If you want to study in Sweden from Indonesia, there are a few scholarship paths you can realistically look at. The most common are Swedish Institute scholarships, university tuition waivers, and Erasmus Mundus programmes. None of them is easy, but a strong profile and complete documents can help a lot.
Main scholarship paths
For most students from Indonesia, these are the main options to check first:
- Swedish Institute Scholarships - These are well known and usually aimed at master's students from eligible countries. They are very competitive and often cover tuition and living support, but the exact package changes by programme year.
- University scholarships - Many Swedish universities offer fee waivers or partial scholarships for international students. These are usually for tuition fees only, not all living costs.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - These are international master's programmes run by more than one university. Many include a scholarship that can cover tuition and provide a monthly grant.
Always check the official source for each option. For Swedish Institute funding, use the Swedish Institute website. For university awards, check the university admissions page and the programme page. For Erasmus Mundus, check the official programme website.
Who can usually compete for these
Most scholarships in Sweden are for master's level study, not bachelor study. Some PhD places in Sweden are paid jobs, but that is a different process from scholarships.
Common requirements usually include:
- A completed bachelor's degree, or proof you will finish it before the programme starts.
- Strong academic results.
- Good English, usually proven with IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test.
- A motivation letter or essay.
- CV and recommendation letters, depending on the scholarship.
Some scholarships also want leadership, work experience, or proof that you fit a development, social impact, or academic goal. Read the scholarship page carefully, because the selection criteria are often specific.
Swedish Institute scholarships
These are among the most competitive awards for international students. They are usually open to master's applicants from selected countries, and Indonesia has often been included in eligible country lists. You should always confirm this on the Swedish Institute site for the year you apply.
What they usually ask for:
- You apply for a master's programme first or at the same time, depending on the rules that year.
- You need a strong academic record.
- You often need relevant work or leadership experience.
- You may need to explain how your studies connect to your future plans and your home country.
When they open: often once a year, around the master application season. The scholarship window is usually short, so prepare early. Check the Swedish Institute website and the national university admissions portal for the current dates.
University tuition waivers
Many Swedish universities offer their own scholarships for fee-paying students. These are often easier to find than national awards, but they still are selective. They usually reduce or remove tuition fees, but they do not always cover travel, insurance, or daily costs.
Typical requirements:
- You must first apply to a degree programme.
- Some universities want a separate scholarship application.
- Others automatically consider eligible applicants after you submit the programme application.
- You may need a strong statement of purpose, grades, and proof of English.
When they open: often at the same time as master's admissions, which is usually in the annual application cycle. Deadlines can differ by university and programme, so check the programme page and admissions page directly.
Erasmus Mundus joint masters
Erasmus Mundus can be a good route if you want an international degree with several study locations, sometimes including Sweden. These programmes are highly competitive, but they are realistic for strong students from Indonesia.
What they usually require:
- A relevant bachelor's degree.
- Strong grades.
- English test results.
- A CV, motivation letter, and sometimes recommendation letters.
- Sometimes a clear match between your background and the programme theme.
When they open: many Erasmus Mundus programmes open once a year, often in the autumn or winter for the following academic year. Each consortium sets its own deadline, so check the official programme website.
How to build a stronger application
A scholarship application is not only about grades. It is also about presenting a clear profile with the right documents.
Helpful things to prepare early:
- Passport copy.
- Degree certificate and transcript.
- English test result, if required.
- CV in a clear format.
- Motivation letter tailored to each scholarship.
- Reference letters, if the scholarship asks for them.
A strong profile also means your field of study, previous education, and goals should fit the scholarship well. For example, if a scholarship values leadership or social impact, show real examples from school, university, volunteering, internships, or work. If a programme wants academic fit, explain why your past studies connect to your chosen course in Sweden.
Keep your documents neat and ready before the application opens. Many students lose time because they wait until the last week to request transcripts, language tests, or references.
Common questions
Can I get a full scholarship for Sweden from Indonesia?
Yes, some scholarships can cover tuition and part of living costs, but they are very competitive. Read the official rules carefully, because coverage changes by scholarship.
Do I need to apply for admission first?
Often yes, or at least at the same time. Many scholarships are linked to a master's application, so check the university admissions page and the scholarship page together.
When should I start preparing?
Start several months before the deadline. You usually need time for English tests, transcripts, references, and a strong motivation letter.
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.
This can help you be seen by the right universities earlier, while you still compare scholarship options and prepare your applications.
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.