Are you an ambitious international student seeking a tuition-free Master’s degree in Sweden? The Mälardalen University Scholarship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity to pursue graduate studies at one of Sweden’s most innovative universities without paying any tuition fees. This prestigious scholarship covers 100% of tuition costs for qualified international students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
Mälardalen University (MDU), located in the dynamic Mälardalen region of Sweden, is renowned for its cutting-edge research in future energy, embedded systems, and sustainable development. With campuses in Västerås and Eskilstuna, just one hour from Stockholm, MDU provides a world-class education environment that prepares students for successful careers in a globalized world.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all aspects of the Mälardalen University Scholarship, including eligibility requirements, available programmes, application process, and essential tips to strengthen your application.
Mälardalen University Scholarship 2026: Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | Sweden |
| Host Institution | Mälardalen University (MDU) |
| Programme Level | Master’s Degree |
| Duration | 1-2 years (programme dependent) |
| Scholarship Coverage | 100% Tuition Fee Waiver |
| Eligible Nationalities | Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (with exclusions) |
| Programme Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
| Scholarship Deadline | February 2, 2026 |
| Application Fee | SEK 900 (approximately USD 85) |
| Result Notification | March 27-31, 2026 |
| Programme Start | Autumn 2026 (August/September) |
About Mälardalen University (MDU)
Mälardalen University is a modern Swedish public university established in 1977, located in the densely populated Mälardalen region around Lake Mälaren. With approximately 19,000 students and 1,000 employees including 91 professors, MDU is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions offering high-quality education in collaboration with industry and society.
MDU holds the distinction of being the world’s first environmentally certified university under the international ISO 14001 standard, reflecting its strong commitment to sustainability and sustainable development. The university operates two main campuses in Västerås and Eskilstuna, both featuring modern facilities, bright buildings, and excellent student support services.
The university is internationally recognized for its outstanding research in Future Energy, Embedded Systems, Health and Welfare, and Innovation and Product Realization. MDU’s programmes are designed in cooperation with business and society, ensuring graduates are highly attractive in the job market. More than 86% of MDU graduates find employment in their field within the first year after graduation.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mälardalen University Scholarship provides significant financial support to help international students pursue their Master’s degree in Sweden:
- 100% Tuition Fee Waiver: The scholarship covers the entire tuition fee for your Master’s programme (valued at SEK 98,500 to SEK 135,000 per year depending on the programme)
- Multi-Year Coverage: The scholarship continues throughout your entire programme duration (1-2 years) as long as you maintain required academic progress
- World-Class Education: Access to innovative research environments and programmes taught entirely in English
- Industry Connections: Direct collaboration with Swedish and international companies through project work and internships
- Career Advancement: Gain competitive edge in the global job market with a degree from a prestigious Swedish university
- Free Inter-Campus Transport: Free bus travel between Västerås and Eskilstuna campuses during semesters
- Work Opportunities: International students can work part-time during studies in Sweden
- Post-Study Work Rights: Opportunity to seek employment in Sweden after graduation
- Multicultural Environment: Study alongside students from diverse backgrounds in an inclusive university setting
- Student Support Services: Comprehensive support including accommodation assistance, library resources, and student organizations
Important Note: The scholarship does NOT cover living expenses. Students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses (minimum SEK 10,584 per month as required for the residence permit).
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mälardalen University Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland
- Fee-Paying Status: Must be required to pay tuition fees in Sweden (non-EU/EEA students)
- First Choice Requirement: Must apply for a Master’s programme at MDU as your FIRST choice on universityadmissions.se
- Educational Background: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution
- Programme Requirements: Must meet the specific entry requirements for your chosen Master’s programme
- English Proficiency: Must demonstrate proficiency in English (typically IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+)
- Application Fee: Must pay the SEK 900 application fee on time
- Document Submission: Must submit all supporting documents within published deadlines
- Academic Progress: Must maintain minimum 22.5 credits per semester and 45 credits per academic year to retain the scholarship
- Academic Excellence: The scholarship targets especially qualified students with strong academic records
Countries NOT Eligible for MDU Scholarship
Students from the following 12 countries with which Sweden has long-term development cooperation are NOT eligible for the MDU Scholarship. Instead, they should apply for the Swedish Institute Study Scholarship:
- Bangladesh
- Bolivia
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Mali
- Mozambique
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
Eligible Master’s Programmes at MDU
Mälardalen University offers 14+ international Master’s programmes taught entirely in English across various disciplines. All programmes are designed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the job market.
