Call for Pioneering Women in STEM is open now!!!
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.
The Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity offered by the Swedish Institute to empower women from select countries to pursue master’s studies in Sweden. Designed to promote gender equality and global leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the scholarship supports future changemakers whose work aligns with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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Sweden believes that diversity drives innovation and that complex challenges require sustainable solutions. Through this scholarship, we support women who are ready to shape the future of STEM and strengthen their communities through knowledge, leadership, and action.
The scholarship supports full-time, one- or two-year master’s studies at Swedish universities across a range of English-taught programs focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
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- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
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4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
You’ll also become part of the SI Network for Global Professionals, a platform for collaboration, learning, and lifelong connection with fellow leaders from around the world.
Be the seed for your country’s future growth. The journey starts in Sweden.
The scholarship does not…
- Include insurance. It recommends checking with your university to learn more about what insurance coverage they provide for international students.
- Provide additional grants for family members.
- Cover the application fee to University Admissions.
- Allow changes to the study program. We are only able to support you through the awarded master’s program.
- Allow extensions or changes to the awarded scholarship period.
You are not eligible for Pioneering Women in STEM if you…
- are not female citizens of the eligible countries.
- are currently enrolled in or hold a degree from a Swedish university/university college;
- have already resided in Sweden for cumulatively two years or more, before the scholarship period (starting August 2026);
- have previously been awarded a Swedish Institute scholarship. (Previous participants of the SI Summer Academy for Young Professionals, students who have attended SI summer courses in Swedish language or the Swedish Institute Summer University (SISU) may still apply).
- have a Swedish or EU/EEA citizenship, a Swedish permanent residence permit, or a temporary work- and residence permit based on work or on family ties with a citizen of Sweden/EU/EEA country who has a temporary or permanent right of residence in Sweden,
- have dual citizenship in countries not listed on the DAC List of ODA Recipients 2025.
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Location:
SwedenBenefits
The SI scholarship Pioneering women in STEM is a competitive fully-funded scholarship that includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage. The fee is paid directly by SI to your Swedish university each semester.
- A monthly allowance of SEK 12,000 to cover your living expenses throughout the study period.
- A travel grant of SEK 15,000. This is a one-time payment and does not apply for students already living in Sweden.
- Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP) – a platform to help you grow professionally and build a network while in Sweden.
- After your scholarship period has ended, you become a member of the Sweden Alumni Network. As a member, you get a unique opportunity for continued networking and professional development.
Eligibilities
The scholarship is open for applications once every year, for master’s studies beginning in the autumn semester. To apply, you must:
- Be a female citizen of one of the 10 eligible countries in Africa and Asia.
- Apply to a STEM-related master’s programme eligible for the Pioneering Women in STEM scholarship.
- Be liable to pay tuition fees at University Admissions.
- Have documented work and leadership experience.
- Not have previously received an SI scholarship for studies or hold a Swedish degree.
- Read the full call for applications and prepare your documents in advance.
- If you have dual citizenship and both are eligible for the scholarship, you should choose only one citizenship when applying for the scholarship. Applicants who use their dual citizenship to submit more than one application will have all applications disqualified.
Application Process
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Use SI’s official CV template (2026/2027)
- Max 3 pages
- Only relevant experiences should be included
- Proof of Work and Leadership Experience
- Use SI’s official template
- Must be typed, printed, signed, and stamped
- Upload as one PDF file
- Two Letters of Reference
- Use SI’s official reference template (2026/2027)
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- One letter must be based on work experience
- The second can be from work or civil society involvement (preferred)
- Each letter must be typed, signed, and stamped
- Upload both as one PDF file
- Photocopy of Valid Passport or National ID
- Must clearly show name, citizenship, and photo
- Must be valid at the time of application
- Motivation Statement
- Written directly in the online portal
- You may be randomly selected to submit a video presentation
Application Deadline: January 14, 2026 (3 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
