Apply for the Swedish Institute Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027 - a fully funded master’s scholarship in Sweden covering tuition, SEK 12,000/month, and a SEK 15,000 travel grant.
The Pioneering Women in STEM scholarship supports female citizens from 10 eligible countries in Africa and Asia who want to lead innovation, strengthen professional capacity, and drive inclusive, sustainable change through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Awards fund full-time, one- or two-year English-taught STEM master’s programmes starting in autumn 2027.
First apply via University Admissions (16 October 2026 - 15 January 2027). Then submit your SI scholarship application through the shared SI portal (8 - 24 February 2027, closing at 14:59 CET on 24 February). Eligible STEM applicants are automatically considered for Pioneering Women in STEM - no separate scholarship form is required. This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official SI call. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - SI Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host | Swedish Institute (SI), Stockholm, Sweden |
| Host Landmark | Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset), Sweden 🇸🇪 |
| Level | Full-time master’s (1 or 2 years), autumn 2027 start |
| Fields | STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics |
| Funding | Fully funded - tuition + SEK 12,000/month + SEK 15,000 travel grant |
| Eligible countries | 10 - Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam |
| University Admissions | 16 October 2026 - 15 January 2027 via universityadmissions.se |
| Eligible programme list | Published on the SI page on 13 November 2026 |
| SI portal | 8 - 24 February 2027 (closes 14:59 CET on 24 February) at apply-scholarships.si.se |
| University results | 1 April 2027 |
| SI announcement | 22 April 2027 on si.se (only successful candidates are emailed) |
| Official Gateway | Official SI Pioneering Women in STEM Page |
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition - SI pays your Swedish university directly each semester
- Monthly allowance of SEK 12,000 for living costs for the full study period
- Travel grant of SEK 15,000 - one-time; not for students already living in Sweden
- Membership of the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP) while in Sweden
- Membership of the Sweden Alumni Network after the scholarship ends
What It Does Not Cover
- Insurance (ask your university about cover for international students)
- Extra grants for family members
- The University Admissions application fee
- Changing programme, extending the award, or switching the awarded study period
Eligible Countries (10)
Female citizens of: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam.
You must be a citizen of one of these countries; you do not need to reside there when you apply. Dual-eligible citizens must pick one citizenship - two SI applications means all are disqualified. If your country is not listed, consider the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027 or other options on Study in Sweden.
Eligibility
- Female citizen of one of the 10 eligible countries
- Apply for an SI-eligible STEM English-taught master’s programme (list published 13 November 2026)
- Liable to pay tuition fees at University Admissions (SI pays those fees if you win)
- Pay the University Admissions application fee on time
- At least 3,000 hours of documented work experience before February 2027, from a maximum of three employers (full-time, part-time, freelance, or entrepreneurship). You do not need to be employed when you apply
- Demonstrated leadership from work, entrepreneurship, or civil society (no minimum hours; stronger leadership is prioritised)
- Admitted or conditionally admitted to an eligible STEM programme on 1 April 2027 (reserves/waiting list do not qualify; no late-admission scholarships)
Work experience aligned with your chosen field is prioritised. If you are employed now, arrange leave yourself - SI will not intervene.
You are not eligible if you
- Are not a female citizen of an eligible country
- Are enrolled in or already hold a degree from a Swedish university/university college
- Have lived in Sweden for a cumulative two years or more before August 2027
- Have previously held an SI scholarship for studies in Sweden (SI Summer Academy for Young Professionals, SI Swedish summer courses, and SISU participants may still apply)
- Have Swedish or EU/EEA citizenship, a Swedish permanent residence permit, or a temporary work/residence permit based on work or family ties with an EU/EEA citizen in Sweden
- Have dual citizenship in a country that is not on the latest DAC list of ODA recipients
Required Documents (SI portal, 8 - 24 February 2027)
Use the official SI templates published on 13 November 2026. Complete everything in English. Extra documents are not reviewed.
- CV - SI 2027/2028 template, maximum 3 pages
- Proof of work and leadership - SI template, signed and stamped, one PDF
- Two letters of reference from two different people (one must be work-based; a second from entrepreneurship or civil society is a merit) - SI template, signed and stamped, one PDF
- Valid passport or national ID showing name, citizenship, and photo
- Motivation written in the portal (you may also be asked for a short video)
- Your eight-digit University Admissions application number (wrong number = disqualification). Stockholm School of Economics and Konstfack have separate intakes and do not issue that number
Submit one SI scholarship application covering up to four eligible master’s programmes, with one set of documents.
How to Apply
- 16 Oct 2026 - 15 Jan 2027: Apply for up to four master’s programmes at University Admissions. Save your eight-digit application number.
- 13 November 2026: Check the official SI page for the eligible STEM programme list and document templates.
- 8 - 24 February 2027: Submit your SI application at apply-scholarships.si.se before 14:59 CET on 24 February. Apply early - the portal gets busy near the deadline.
- 1 April 2027: University Admissions results. Stay admitted/conditionally admitted to an eligible STEM programme; do not change results in a way that removes you from consideration.
- 22 April 2027: SI announces recipients on si.se; only successful candidates are emailed. Accept or decline the offer by the deadline in the email.
Official Links
SI Pioneering Women in STEM (official)
SI Scholarships application portal
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027 (Fully Funded)
- CCAI Foster Youth Internship Program 2027
- YSEALI Professional Exchange Program 2027 (Funded)
- Chevening British Library Southeast Asian Fellowship 2027
- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Browse all Scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the deadline?
University Admissions: 15 January 2027. SI portal: 24 February 2027 at 14:59 CET. You need both steps.
Is it fully funded?
Yes - full tuition, SEK 12,000 monthly living allowance, and a SEK 15,000 travel grant (if you do not already live in Sweden).
Who can apply?
Female citizens of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, or Vietnam who meet the work, leadership, and STEM programme rules.
Do I need a separate application for Pioneering Women in STEM?
No. Use the same SI portal as Global Professionals. If you qualify (eligible country + eligible STEM programme), you are automatically considered for Pioneering Women in STEM.
Where do I apply?
Master’s programmes via University Admissions; scholarship via apply-scholarships.si.se. Read the full call on the official SI page.
