Swedish Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

Sweden is an attractive destination for Bangladeshi students looking for internationally recognised higher education, English-taught master's programmes and strong research opportunities. However, tuition fees and living costs can be significant, making scholarships an important consideration for many international students.

There are several scholarship opportunities for students from Bangladesh who want to study in Sweden. These include scholarships offered by the Swedish Institute, individual Swedish universities and other international funding programmes.

This guide explains the main scholarship options, eligibility requirements, application process and important considerations for Bangladeshi students.

Can Bangladeshi Students Get Scholarships in Sweden?

Yes. Bangladeshi students can apply for certain scholarships to study in Sweden, depending on their academic programme, citizenship, qualifications and other eligibility criteria.

One of the major opportunities is the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SI Scholarship). Bangladesh is among the countries eligible for the scholarship programme in the applicable scholarship rounds.

However, being a Bangladeshi citizen does not automatically guarantee a scholarship. Applicants must meet the scholarship's specific eligibility requirements and apply for an eligible master's programme.

Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals

The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is a competitive scholarship programme for international students applying to selected master's programmes in Sweden.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, the SI scholarship application portal lists eligible master's programmes from a range of Swedish universities. Applicants can search the eligible programmes through the official SI scholarship portal.

Bangladesh is included among the eligible territories for applicable SI scholarship programmes.

What Does the SI Scholarship Cover?

The exact scholarship benefits should always be checked in the current scholarship call. The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals can provide substantial financial support, including tuition-related support and a monthly living allowance under the applicable scholarship conditions.

Other benefits may also apply depending on the current scholarship programme.

Students should not assume that every Swedish university or every master's programme is covered by the SI Scholarship. Only programmes included in the relevant SI eligibility list can be selected for the scholarship application.

Who Can Apply for the Swedish Institute Scholarship?

The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is aimed at applicants with relevant professional and leadership experience who want to study a master's programme that contributes to sustainable development.

Eligibility can depend on several factors, including:

• Citizenship

• Eligible master's programme

• Professional experience

• Leadership experience

• Previous academic qualifications

• Application to an eligible Swedish master's programme

• Compliance with the current SI scholarship conditions

The requirements can change between scholarship calls, so applicants should always check the current official scholarship announcement before preparing an application.

Is the SI Scholarship Available for Bachelor's Students?

The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is a master's-level scholarship.

Therefore, Bangladeshi students planning to start a bachelor's degree in Sweden should not assume that the SI Scholarship will fund their undergraduate studies.

Bachelor's applicants should instead research university-specific scholarships and other funding opportunities that are open to undergraduate international students.

University Scholarships in Sweden

Swedish universities also offer their own scholarships for international students.

Depending on the university and scholarship, funding may include:

• Full tuition fee waivers

• Partial tuition fee reductions

• Other forms of financial support

Scholarship availability varies significantly between universities and programmes.

Some universities may automatically consider eligible applicants for a scholarship, while others require a separate scholarship application.

Students should therefore check the scholarship information of their selected university before applying.

Examples of Swedish Universities Offering Scholarship Opportunities

International students can research scholarship opportunities at universities such as:

• Lund University

• Uppsala University

• KTH Royal Institute of Technology

• Stockholm University

• Chalmers University of Technology

• Linköping University

• Umeå University

• University of Gothenburg

• Malmö University

The availability, amount and eligibility requirements can differ from one university to another.

Students should check the official university scholarship page rather than assuming that a scholarship is available for every programme.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

Another option for students interested in studying in Europe is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programme.

These programmes are delivered by international university partnerships and can involve study in more than one European country.

Depending on the specific programme and scholarship call, selected students may receive substantial financial support.

Bangladeshi students interested in this option should search for Erasmus Mundus programmes related to their academic background and check the individual programme's eligibility requirements.

Swedish Scholarship Eligibility for Bangladeshi Students

Scholarship requirements vary depending on the funding organisation.

For the Swedish Institute Scholarship, applicants should first make sure that they meet the requirements for their chosen master's programme.