Business and Marketing
- International Marketing – 1 year: Develop practical skills in international marketing, critical thinking, and analytical abilities for fast-changing global marketplaces
- Global Strategy and Management – 2 years: Prepare for leadership roles or management consulting in the globalized business world
Computer Science
- Intelligent Embedded Systems – 2 years: Design safe, reliable embedded systems that learn and adapt. Career paths include engineer, project manager, system architect
- Software Engineering – 2 years: Develop and maintain high-quality software systems. Career paths include software architect, developer, project manager
Health and Welfare
- Public Health Science – Social Sustainable Development – 2 years: Analyze and address public health challenges on local and global levels
Mathematics and Finance
- Engineering Mathematics – 2 years: Mathematical applications in statistics, IT, energy, robotics, optimization – highly demanded for developing tomorrow’s technology
- Financial Engineering – 2 years: Advanced mathematics and finance for portfolio management and risk analysis. Tuition: SEK 135,000/year
Music and Opera
- Chamber Music – 2 years: Develop your full potential as an instrumentalist or singer with leading musicians and educators
- Chamber Opera – 2 years: Master of Fine Arts for those passionate about opera performance
Technology and Engineering
- Innovation and Design – 2 years: Innovation management, design processes, and communication in innovation
- Product and Process Development – Production and Logistics – 2 years: Modern production and logistics systems optimization
- Sustainable Energy Systems – 2 years: Cutting-edge expertise for the transition from fossil to renewable energy
- Environmental Engineering for Sustainable Development – 2 years (ONLINE): One of Europe’s first international online Master’s in Environmental Engineering
- Building Engineering – Sustainability and Digitalisation – 2 years: Lead innovation in energy-efficient, smart, technologically advanced buildings
Social Sciences
- Politics and Sustainable Societies – 1-2 years (ONLINE): Innovative political science programme on current societal challenges and sustainability politics
For the complete list of programmes and detailed requirements, visit: MDU International Programmes
Required Documents
To apply for the MDU Scholarship, you need to submit the following documents:
- Programme Application: Complete application on universityadmissions.se with MDU as first choice
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previous higher education institutions
- Degree Certificate: Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent (or proof of expected completion)
- English Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted English language test scores
- CV/Resume: Updated curriculum vitae highlighting education and relevant experience
- Passport Copy: Valid passport identification page
- MDU Scholarship Application Form: Completed scholarship form (PDF available from MDU website)
- Programme-Specific Documents: Some programmes may require additional documents such as motivation letters or portfolio
Application Timeline 2026
- October 16, 2025: Application period opens on universityadmissions.se
- Mid-October 2025: MDU Scholarship application form becomes available
- January 15, 2026: Deadline for programme application on universityadmissions.se
- February 2, 2026: DEADLINE for scholarship application and supporting documents
- March 27-31, 2026: Scholarship results notification via email
- April 2026: Programme admission results on universityadmissions.se
- May-July 2026: Apply for residence permit at Swedish Migration Agency
- August/September 2026: Programme begins
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps carefully to submit a complete application for the Mälardalen University Scholarship 2026:
- Research Programmes: Visit the MDU website to explore available Master’s programmes and identify the one that best fits your academic and career goals. Check specific entry requirements for your chosen programme.
- Create Account on University Admissions: Go to universityadmissions.se and create an account. This is Sweden’s centralized application portal for all universities.
- Apply for Master’s Programme: Search for your desired MDU programme and apply. CRITICAL: You MUST select Mälardalen University as your FIRST CHOICE. If you don’t list MDU first, you will NOT be eligible for the scholarship.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the SEK 900 application fee before the deadline. Payment must be received on time for your application to be processed.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Submit all required documents (transcripts, degree certificate, English test scores, passport copy) through universityadmissions.se before the deadline.
- Download Scholarship Form: Download the MDU Scholarship Application Form from: MDU Scholarship Page
- Complete and Submit Scholarship Form: Fill out the scholarship application form carefully and submit it along with your other documents to University Admissions Sweden before February 2, 2026.
- Await Results: Scholarship notifications will be sent via email between March 27-31, 2026. MDU will use the same email address registered on University Admissions.
