If you want to study in Sweden as a student from Turkey, there are a few scholarship paths you can realistically look at. The main ones are Swedish Institute scholarships, university scholarships, and Erasmus Mundus programmes. Most are competitive, so a strong profile and complete documents matter a lot.
Main scholarship types
The best-known options usually fall into three groups. Each one has different rules, and you should always check the official source for the current year.
- Swedish Institute scholarships - these are the most famous national scholarships for international students. They are usually for master's level study and often cover tuition and living support, but the exact package changes by programme.
- University scholarships - many Swedish universities offer their own fee waivers or partial scholarships. These are often for strong applicants to specific master's programmes.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - these are international master's programmes run by several universities together. Many include scholarships, and Turkish students can usually apply if they meet the academic rules.
There are also smaller grants from foundations or subject-specific funds, but these are less common and often have narrow rules.
Swedish Institute scholarships
The Swedish Institute is one of the main places to check if you want a scholarship for Sweden. These scholarships are usually aimed at master's students, and they are very competitive. The exact target groups and countries can change, so check the Swedish Institute website every year.
- Usual level: mostly master's programmes
- Usual needs: strong academic record, leadership or work experience in some cases, and proof that you fit the programme rules
- Common documents: degree certificate, transcript, CV, motivation letter, passport, and sometimes proof of work or leadership experience
- When they open: typically once a year, around the main master's admission period
In general, you first apply for the study programme, then you apply separately for the scholarship if the rules allow it. The Swedish Institute publishes the exact timeline and list of eligible programmes on its official site.
University scholarships in Sweden
Many Swedish universities offer scholarships to fee-paying international students. These are often tuition waivers, either full or partial. Some universities also give a small number of living-cost scholarships, but that is less common.
- Usual level: mainly master's, sometimes doctoral funding through separate calls
- Usual needs: very good grades, a strong motivation letter, and proof that you are a serious match for the programme
- Common documents: diploma, transcript, English test results if needed, CV, motivation letter, and any portfolio if the subject needs one
- When they open: often shortly after the university master's application round opens
Each university sets its own rules. Some scholarships are automatic once you apply to the programme, while others need a separate scholarship form. Always check the university's admissions page and the programme page.
Erasmus Mundus programmes
Erasmus Mundus is a strong option if your field matches one of the joint master's programmes. These programmes are international, and the scholarship rules are set by each consortium. Turkish students can often compete for them, but the selection is strict.
- Usual level: master's
- Usual needs: a bachelor degree in a relevant field, good grades, English proof if required, and a clear academic fit
- Common documents: diploma, transcript, passport, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, and sometimes a study plan or portfolio
- When they open: usually once a year, often in autumn or winter for the next academic year
The scholarship is often included in the programme application, but not always. Read the joint master's website carefully. The deadlines and document list can differ from one programme to another.
What a strong profile looks like
Scholarship committees want clear proof that you can succeed in the programme. A good profile does not guarantee funding, but it helps you compete.
- Good grades: your transcript matters a lot, especially in your main subject
- Relevant degree: your earlier studies should match the master's field as closely as possible
- English level: many programmes need official proof, unless your previous education already meets the rule
- Clear motivation: explain why Sweden, why that programme, and how it fits your goals
- Extra experience: internships, projects, volunteer work, research, or leadership can help
Keep your documents ready early. If you have scanned diplomas, transcripts, passport pages, English results, and a good CV, you can apply faster and avoid mistakes. Some scholarships close quickly, and incomplete files are often rejected.
When to start and how to prepare
For Sweden, it is smart to start several months before the deadline. Most scholarship rounds are tied to the master's admission cycle, so the timing is usually in the same season every year, but exact dates change.
- Check the university admissions website first
- Check the scholarship page of each university or the Swedish Institute site
- Make a list of documents and deadlines for each programme
- Prepare translated or certified copies if the rules ask for them
- Apply early if the system allows it
If you are still finishing your degree, check whether the scholarship accepts students who will graduate before the semester begins. Some do, some do not. The official programme page is the only safe source for that rule.
Common questions
Can a student from Turkey get a scholarship in Sweden?
Yes, it is possible. You are usually competing with students from many countries, so your grades, documents, and motivation need to be strong.
Do I need to apply for admission first?
Often yes. Many scholarships require a programme application or at least a valid admission application number. Check the scholarship rules before you start.
Are bachelor scholarships common in Sweden?
Not very. Most scholarship funding for international students in Sweden is for master's study. For bachelor level, options are much more limited.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
You stay in control, and you can show your profile to the right programmes while you keep checking the official scholarship pages for the current rules.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.