SI Scholarship for Global Professionals

Sweden, famous for its inventive spirit, commitment to sustainability, and high-quality education, welcomes ambitious global leaders each year through the Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals. This fully-funded fellowship provides an exceptional chance for Pakistani students to improve their academic and professional profiles while also making a positive difference in their home country.

The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP) is a well-known, fully-funded scholarship from the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, managed by the Swedish Institute. It aims to support future leaders who will work on sustainable development and help with the United Nations 2030 Agenda in their home countries. Every year, they give out hundreds of scholarships to talented people from eligible countries, including Pakistan, to study for a master’s degree at universities in Sweden.

Programs Offered

The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals helps fund master’s programs that align with the UN 2030 Agenda and Sweden’s development goals. Each year, there’s a new list of focus areas that usually comes out in November, but you can typically expect priority for programs in:

• Social Sciences
• Engineering & Technology
• Natural Sciences
• Disaster Management
• Sustainable Energy Development
• Public Health
• Urban Development

Make sure to check the official SI website for the latest eligible programs before you apply.

Benefits

The SI Scholarship provides a full package, allowing winners to focus only on their academics and professional development without financial constraints. Key advantages include:

• Full Tuition fee Coverage: The Swedish Institute pays the entire tuition price for your selected master's program straight to your university each semester.
• Monthly Living Allowance: Throughout your studies, you will receive a substantial monthly stipend of SEK 12,000 (about PKR 320,000 - subject to exchange rate changes) to cover living expenses such as accommodation, food, and local transportation.
• Travel award: A one-time travel award of SEK 15,000 (about PKR 400,000 - for Pakistani students) is granted to assist with travel expenses to Sweden. This payment is normally made once you arrive in Sweden, along with your first monthly stipend.
• Insurance: Your scholarship includes comprehensive insurance coverage against illness and accidents.
• Networking Opportunities:
  • SI Network for Future Global Professionals (NFGP): Scholarship recipients are automatically enrolled in this unique network, which provides a dynamic platform for professional development, leadership training, and networking with like-minded individuals from all around the world.
  • SI Alumni Network: When you finish your studies, you join the SI Alumni Network, which provides ongoing networking, professional growth, and involvement with Sweden.
• Visa Application Fee Waiver: SI scholarship recipients are normally exempt from paying the Swedish Migration Agency's study visa application fee.

Eligibility Criteria

Pakistani applicants for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals must meet certain requirements. It is critical to consult the official SI website for the most recent requirements for each academic year. Generally, the following apply:

• Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Pakistan. Dual citizens are eligible, however you can only apply under one citizenship. Applying with multiple citizenships will result in disqualification.
• Work Experience: At least 3,000 hours of verified experience are necessary. This can be gathered from up to three employers, and it includes full-time or part-time work as an employee, freelancer, or employer. Proof of this experience must be submitted using SI's specialized template forms.
• Leadership Experience: You must exhibit leadership abilities through your present or prior employment, or through civil society involvement. There is no minimum number of hours for leadership experience, but powerful and relevant examples are highly valued.
• University Admissions:
  • You must be able to pay tuition costs at Swedish universities.
  • You must have applied for and been admitted (or conditionally enrolled) to one of the eligible master's programs at a Swedish university via University Admissions (universityadmissions.se) by the deadline.
  • You must have paid your master's application fee to University Admissions on time.
• Previous Residence/Scholarship: You are generally NOT eligible if you have:
  • Resided in Sweden for at least two years prior to the scholarship period.
  • Previously received a SI scholarship for master's study or research at a Swedish university.
  • Already have a degree from a Swedish university.
  • Are currently enrolled in a study programme at a Swedish university.
• Motivation and Contribution: Applicants must clearly describe how their selected study program in Sweden will contribute to Pakistan's and the region's sustainable development, in accordance with the UN 2030 Agenda.

How to Apply

To apply for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals as a Pakistani, take the following two steps:

• Apply for Master's Programs (October to January):
  • Find qualified programs on the SI website (the list is usually published in November).
  • Apply for up to four programs at universityadmissions.se.
  • Pay your university application fee by the deadline.
  • Submit all necessary university documentation (transcripts, English examinations, etc.).
• Apply to the SI Scholarship (February):
  • Si.se provides access to the SI online application platform.
  • Importantly, use SI-specific templates for all papers.
  • Submit your:
    • Motivation letter (referring to the UN 2030 Agenda and Pakistan's growth).
    • CV (3 pages maximum).
    • Two letters of reference, one from an employer.
    • Provide proof of 3,000 hours of work and leadership experience.
    • A copy of one's passport.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be accepted into a Master's program before I can apply for the SI Scholarship?

Yes, you need to apply to an eligible master's program through University Admissions and get accepted (or conditionally accepted) by a certain date to be in the running for the SI Scholarship. 

2. Is the SI Scholarship limited to certain fields of study?

Yes, the scholarship focuses on master's programs that support the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They publish a list of eligible programs each year on the SI website. 

3. Can I apply if I have less than 3,000 hours of work experience?

No, you need at least 3,000 hours of work experience to qualify. If you don’t have this, your application won’t be accepted. 

4. Is there an age limit for applying for the scholarship?

Generally, there’s no strict age limit, but the scholarship is aimed at professionals who have relevant work and leadership experience. 

5. What if I have dual citizenship with Pakistan and another eligible country?

If both citizenships qualify, you'll need to pick one to apply. Submitting multiple applications with different citizenships will disqualify you. 

6. Does the scholarship provide support for my family members?

No, the SI Scholarship doesn’t offer extra funding for family members or dependents. 

7. How tough is it to get the scholarship? 

The SI Scholarship is quite competitive, with acceptance rates around 4-6%. A strong academic background, a good motivation letter, and solid work and leadership experience are key for a successful application. 

8: Can I extend my scholarship if my master's program is longer than the awarded time?

No, the scholarship only covers the length of your chosen master's program (one or two years) and can’t be extended or transferred to another program. 

9. What kind of leadership experience counts?

Leadership experience includes formal roles at work, managing projects, or being active in civil society organizations, volunteer work, or community initiatives. It's important to show your impact and responsibility in these roles.