Women ready to lead innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics now have a powerful opportunity to study in Europe with full financial support. The Sweden Scholarship 2026 for Pioneering Women in STEM has officially opened applications, offering fully funded master’s degree opportunities at top Swedish universities for talented female professionals from selected countries across Africa and Asia.
Designed to empower future STEM leaders and accelerate inclusive innovation, this prestigious Swedish Institute scholarship supports women who want to use their technical expertise to solve real-world challenges and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. The program funds one- or two-year English-taught master’s degrees in STEM fields starting in autumn 2026 and connects scholars to Sweden’s global professional leadership network.
This highly competitive scholarship aims to strengthen women’s participation in STEM leadership, research, and innovation while building long-term international collaboration. Candidates with strong professional and leadership backgrounds in STEM who are eager to shape their country’s future through knowledge and innovation are strongly encouraged to apply.
Package of Sweden Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship
This fully funded Swedish scholarship is designed to remove financial barriers and support scholars academically and professionally throughout their studies.
Selected scholars will receive the following benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage paid directly to the Swedish university
- Monthly stipend of SEK 12,000 for living expenses during the study period
- One-time travel grant of SEK 15,000 for international travel to Sweden
- Access to the SI Network for Global Professionals for leadership development and networking
- Membership in the Sweden Alumni Network after graduation for continued professional growth
- Opportunity to study at leading Swedish universities in English-taught STEM programmes
- Exposure to innovation-driven academic and research environments in Sweden.
Number of awards: The total number of awards varies each year and is not fixed, making the selection highly competitive.
Eligibility Required to Apply
This scholarship targets motivated female STEM professionals who demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to sustainable development.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a female citizen of one of the eligible countries: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, or Vietnam
- Apply to an eligible English-taught STEM master’s programme in Sweden
- Be required to pay tuition fees at Swedish universities
- Have at least 3,000 hours of documented work experience prior to February 2026
- Demonstrate proven leadership experience from work or civil society involvement
- Be admitted or conditionally admitted to an eligible master’s programme in Sweden
- Not hold Swedish citizenship, permanent residence, or a Swedish degree
- Not have previously received a Swedish Institute scholarship
Apply: https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/pioneeringwomeninstem/
Last Date to Apply
The last date to apply for the Sweden Scholarship 2026 for Pioneering Women in STEM is 25 February 2026. Applicants must complete and submit their scholarship application within the official application window running from 9 February 2026 to 25 February 2026.