Are you ready to use your STEM expertise to drive societal change? The Pioneering Women in STEM scholarship supports women who want to lead innovation, tackle complex challenges, and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable societies. The Swedish Institute awards academic scholarships for master’s studies in Sweden to women in Africa and Asia who want to study in the field of STEM. Read through the call for applications carefully.
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When is the Application Deadline:
📅 25 February 2026 (Final scholarship application deadline)
📅 Master’s program applications: 15 October 2025 – 15 January 2026
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
Tell Me About The Award:
The Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded initiative by the Swedish Institute (SI) designed to support outstanding women from Africa and Asia to pursue master’s degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at top Swedish universities.
The program empowers women to lead innovation, contribute to sustainable development, and drive change in their home countries. Recipients will also join the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP)—a prestigious platform for collaboration and professional growth.
Which Fields are Eligible?
STEM-related master’s programs taught in English, including but not limited to:
- Environmental Engineering
- Renewable Energy
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Sustainable Technology
The complete list of eligible programs will be published mid-November 2025.
Type:
🎓 Master’s Degree (1 or 2 years, full-time)
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be female citizens of one of the ten eligible countries.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Have at least 3,000 hours of verified work experience.
- Demonstrate leadership potential through professional or community roles.
- Be liable to pay tuition fees in Sweden.
- Have paid the University Admissions fee and applied to an eligible master’s program.
- Not have previously received an SI scholarship or hold a Swedish degree.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence and relevance of the chosen program.
- Leadership experience and potential for societal impact.
- Alignment with Sweden’s sustainability and development goals.
- Verified professional experience (minimum 3,000 hours).
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌍 Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Where will the Award be Taken?
🏫 At accredited universities in Sweden.
How Many Awards?
The number of awards varies annually based on available funding and program placements.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
The scholarship is fully funded and includes:
✅ Full tuition fee coverage (paid directly to the university).
✅ Monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000.
✅ One-time travel grant of SEK 15,000.
✅ Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP).
✅ Post-graduation membership in the Sweden Alumni Network for continued growth.
Note:
- The scholarship does not cover family members, health insurance, or the University Admissions application fee.
- Students already living in Sweden are not eligible for the travel grant.
How Long Will the Award Last?
Covers the full duration of the master’s program — either one or two academic years (depending on the course length).
How to Apply:
1️⃣ Apply for a Master’s Program in Sweden via University Admissions between 15 October 2025 – 15 January 2026.
2️⃣ Wait for the list of eligible programs (mid-November 2025).
3️⃣ Submit your SI scholarship application between 9 February – 25 February 2026 via the Swedish Institute online portal.
4️⃣ Ensure you have paid your University Admissions fee before applying.
5️⃣ Results will be announced 23 April 2026.Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
🔗 Swedish Institute – Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2026
