The Swedish Institute Study Scholarships for South Africans

The Swedish Government offers exclusive scholarships to South African citizens. We are now looking for talented and ambitious scholars that want to attend a Master’s Programme at a Swedish University. Everything from living expenses to tuition fee will be included in the scholarship.

In connection with the Binational Commission agreement between Sweden and South Africa, the Swedish Institute allocates up to 10 scholarships for South African citizens attending master’s studies starting in the autumn semester 2017.

Who we are looking for

SISS is the Swedish government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders. It is funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden and administered by the Swedish Institute (SI). The programme offers a unique opportunity for future leaders to develop professionally and academically, to experience Swedish society and culture, and to build a long-lasting relationship with Sweden and with each other.

The goal is to enable the scholarship holders to play an active role in the positive development of the societies in which they live. Ideal candidates are ambitious young professionals with academic qualifications, demonstrated leadership experience and a clear idea of how a study programme in Sweden would benefit their country.

Selection and eligibility criteria

Applicants must be South African citizens but may, at the time of their application and admission, reside in a country other than South Africa, including Sweden. In addition, applicants should show an ambition to make a difference by working with issues which contribute to a just and sustainable development in South Africa, in a long term perspective.

Read more about the selection criteria and eligible master programmes.

Application procedure and key dates

The application process consists of two steps. The first step is to apply through an online application form between 1 December 2016 – 16 January 2017. Successful candidates will be notified by the end of January 2017 (preliminary date: 25 January 2017). The shortlisted candidates will need to submit a detailed application with a Motivation letter, a Europass CV and a passport copy for the second step 1 – 10 February 2017. The two-step application process aims at offering transparency in the selection process.

Read more about the application procedure including guidelines, important dates, document templates and what happens after submitting the application.

Scholarship benefits

The scholarship covers both tuition fees (paid directly to the Swedish university/university college by the Swedish Institute) and living expenses to the amount of SEK 9,000 per month. There are no additional grants for family members.

Travel grants

Scholarship holders from South Africa receive a travel grant in connection with their scholarship. The travel grant is a one-time payment of SEK 15,000.

Insurance

Scholarship holders are insured by the Swedish State Group Insurance and Personal Insurance against illness and accident during the scholarship period.

Network memberships

All SI scholarship holders become members of the SI Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL) – a network which offers exclusive opportunities for SI scholarship holders during their stay in Sweden. Together with other talented people from all around the world, the scholarship holders take part in and organise a variety of events, exchange ideas and create networks beneficial both to career and personal development. Scholarship holders are expected to be ambassadors for their country, and to demonstrate leadership skills and cooperation within the NFGL. When the scholarship holders return to their home countries they become part of the SI Alumni Network.

Scholarship period

The scholarship is intended for full-time master’s level studies of one or two years, and is only awarded for programmes starting in the autumn semester. The scholarship covers the whole duration of the master’s programme.

The scholarship period cannot be altered or extended beyond the study programme period, nor can the scholarship be transferred to a study programme other than the awarded one.

Testimonials

Do you want to see what it’s really like to win a SI scholarship? Check the stories of some of our previous and current scholarship holders from South Africa.