The Swedish Institute (SI) is inviting applications for the SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM for full-time one or two-year master's degree programmes in designated programmes in Sweden.

The scholarship supports a variety of English-taught master’s programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. SI aims to advance diversity and equality in STEM fields, fostering a network of future leaders dedicated to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to driving progress in their home countries.

More information on the SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM is available at https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/pioneeringwomeninstem/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=linkedin&utm_content=ap_bdp5rebvus 

Degree level

Master’s

Deadlines

The application deadline is 15 January 2025.

Key dates:

  • 15 October 2024–15 January 2025: Application round to Swedish master’s programmes through University Admissions open.
  • 3 February 2025: Deadline for application fee and submission of supporting documentation to University Admissions.
  • 27 March 2025: University Admissions announcement day.
  • 24 April 2025: SI Scholarship announcement day.

Eligible master’s programmes

The scholarship is available for designated master’s programmes in STEM, focusing on one or more core areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. 

Find the full list of eligible master’s programmes for the academic year 2025/2026 here.

Who can apply?

  • Open to female citizens of South Africa. Applicants need not reside in South Africa at the time of application;
  • Applicants must be admitted (or conditionally admitted) to a master’s programme at a Swedish university that is eligible for the SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM on 27 March 2025;
  • Must have paid the application fee for master’s programmes to University Admissions by the deadline 1 February 2024.

Note: If you are currently employed, we advise that you discuss your application with your employer. It is your responsibility to ensure that you will be granted leave of absence or be released from your work in time for the beginning of your studies. The DHET and/or SI will not be able to intervene in this matter.

What the scholarship offers

  • Full tuition fee coverage. The fee is paid directly by SI to your Swedish university in the beginning of each semester.
  • A monthly stipend 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 Future 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 SI Alumni Network. As a member, you get a unique opportunity for continued networking and professional development.

The scholarship does not cover additional grants for family members and university application fees.

Application process

Apply to designated master’s programmes through University Admissions by 15 January 2025. Pay the application fee and submit required documents by 3 February 2025. SI Scholarship decisions will be announced on 24 April 2025.

Contact

For any questions or inquiries related to your university application, tuition fees or admittance, please contact University Admissions.

Documents and links

SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM

Full list of eligible master’s programmes for the academic year 2025/2026

Pioneering Women In STEM  – Confirmation of University Application

Note

Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

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