The Swedish Institute (SI) is inviting applications for the SI Global Executive Programme 2026.
The SI Global Executive Programme is designed for senior executives seeking to align business growth with sustainable impact. The programme equips leaders to drive transformation that is economically resilient, socially responsible, and ecologically sustainable.
Participants gain practical insights from Swedish organisations at the forefront of the green transition and apply these directly within their own business context. Each cohort includes approximately 100 senior executives from 24 countries, creating a dynamic global learning network built on shared experience and peer exchange.
More information on the SI Scholarship Global Executive Programme 2026 is available at https://si.se/en/apply/si-leadership-programmes/swedish-institute-global-executive-programme/
Programme Timeline (2026)
- 25 February – 25 March: Open call for applications
- May – June: Foundations (online)
- May – mid-October: Strategic Business Project
- August – September: Advanced Practice Sessions (online)
- 12–16 October: Sweden Week (onsite, excluding travel days)
- November: Final sessions – Way Forward
Application deadline: 25 March 2026 (23:59 Central European Time)
The programme runs from May to November 2026, combining online learning with a one-week onsite module in Sweden.
Priority sectors for 2026:
- Renewable energy
- Responsible mining
- Sustainable transportation
- Digitalisation
Programme Structure
The programme consists of five main components:
1. Foundation (May–June, online)
Participants explore sustainability in business and the green transition, strengthen change-leadership skills, and begin developing their strategic business project.
2. Strategic Business Project (June–October)
Each participant develops and begins implementing a project addressing a sustainability-related business challenge, focusing on measurable impact and return on investment.
3. Advanced Practice Sessions (August–September, online)
Tailored learning tracks, live webinars, and peer dialogue support participants in deepening expertise and refining their strategic projects.
4. Sweden Week (12–16 October, onsite)
An immersive experience featuring field visits, workshops, networking, and engagement with Swedish business leaders and organisations.
5. Way Forward (November, online)
Participants share early project results, strengthen global networks, and engage with Swedish embassies and alumni.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Swedish Institute covers:
- All programme-related fees
- Pre-arranged accommodation in Stockholm
- Meals during the onsite visit
Participants and/or their companies are responsible for:
-
Travel costs to and from Stockholm
(Limited support may be available; this must be indicated in the application.)
Who can apply?
- Be a citizen and resident of an eligible country, including South Africa;
- Hold a senior leadership position (e.g., CEO or senior executive) in a medium to large company;
- Be at least 30 years old (born 1996 at the latest);
- Have a good working knowledge of English;
- Hold a completed post-secondary qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or higher;
- Demonstrate commitment to sustainable business transformation;
- Identify a sustainability-related business challenge to address during the programme.
An applicant’s company should also meet the following requirements:
- Be either:
- A locally owned company in an eligible country,
- A Swedish company represented in an eligible country, or
- A company in the supply chain of and conducting business with a Swedish company.
- Operate in industries linked to the green transition or planning major sustainability commitments.
Application process
Applications must be submitted in English via the Dream Apply portal.
Steps:
- Register and apply through the SI application portal.
- Complete all required sections in English.
- Upload your CV as per the instructions in the portal.
- After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation to your inbox in Dream Apply.
- You will also receive a message to your inbox in Dream Apply with a link to record a short video. Follow the instructions in the message. It will take less than ten minutes to record the video. You will get two questions to answer within two minutes each. Please make the recording in a quiet setting and, if possible, use headphones with a built-in microphone. Please note that it is mandatory to make the video recording.
Contact
For questions related to the application process, please contact:
Documents and links
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.
