If you are a student from Vietnam and want to study in Sweden, there are a few scholarships you can realistically compete for. The main options are Swedish Institute scholarships, university tuition waivers, and Erasmus Mundus programmes. Most are competitive, so a strong profile and complete documents matter a lot.
Main scholarship types
Most students from Vietnam look at these routes first:
- Swedish Institute scholarships - usually for master’s studies and often very competitive.
- University scholarships - tuition fee waivers or partial reductions from Swedish universities.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - international master’s programmes with scholarships attached.
- Other external scholarships - from foundations, home-country bodies, or international organisations.
The exact funding model changes by year and by programme. Always check the official scholarship site and the university’s programme page before you apply.
Swedish Institute scholarships
The Swedish Institute, often called SI, is the best-known national scholarship source for international master’s students. It is usually aimed at students who have leadership potential and strong academic results. The application window is typically early in the year, around the time master’s applications are open or just after them, but you should always check the official SI website for the current cycle.
- Usually for full-time master’s programmes in Sweden.
- Often requires you to apply first to eligible Swedish master’s programmes.
- Commonly asks for academic transcripts, proof of English, CV, motivation letter, and sometimes work or leadership experience.
- May include tuition support and living-cost support, depending on the programme rules for that year.
For a student from Vietnam, this can be realistic if your grades are strong, your profile is clear, and your documents show leadership, work, volunteering, or project experience. Read the eligibility rules carefully, because not every master’s applicant can apply.
University tuition waivers
Many Swedish universities offer their own scholarships for fee-paying students. These are often partial or full tuition waivers, not always living-cost support. They are usually linked to specific master’s programmes and are very competitive.
- Check the university admissions page and the programme page for each course.
- Some scholarships are automatic to consider when you apply for admission, while others need a separate form.
- Deadlines are often close to the master’s application deadline, or shortly after it.
- Selection is usually based on academic merit, motivation, and how well you fit the programme.
University scholarships can be a good option if your grades are high and your profile matches the programme well. Some universities are more generous than others, but you should never assume funding is available. Check the university’s admissions page for the exact rules.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are international master’s programmes run by groups of universities in Europe and sometimes beyond. They often have scholarship places that may cover tuition, travel, installation costs, and a monthly allowance. These programmes are usually very competitive, but they are open to strong students from Vietnam and many other countries.
- Application deadlines are often between autumn and winter for entry the next academic year.
- You apply directly to the programme consortium, not to a Swedish scholarship office.
- Typical documents include transcripts, degree certificate, passport, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, and proof of English.
- Some programmes may ask for extra material such as a portfolio or specific academic background.
If the programme includes a Swedish partner university, you may spend one part of the course in Sweden. These scholarships can be a strong fit if your academic background is good and you can show a clear reason for choosing the field.
What you usually need
Most scholarship applications in Sweden ask for similar documents. A complete and well-organised file helps you a lot, especially when the competition is strong.
- Transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of English, such as IELTS or TOEFL, if the programme requires it
- CV with education, work, internships, and projects
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose
- Recommendation letters for some programmes
- Passport copy and, sometimes, a portfolio or research proposal
Make sure every document is readable, consistent, and translated if needed. Missing pages, unclear scans, or weak explanations can lower your chances. A strong profile is not only about grades. It also shows focus, direction, and proof that you are ready for the programme.
How to compete well
You do not need to be perfect, but you do need to be clear. Admissions and scholarship committees often look for students who understand the programme and can explain why it fits their future plans.
- Choose programmes that match your earlier studies.
- Show a clear link between your background and your goals.
- Highlight projects, internships, volunteer work, research, or leadership.
- Use simple, direct writing in your motivation letter.
- Apply early enough to fix mistakes before the deadline.
If your grades are average, a strong personal story and relevant experience can still help. If your grades are strong, do not waste that advantage with weak documents. Read the official criteria and follow them closely.
Common questions
Can a student from Vietnam get a full scholarship in Sweden?
Yes, some scholarships can cover full tuition and part of your living costs, but they are very competitive. Check the Swedish Institute, Erasmus Mundus, and each university’s scholarship page for the exact coverage.
When should I start preparing?
Start several months before the scholarship deadline. Many students prepare documents in the autumn for scholarships that open late in the year or early the next year.
Do I need admission before I apply for a scholarship?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some scholarships need a separate application, and some are linked to your admission application. Always check the scholarship site and the university admissions page.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so universities can see your profile clearly. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
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.