I'm a high school junior thinking about studying abroad and heard Sweden offers government scholarships for international students. Does anyone know how competitive these are and what the application process is like? Would love some tips if you've applied before!
Yes, the Swedish Institute does offer government scholarships for prospective international students. Their main scholarships are the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) and the Visby Programme Scholarships. They're quite competitive given that they attract applications from around the world.
Typically, the SISGP requires you to first be admitted to a master’s program at a Swedish university. After that, the application process for the scholarship itself includes submitting a motivation letter, a Europass CV, letters of reference, and a valid and completed leadership experience form. Your leadership experience is an important part of the application, and it should showcase your potential to contribute positively to society.
On the other hand, the Visby Programme Scholarships target certain countries including Russia, Ukraine, and other specific Eurasian countries. Its application process involves first being admitted to a master's or Bachelor's programme at a Swedish university, submitting a motivation letter, and a Europass CV.
For both scholarships, the application timeline for international students usually begins in February following acceptance into a Swedish university program that starts in the Autumn.
Generally, you are encouraged to prepare ahead of time, ensuring your application documents highlight your academic achievements and leadership experiences. Remember, the process is competitive, so a well-structured and thoughtful application will help your case.
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