Living Costs in Sweden
While the MDU Scholarship covers tuition fees, students must fund their own living expenses. The Swedish Migration Agency requires proof of at least SEK 10,584 per month (approximately USD 1,000 or EUR 900) to obtain a residence permit. Here is a breakdown of typical monthly expenses:
- Accommodation: SEK 3,000-7,000 (student housing is more affordable; private apartments cost more)
- Food: SEK 2,500-3,000 (cooking at home significantly reduces costs)
- Local Transportation: SEK 400-600 (student discounts available; free bus between MDU campuses)
- Phone/Internet: SEK 300-500
- Books and Supplies: SEK 500-800 per semester
- Health Insurance: Free for EU students; others may need private insurance (SEK 300-500/month)
- Miscellaneous: SEK 1,500-2,000 (personal items, entertainment, clothing)
Cost-Saving Tips: Västerås and Eskilstuna offer more affordable living compared to Stockholm. Cook at home, use student discounts (Mecenat or Studentkortet cards), buy second-hand items, and apply for student housing early to secure more affordable accommodation.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Start your application as soon as the portal opens in October to avoid technical issues and ensure all documents are properly submitted.
- First Choice is Critical: Remember that MDU MUST be your first choice on universityadmissions.se. This is a non-negotiable requirement for scholarship consideration.
- Match Programme Requirements: Carefully review the specific entry requirements for your chosen programme and ensure your academic background meets all criteria.
- English Proficiency: Take your English test well in advance. Most programmes require IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Higher scores strengthen your application.
- Document Quality: Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, legible, and properly formatted. Unclear documents may delay your application processing.
- Financial Planning: Since the scholarship doesn’t cover living expenses, start planning your finances early. Explore additional scholarships, savings, or part-time work opportunities.
Why Choose Mälardalen University?
- World’s First Environmentally Certified University: MDU’s ISO 14001 certification demonstrates its commitment to sustainability
- Excellent Research Environment: Internationally outstanding research in future energy, embedded systems, health, and innovation
- Industry Collaboration: Strong partnerships with Swedish and international companies ensure practical, career-relevant education
- High Employment Rate: Over 86% of graduates find employment in their field within one year
- Strategic Location: Just one hour from Stockholm and Arlanda Airport, with access to Sweden’s dynamic Mälardalen region
- Modern Facilities: State-of-the-art campuses with excellent libraries, computer workstations, and wireless networks
- Supportive Community: Close contact between students and professors in an informal, inclusive atmosphere
- Quality of Life: Sweden consistently ranks among the top countries for quality of life, safety, and work-life balance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the MDU Scholarship cover living expenses?
No, the scholarship covers only tuition fees. Students must demonstrate sufficient funds (minimum SEK 10,584/month) to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses for their residence permit application.
2. Can I apply if MDU is my second or third choice?
No. You MUST apply for a Master’s programme at MDU as your FIRST choice on universityadmissions.se to be considered for the scholarship. Applications with MDU as second choice or lower will not be considered.
3. What happens if I don’t maintain the required academic progress?
The scholarship requires minimum 22.5 credits per semester and 45 credits per academic year. If you fail to meet this requirement, you may lose the scholarship and be required to pay tuition fees for subsequent semesters.
4. I’m from Bangladesh/Kenya/Uganda. Can I still apply?
Students from the 12 countries with Sweden’s development cooperation (Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia) are not eligible for the MDU Scholarship. However, you can apply for the Swedish Institute Study Scholarship instead.
5. Is there an application fee for the scholarship?
The scholarship application itself is free. However, you must pay the SEK 900 application fee for your programme application on universityadmissions.se. EU/EEA students are exempt from this fee.
6. Can I work while studying on this scholarship?
Yes, international students in Sweden can work alongside their studies. However, finding part-time work may be challenging without Swedish language skills. The scholarship allows you to focus on studies while supplementing with part-time work if needed.
7. When will I know if I received the scholarship?
Scholarship notifications are sent by email between March 27-31, 2026. MDU will use the same email address registered on your University Admissions account.
8. Are online programmes eligible for the scholarship?
The Environmental Engineering for Sustainable Development and Politics and Sustainable Societies programmes are offered online. Contact MDU directly to confirm if these online programmes are eligible for the scholarship, as requirements may vary.
Important Links
Official Scholarship Page: MDU Scholarship Programme
Programme Application Portal: universityadmissions.se
MDU International Programmes: View All Programmes
Swedish Institute Scholarship: SI Scholarships
Swedish Migration Agency: migrationsverket.se
Ready to Apply?
The Mälardalen University Scholarship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity to pursue a world-class Master’s education in Sweden completely tuition-free. With programmes spanning business, technology, mathematics, health, and the arts, MDU provides diverse pathways to academic and professional success.
APPLY NOW FOR MDU SCHOLARSHIP 2026
Don’t miss this opportunity to study at one of Sweden’s most innovative universities. Start your application today and take the first step toward your international academic journey!
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