Are you an ambitious international student looking to pursue your studies in one of Europe’s most innovative countries? The Umea University Scholarships 2026 offer an exceptional opportunity to study in Sweden with full or partial tuition coverage. As one of Sweden’s leading research universities, Umea University provides talented students from outside the EU/EEA with merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. If you are searching for fully funded scholarships in Europe or want to experience world-class education in Scandinavia, this scholarship program could be your pathway to academic success.
About Umea University Scholarships
Umea University is a prestigious public research university located in northern Sweden. Founded in 1965, it has grown to become Sweden’s fifth-largest university and is recognized globally for its modern teaching methods, high-quality research, and international atmosphere. The university is home to over 36,000 students and offers a wide range of English-taught programs at both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels.
Each year, Umea University offers scholarships to academically talented and high-achieving international students in conjunction with the autumn semester admission. These scholarships are specifically designed for students from countries outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland who are required to pay tuition fees for their studies in Sweden.
The scholarships are offered in the form of tuition fee waivers, meaning selected candidates receive either a full or partial waiver of their tuition fees. This makes quality Swedish education accessible to deserving students regardless of their financial background.
Umea University is known for its contributions to various fields, particularly environmental sciences, life sciences, technology, and design. The university consistently ranks among the top 400-500 universities globally in major world rankings and is recognized for fostering innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration.
Umea University Scholarships Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Sweden |
| Host Institution | Umea University |
| Location | Umea, Northern Sweden |
| Level of Study | Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programs |
| Eligible Fields | All English-taught programs (except double degree programs) |
| Scholarship Coverage | Full or partial tuition fee waiver |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes (or equivalent English proficiency test) |
| Eligible Nationalities | Non-EU/EEA citizens and non-Swiss citizens |
| Programme Application Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
| Scholarship Interest Deadline | March 4, 2026 |
| Category | Merit-Based Tuition Waiver Scholarship |
Types of Scholarships at Umea University
Umea University and its partner institutions offer several scholarship opportunities for international students. Here is an overview of the main scholarship types available:
1. Umea University Scholarship (Tuition Waiver)
This is the university’s own scholarship program offering full or partial tuition fee waivers to academically excellent international students. The selection is based entirely on academic merit, and a committee within each respective faculty evaluates applications to identify the most promising candidates.
2. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
This is a highly competitive fully funded scholarship available for Master’s level studies in Sweden, including many programs at Umea University. The SISGP is funded by the Swedish government and administered by the Swedish Institute. It covers:
- Full tuition fees (paid directly to the university)
- Monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000 (approximately $1,100 USD)
- One-time travel grant of SEK 15,000 (approximately $1,400 USD)
- Health insurance coverage
This scholarship targets ambitious professionals from eligible developing countries who can demonstrate leadership experience and a strong professional background.
3. Design by Umea Scholarships
Specific scholarships for students admitted to Master’s programs in Design at the Umea Institute of Design. These are funded by donations from Umea kommun (Umea municipality) and are awarded based on academic merit.
4. Erling-Persson Scholarship
A program-specific scholarship occasionally offered by certain departments at Umea University for outstanding students in specific fields.
Benefits of Umea University Scholarships
The Umea University Scholarships provide significant financial relief for international students pursuing higher education in Sweden.