For Bangladeshi master's applicants, Swedish University Admissions generally requires a 4-year Bachelor's degree, or a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree totalling four years of study. Certain 3-year Bachelor's degrees with honours in specified social science or humanities fields may also be considered.

Applicants must also satisfy the specific academic requirements of their chosen programme.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the English language requirement for their selected programme.

For most Swedish master's programmes, the general requirement corresponds to Swedish English 6 / English Level 2, although individual programmes can require a different level.

For Bangladeshi applicants, upper-secondary education completed in Bangladesh does not normally meet the Swedish English requirement by itself. Applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted English test or another recognised route.

Students should always check the specific English requirement of their chosen master's programme.

Academic Requirements for Bangladeshi Applicants

For master's applications, students need to provide official academic documentation.

University Admissions states that Bangladeshi applicants must normally provide:

• Official university-issued degree certificates

• Official transcripts

• Proof of English proficiency

• Proof of meeting programme-specific entry requirements

• Passport or accepted identification documentation

University-issued transcripts and diplomas are required. College-issued mark sheets, result cards or transcripts are not accepted for master's applications from Bangladesh.

Students should also follow the specific document-certification and submission instructions provided by University Admissions.

How to Apply for a Swedish Scholarship

The scholarship application process depends on the scholarship provider.

For the Swedish Institute Scholarship, the general process includes:

Step 1: Find an Eligible Master's Programme

Search for master's programmes that match your academic background and career goals.

If you want to apply for an SI Scholarship, make sure the programme appears on the official SI list of eligible programmes for the relevant academic year.

Step 2: Apply to Swedish Universities

Submit your master's programme applications through the Swedish university admissions system.

Sweden has a coordinated admissions system, allowing international applicants to search and apply for programmes through

Step 3: Prepare Your Scholarship Application

Prepare the documents and information required by the scholarship provider.

Depending on the scholarship, this can include:

• Academic information

• CV

• Work experience

• Leadership experience

• Motivation

• Career goals

• Development or sustainability-related experience

• Other scholarship-specific documents

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

Scholarship applications have separate deadlines from university applications in many cases.

Missing the scholarship deadline can mean that you are no longer considered for that scholarship, even if your university application is successful.

Step 5: Wait for the Scholarship Decision

Scholarship selection is competitive. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not automatically mean that an applicant will receive funding.

Why a Strong Scholarship Application Matters

Scholarship providers may receive applications from a large number of qualified international students.

A strong application should clearly explain:

• Why you selected the programme

• How your academic background relates to the programme

• Your professional experience

• Your leadership experience where relevant

• Your career objectives

• How your future plans relate to the scholarship's objectives

• What contribution you aim to make after your studies

Applicants should provide genuine and verifiable information rather than using generic statements.

Sweden Tuition Fees for International Students

Students from Bangladesh are generally required to pay tuition fees for bachelor's and master's programmes in Sweden unless they qualify for an applicable exemption or scholarship.

Tuition fees vary by university and programme.

According to Study in Sweden, tuition fees for international students can generally range from approximately SEK 80,000 to SEK 295,000 per academic year.

A scholarship that covers tuition can therefore significantly reduce the overall cost of studying in Sweden.

Cost of Living in Sweden

Tuition is only one part of the cost of studying in Sweden.

Students also need to budget for:

• Accommodation

• Food

• Transportation

• Mobile and internet

• Study materials

• Personal expenses

• Insurance where applicable

• Travel and initial settlement costs

The cost of living varies depending on the city and lifestyle.

Financial Requirement for a Swedish Residence Permit

A scholarship does not remove the need to understand the Swedish residence permit requirements.

For applications made in 2026, the Swedish Migration Agency's maintenance requirement is SEK 10,656 per month, subject to the applicable rules.

Students receiving a scholarship should check how the scholarship is documented and how it is treated for residence permit financial-support purposes.

Can Scholarship Students Work in Sweden?

Students should be aware of Sweden's current work rules.

For bachelor's and master's students whose residence permits were granted on or after 11 June 2026, work during semesters is generally limited to 15 hours per week, with different rules applying during June, July and August.

Students should not build their entire financial plan around part-time employment. The residence permit process requires sufficient financial support under the applicable rules.

