Opens for applications 10 February
We are still working on the details of the call for applications 2020/2021. Information about the required documents and how to apply for SI scholarships for several master’s studies will be published here as soon as the information is ready. We aim at finalising it by the end of 2019 and giving enough time for you to prepare the documents. Thanks for your patience and kindly visit the web page once in a while for updates.
Overview
We grant scholarships to a large number of master’s programmes starting in the autumn semester 2020. Check the list of master’s programmes that are eligible for SI Scholarships for South Africa (SISSA) for the academic year 2020/2021.
- To begin with, apply for a master’s programme at universityadmissions.se, between 16 October 2019 – 15 January 2020.
- Apply for an SI scholarship between 10 – 20 February 2020, follow the instructions below.
Up to 10 scholarships will be awarded to South African citizens attending master’s degree studies starting in the autumn semester 2020.
What’s included
The scholarship covers
- Tuition fees: pay directly to the Swedish university by SI
- Living expenses of SEK 10,000/month
- Travel grant of SEK 15,000 *
- Insurance against illness and accident
- Membership of the SI Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL) – a platform to help you grow professionally and build your network and experience, while in Sweden
- Membership of the SI Alumni Network after your scholarship period – a platform for continued networking and further professional development
*The travel grant is a one-time payment for the entire scholarship period. The grant is not applicable to students already living in Sweden.
The scholarship does not cover
- Additional grants for family members.
- Application fee to University Admissions.
Scholarship period
The scholarship is intended for full-time one-year or two-year master’s programmes, and is only awarded for programmes starting in the autumn semester. The tuition fee will be paid directly to the Swedish universities in the beginning of each semester. The stipend for living expenses is paid monthly during the scholarship period.
The scholarship period cannot be changed or extended beyond the awarded scholarship period, nor can the scholarship be transferred to a study programme other than the awarded master’s programme.
Criteria
Only citizens of South Africa are eligible for SISSA.
The master’s studies must be eligible for SI scholarships. We give greatest priority to certain subject areas.
You must be liable to pay tuition fees to Swedish universities, followed the steps of university admission, and be admitted to one of the eligible master’s programmes by 3 April 2020.
Read more about our criteria regarding University Admissions
There are also conditions regarding dual citizenships, previous residence and studies in Sweden, and more.
Who we are looking for
The Swedish Institute Scholarships for South Africa (SISSA) programme is part of the Swedish government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 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. SISSA is a special initiative in connection with the Binational Commission agreement between Sweden and South Africa.
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, ambition to make a difference by working with issues which contribute to a just and sustainable development in their country in a long term perspective, and a clear idea of how a study programme in Sweden would benefit their country.
Priority will be given to applicants who
- have completed bachelor’s with honours or equivalent from a South African university,
- have demonstrated work and leadership experience, and
- choosing study programmes with an emphasis on one of the following subject areas (listed in alphabetical order, no priority or ranking is implied):
- Computer science and IT
- Design (industrial design, architecture, urban/regional planning)
- Engineering
- Environmental technology/Sustainable development
- Gender studies
- Nanotechnology
- Public health
We recommend that you also look for other scholarship opportunities from your government, from organisations in your country, or from Swedish universities.
Required documents
You should only submit the required documents listed below in your online scholarship application. We will not consider any other documents than the required ones. You must complete your applications in English. Use our forms provided below and complete them according to the instructions, otherwise your applications will be disqualified.
Information about required documents and the forms needed for the documents will be published here well in advance of the application period.
You will also need to attach a copy of your passport in your application. Your personal data including name, citizenship and photograph must be shown clearly.
If you apply to several master’s programmes
Information about how you should apply for SI scholarships for several master’s programmes will be published here well in advance of the application period.
Data protection and integrity
The Swedish Institute (SI) is a public agency. As such, all applications received by SI are in the public domain. We use the personal information you give us to process your application. If your application is granted, we will continue to use this personal information in order to handle your scholarship. We deal with this information in accordance with the Swedish Principle of Public Access to Information and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your personal information is handled by SI employees as well as outside experts who have signed a contract of compliance. For more information please read SI’s privacy policy.
Scholarship & Career 