Financial Benefits:
- Full tuition fee waiver (100% coverage) for top-performing candidates
- Partial tuition fee waiver (25%, 50%, or 75% coverage) for other selected candidates
- Significant savings on education costs, which can range from SEK 90,000 to SEK 321,300 per year depending on the program
Academic Benefits:
- Access to over 35 English-taught programs at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels
- Education at a globally ranked university (QS World University Ranking #401 in 2026)
- Opportunity to study in a research-intensive environment with modern facilities
- Access to exchange programs and partnerships with institutions worldwide
- Exposure to innovative teaching methods and cutting-edge research
Additional Benefits:
- Tuition fee-paying students and scholarship holders can study one Swedish language course
- Access to student support services and academic advising
- Opportunity to live and study in one of Sweden’s most student-friendly cities
- Networking opportunities with students from diverse international backgrounds
- Career support with 90% of graduates employed within 9 months of graduation
For SISGP Recipients (Additional Benefits):
- Monthly stipend of SEK 12,000 for living expenses
- Travel grant of SEK 15,000
- Membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals (NFGP)
- Access to events, competence-enhancing programs, and mentorship opportunities
Eligibility Criteria for Umea University Scholarships
To be considered for the Umea University Scholarships 2026, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
General Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a citizen of a country outside of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland
- Must be required to pay tuition fees for studies at Swedish universities
- Must have applied for a full Bachelor’s or Master’s program at Umea University
- Must have completed your program application before the deadline of January 15, 2026
- Must have paid the application fee by February 2, 2026 (students exempt from application fee but required to pay tuition are also eligible)
- Must have selected a Umea University program as Priority 1 on the University Admissions website by January 15, 2026
Academic Requirements:
- Strong academic record demonstrating excellence in previous studies
- Completion of secondary education equivalent to Swedish upper secondary school (for Bachelor’s programs)
- Completed Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (for Master’s programs)
- Minimum of 50% marks in your 3-year or 4-year Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s programs)
English Language Requirements:
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 6.5 overall
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 90
- PTE Academic: Acceptable scores as specified by the program
- Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency certificate
Note: English language requirements may be waived if your previous education was conducted entirely in English.
Program Exclusions:
- The Master’s Program in Sustainability Reporting and Financial Analysis is not eligible as it is a double degree program
For Current Students:
Current students at Umea University are also eligible to register interest for a scholarship if they:
- Have paid the tuition fee for the Spring semester 2026
- Are a registered student for the Spring semester 2026
- Are not on study leave
Required Documents for Umea University Scholarship Application
The scholarship application process at Umea University is integrated with the general admission process. You will need the following documents:
For Program Application (via UniversityAdmissions.se):
- Completed online application form
- Official academic transcripts from previous education
- Proof of completed degree or expected graduation (for Master’s programs)
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent)
- Copy of valid passport or national identification
- CV/Resume detailing academic and professional background
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if required by the program)
- Letters of recommendation (if required by the program)
- Portfolio (for Design and Art programs)
For Scholarship Interest Registration:
- Registration form (sent to eligible applicants via email between February 4-9, 2026)
- Any additional information demonstrating academic merit
- Supporting documents as requested in the registration form
Document Specifications:
- All documents should be in English or Swedish
- Transcripts should be official copies with institutional seals or stamps
- Translations of documents must be certified
- Digital copies should be clear and legible in PDF format
Application Timeline for Umea University Scholarships
Understanding the application timeline is crucial for successful submission. The scholarship process follows a structured timeline aligned with the autumn semester admission.
Key Dates for Autumn 2026 Intake:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Program Application Opens | October 16, 2025 |
| Program Application Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
| Finalize Program Preferences on University Admissions | January 15, 2026 |
| Application Fee Payment Deadline | February 2, 2026 |
| Scholarship Invitation Emails Sent | February 4-9, 2026 |
| Scholarship Interest Registration Deadline | March 4, 2026, 23:59 CET |
| Scholarship Results Announcement | Late April 2026 |
| Academic Year Begins | Autumn 2026 |
Important Notes:
- Only students who receive the scholarship invitation email can proceed with the scholarship interest registration
- Failure to complete the interest registration by March 4, 2026, results in automatic exclusion from scholarship consideration
- Check your inbox regularly, including spam folders, for official notifications
- Applications classified as lower priority or submitted after the deadline will not receive scholarship invitations
How to Apply for Umea University Scholarships
The application process for Umea University Scholarships involves two stages: program application and scholarship interest registration. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Research and Select Your Program
Visit the Umea University website and explore the available Bachelor’s and Master’s programs taught in English. Identify programs that align with your academic interests and career goals.
Step 2: Apply for Your Program via UniversityAdmissions.se
All applications for programs at Swedish universities are submitted through the national application portal at UniversityAdmissions.se. Create an account and complete your application by January 15, 2026.