Common Mistakes When Applying for Swedish Scholarships

Applicants can avoid many problems by paying attention to the scholarship and university instructions.

Common mistakes include:

Applying for an Ineligible Programme

Not every Swedish master's programme is eligible for every scholarship. Always check the current scholarship programme list.

Missing the Scholarship Deadline

University and scholarship deadlines can be different. Keep both deadlines in your application calendar.

Submitting Incorrect Academic Documents

Bangladeshi applicants need to follow the specific document instructions from University Admissions. Incorrectly issued or submitted transcripts can cause problems.

Using Generic Motivation Statements

A scholarship motivation statement should be relevant to the specific programme and scholarship.

Assuming IELTS Is Always Optional

Bangladeshi applicants should not assume that studying English in school automatically satisfies Sweden's English requirement. The applicable English evidence must be documented according to University Admissions rules.

Assuming a Scholarship Is Guaranteed

Scholarships are competitive and meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

Swedish Scholarship Application Checklist

Before submitting an application, students should check:

• Eligible nationality

• Eligible university and programme

• Academic qualification

• English requirement

• Application deadline

• Scholarship deadline

• Passport validity

• Academic certificates

• Official transcripts

• CV

• Motivation or scholarship statements

• Work experience documentation where required

• Leadership experience where required

• Scholarship-specific documents

Keeping these documents organised can make the application process easier.

How NWC Education Can Help

NWC Education can provide guidance to Bangladeshi students interested in studying in Sweden and exploring scholarship opportunities.

Support can include:

• Academic profile assessment

• University and programme selection

• Scholarship information

• Eligibility checking

• Application document guidance

• University application support

• Scholarship application guidance

• Tuition and financial planning

• Residence permit document guidance

• Pre-departure counselling

The final scholarship decision is made by the relevant scholarship provider, while university admission decisions are made by the universities or relevant admissions authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bangladeshi students get scholarships in Sweden?

Yes. Bangladeshi students can apply for eligible Swedish scholarship opportunities, including applicable Swedish Institute scholarships and university-specific scholarships.

Is the Swedish Institute Scholarship available for Bangladesh?

Yes. Bangladesh is included among the eligible countries for the applicable Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals programme. However, applicants must also meet the programme and scholarship requirements.

Is the Swedish Institute Scholarship available for bachelor's degrees?

The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is for eligible master's programmes. Bachelor's students should research university-specific and other undergraduate scholarship opportunities.

Does the Swedish Institute Scholarship cover tuition fees?

The SI Scholarship provides financial support according to the current scholarship terms and can include tuition-related support and a living allowance. Applicants should check the current scholarship call for the exact benefits and conditions.

What degree do I need to apply for a master's in Sweden?

For Bangladeshi applicants, the general requirement is normally a 4-year Bachelor's degree or a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree totalling four years of study. Certain 3-year Bachelor's degrees with honours may also qualify depending on the field.

Can I get a Swedish scholarship without IELTS?

It depends on how you can demonstrate the required English proficiency. Bangladeshi upper-secondary education alone does not normally meet the English requirement. Some applicants may meet the requirement through qualifying previous university studies, while others may need an approved English test.

How competitive are Swedish scholarships?

Scholarships can be highly competitive because many international students apply for a limited number of awards. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.

Can I apply for more than one Swedish scholarship?

You can explore and apply for scholarships for which you meet the eligibility requirements, but each scholarship has its own application rules. Always check whether applications can be combined and whether a particular scholarship permits multiple applications.

Start Your Sweden Scholarship Journey

A scholarship can make studying in Sweden more financially manageable, but successful planning requires more than finding a scholarship name. Students need to select an eligible programme, meet the academic and English requirements, prepare accurate documents and submit both university and scholarship applications on time.

For Bangladeshi students, checking the latest requirements directly from the Swedish Institute, University Admissions and the selected university is essential because scholarship conditions and eligible programmes can change between academic years.

NWC Education can help students understand their study options, explore scholarship opportunities and prepare their applications.

Ready to explore your Sweden study and scholarship options?

Apply Now: https://www.nwc.ac/apply-now