Sweden’s Fully Funded Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP) 2026: A Complete Guide to Securing Admission and Scholarship

If you’re planning to study in Europe, Sweden offers one of the most attractive destinations — world-class education, a strong economy, and numerous opportunities for post-study work and migration. Among the most competitive and fully funded awards available is the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP), and applications for the 2026 intake will begin in early 2026.

This detailed guide walks you through how to successfully secure the SISGP scholarship by applying for a Master’s program in Data Science at a Swedish university — a field that aligns well with global market demands.

🇸🇪 What is the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP)?

The Swedish Institute (SI) awards scholarships to highly qualified students from select countries to pursue full-time master’s degree programs in Sweden.

Key Details:

• Funding: Fully funded (tuition, living allowance, insurance, travel)
• Living Allowance: SEK 12,000/month (~$1,100/month)
• Travel Grant: SEK 15,000 (~$1,400) one-time payment
• Insurance: Included
• Eligibility: Applicants from designated countries (including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, Pakistan, Ethiopia, etc.)
• Level: Full-time Master’s
• Duration: 1 or 2 years
• Start Date: August/September 2026

📘 Step-by-Step Guide to Securing the SISGP Scholarship

Step 1: Choose an Eligible Master’s Program and University

Your first step is to apply to a Swedish university through the centralized application portal: UniversityAdmissions.se

Example Program:
MSc in Data Science at Lund University

• Duration: 2 years
• Language: English
• Tuition: SEK 145,000/year (fully covered by SISGP if selected)
• Application Deadline: January 2026

💡 Make sure the program is eligible for SISGP. Not all programs are. A list of eligible programs is usually released by the Swedish Institute each year.

Step 2: Prepare Your University Admission Application

Your admission application must be submitted before the SISGP application opens. Here’s what you need:

• Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field)
• Motivation letter for the university program
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 minimum)
• Copy of passport
• Relevant work experience (especially for Data Science, include project portfolios or GitHub)

🗓️ Submit your university application between October 2025 – January 2026

🔁 You can apply to up to four programs in Sweden through the centralized portal.

Step 3: Pay Application Fee

• International students must pay a SEK 900 (about $85) application fee by end of January 2026

Only those who complete their application and pay the fee can move on to the SISGP scholarship application.

Step 4: Apply for the SISGP Scholarship

Once you’ve submitted your university application and received your application ID, proceed to apply for the scholarship through the Swedish Institute Portal.

🗓️ Application opens: Early February 2026
🗓️ Application closes: Mid-February 2026

📄 Required Documents:

• Motivation letter tailored to SISGP format (max 1000 words)
• CV using SI’s template
• Valid and signed proof of work and leadership experience
• Letter of reference (template provided by SI)
• Passport copy

📌 Work experience requirement: You must have 3,000 hours of work experience prior to applying. Internships, freelance, and part-time jobs can count if verifiable.

🧭 SISGP Selection Priorities

The selection process is very competitive and considers:

• Professional and leadership experience
• Academic excellence
• Commitment to sustainable development
• Relevance of your field of study to your career goals and home country’s development

🧾 What Happens After Selection?

• Notification of results by late April 2026
• You must accept both the university admission and the scholarship offer
• Scholarship begins with the program in August/September 2026

🏠 Post-Arrival Benefits and Opportunities

• Work Permit After Graduation: Sweden offers a 12-month post-study work visa
• Residence Permit Extension: You may apply for jobs and permanent residency
• Alumni Network: You join a global community of SI alumni, opening doors to leadership training, collaboration, and funding for future projects

📌 Important Dates at a Glance

📋 Final Checklist

✅ Research eligible master’s programs
✅ Apply to the program via UniversityAdmissions.se
✅ Pay application fee before deadline
✅ Gather and verify your work experience (3,000 hours required)
✅ Write targeted motivation letter and prepare SI templates
✅ Apply for SISGP by February 2026
✅ Monitor university and scholarship results in April 2026
✅ Prepare for relocation in summer 2026

⚠️ Vital Notes for Applicants

• Apply early — last-minute document uploads can cause disqualification
• Double-check that your references and work experience match SI’s templates
• Highlight sustainability, innovation, and leadership in your motivation
• Be honest and precise with documentation — SI often verifies submissions
• Always use the official Swedish Institute templates for CV and references

✅ Final Thoughts

Securing the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP) in 2026 is entirely possible with a proactive and well-documented approach. Sweden’s welcoming academic environment, combined with a strong tech-driven economy, makes it a great place to pursue a Master’s degree like Data Science — with fully funded support and clear post-study career opportunities.