Step 3: Set Umea University as Priority 1
When ranking your program choices on UniversityAdmissions.se, ensure that your Umea University program is listed as Priority 1. Only applicants with Umea University as their first choice are eligible for the scholarship.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the required application fee through the University Admissions portal by February 2, 2026. The fee is SEK 900 (approximately $85 USD). Note that some nationalities may be exempt from this fee.
Step 5: Submit Required Documents
Upload all required documents to support your application, including transcripts, English test scores, and any program-specific requirements.
Step 6: Wait for Scholarship Invitation Email
Between February 4-9, 2026, Umea University will send personal scholarship invitation emails to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. Check your email regularly during this period.
Step 7: Complete Scholarship Interest Registration
If you receive the invitation email, follow the instructions to register your interest in the scholarship. Complete this registration before the deadline of March 4, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
Step 8: Await Results
Scholarship selection results will be communicated via email in late April 2026. Continue to monitor your inbox for updates.
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Apply early and do not wait until the deadline
- Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and properly formatted
- Double-check that Umea University is set as Priority 1 in your application
- Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records
- Regularly check your email, including spam folders, for important notifications
- If you do not receive the invitation email by February 9, contact the university at tuitionfees@umu.se
- Consider applying for multiple scholarship opportunities, including SISGP
FAQs about Umea University Scholarships
Who is eligible for Umea University Scholarships?
Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who are required to pay tuition fees, have applied for a full program at Umea University, and have set Umea University as Priority 1 on their application are eligible.
Is IELTS required for Umea University Scholarships?
Yes, proof of English language proficiency is required for admission. You can submit IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge English scores. The requirement may be waived if your previous education was conducted in English.
What does the scholarship cover?
The Umea University Scholarship covers full or partial tuition fees. It does not cover living expenses. For comprehensive funding including living costs, consider applying for the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP).
Can I apply for both Umea University Scholarship and Swedish Institute Scholarship?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for both scholarships, you can apply for them separately. The application processes are independent of each other.
What if I don’t get accepted into my Priority 1 program?
If you are not accepted into your first-choice program but are admitted to another one, you cannot switch your scholarship interest to the new program. The scholarship is tied to your Priority 1 selection.
When will scholarship results be announced?
Scholarship selection results for the Autumn 2026 intake will be communicated via email in late April 2026.
Can current students apply for the scholarship?
Yes, current students at Umea University who have paid their tuition fees and are registered for the Spring semester 2026 are eligible to register interest for a scholarship.
How do I contact Umea University about scholarship inquiries?
You can reach the university’s tuition and scholarship office at tuitionfees@umu.se for any questions regarding the scholarship process.
Need Help with Your Application? ScholyHub Consultancy Can Assist
Navigating the scholarship application process for Swedish universities can be complex, especially when coordinating multiple deadlines and requirements. If you need personalized guidance, ScholyHub Consultancy is here to help.
Our experienced consultants can assist you with:
- Selecting the right programs that match your academic profile
- Preparing compelling application documents and statements of purpose
- Understanding the Swedish university admission system
- Coordinating applications for multiple scholarships (Umea Scholarship and SISGP)
- Document preparation and application review
- Strategic advice on maximizing your chances of selection
Visit ScholyHub Consultants to learn more about our services and request a consultation. Our team has helped numerous students secure scholarships to study in Sweden and other European countries.
Final Thoughts on Umea University Scholarships
The Umea University Scholarships 2026 represent an excellent opportunity for academically talented international students to pursue quality education in Sweden without the full burden of tuition fees. With full or partial tuition waivers available, these merit-based scholarships make studying at one of Sweden’s most innovative universities accessible to deserving students from around the world.
Umea University offers a unique combination of academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and a welcoming international environment. Located in one of Sweden’s most student-friendly cities, the university provides not just education but a complete experience that prepares graduates for successful careers globally.
The application process requires careful attention to deadlines and priorities. Remember that setting Umea University as Priority 1 on your application is essential for scholarship eligibility. Start your preparation early, gather all required documents, and ensure you meet all deadlines to maximize your chances of selection.
Whether you are interested in sciences, technology, design, business, or health sciences, Umea University has programs that can help you achieve your academic and career goals. Combined with Sweden’s high quality of life, safety, and strong employment outcomes for graduates, this scholarship opportunity is well worth pursuing.