study in Sweden without worrying about money. These include the Swedish Institute Scholarships, which are fully funded by the government, and university-based tuition waivers.
