If you’re an international student aiming for a Master’s degree in Sweden, Dalarna University offers compelling scholarship opportunities to make your ambitions more affordable. This comprehensive guide covers everything: scholarship types, eligibility, application timelines, insider tips, and more.
Official scholarship page: Dalarna University Scholarships
Dalarna University at a Glance
Located across two campuses in Falun and Borlänge, central Sweden, Dalarna University is a public institution founded in 1977. It has around 17,000 students (2024) and saw a 31.2% surge in international Master’s applications in 2025—one of the highest in Sweden.
- Falun Campus: Known for health, education, and welfare programs.
- Borlänge Campus: Focuses on technology, engineering, business, and social sciences, notably hosting the Next Generation Learning Centre (NGL-C).
- Recently, Borlänge Campus has been upgraded with state-of-the-art facilities.
Overview of Dalarna University Scholarships (2025)
Dalarna University provides financial support to non-EU/EEA international Master’s students, especially for the 2025 intake.
A. DU Scholarships (2025 or Earlier Intake)
- Coverage: 10%–50% of tuition fees, applied per semester.
- Decision Timeline:
-
- Spring semester: Decisions by November 1
- Autumn semester: Decisions by April 15
- Continuing Student Support: After one semester (Master’s) or first year (Bachelor’s), top-performing students can apply for a 10,000 SEK tuition waiver per remaining semester.
- Application: Provided by the program manager via Canvas prior to semester start.
B. Merit-Based International Student Scholarships
- Coverage:
-
- 25% tuition reduction (~18 scholarships for select programs)
- 50% tuition reduction (fewer slots, e.g., 7 scholarships)
- Eligible Programs: Includes English & Irish Literature, African Studies, Tourism Destination Development, Pre-Master Economics, Business Studies, International Tourism Marketing, Solar Energy Engineering, and Business Intelligence.
- Important Notes:
-
- Covers tuition only (living, travel, materials not included).
- Valid for one academic year; may extend for multi-year programs.
- Applicants from SI-eligible countries (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda) are not eligible.
C. Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships
- Offered by the Swedish Institute, fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses (~12,000 SEK/month), and travel.
- Eligibility: Students admitted to Dalarna University for Master’s programs.
- Target Groups:
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- Global Professionals (SISGP): 33 eligible countries
- Pioneering Women in STEM: Female applicants from specific countries applying to STEM programs
- Application opens February 2026 via the SI website.
Scholarship Eligibility & Timeline Summary
| DU Choose Dalarna / Academic Excellence | New Master’s students (2025 start) | 10%–50% tuition reduction | UniversityAdmissions; decisions by Nov 1 / Apr 15 |
| Continuing Student Excellence | Enrolled Master’s students | 10,000 SEK fee waiver per semester | Canvas link before semester |
| Merit-Based DU SI scholarships. |
- Use Canvas and university emails for important scholarship links.
- Technical and STEM degrees often offer higher total scholarship amounts.
Life at Dalarna University
- Intimate Campuses: Small class sizes, close faculty-student contact, integrated with town life.
- Falun & Borlänge: Blend of urban convenience and outdoor recreation, with seamless public transport.
- Academic Innovation: Modern facilities like the NGL-C, research tied to real-world needs, and strong industry collaborations.
- International Student Community: DU has rising diversity and a vibrant academic environment.
Checklist Before Submission
- Selected Master’s program and intake
- Applied via UniversityAdmissions.se and ranked DU first
- Submitted DU scholarship applications
- Marked decision dates and set reminders
- Planned to maintain academic performance for continuing scholarships
- Prepared for SI application (if eligible)
- Arranged financial planning for living expenses, visa, and housing
Dalarna University Scholarship FAQs
Q1: Are DU scholarships renewable?
A1: Yes, if you maintain a GPA of at least B (or top 25% of class) per semester.
A1: Yes, if you maintain a GPA of at least B (or top 25% of class) per semester.
Q2: Do scholarships cover living expenses?
A2: No, DU scholarships cover tuition only. SI scholarships cover living costs.
A2: No, DU scholarships cover tuition only. SI scholarships cover living costs.
Q3: Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
A3: Only if one covers tuition and the other living expenses; tuition scholarships cannot be combined.
A3: Only if one covers tuition and the other living expenses; tuition scholarships cannot be combined.
Q4: Required documents?
Proof of acceptance, academic transcripts, statement of purpose, and optional recommendation letters.
Proof of acceptance, academic transcripts, statement of purpose, and optional recommendation letters.
Q5: How competitive?
High: 10–50% tuition reduction awarded to top-ranking applicants. Early application improves chances.
High: 10–50% tuition reduction awarded to top-ranking applicants. Early application improves chances.
Tuition Fees & Scholarship Impact
| Master’s | 120,000–140,000 SEK | 30,000–35,000 SEK savings | 60,000–70,000 SEK savings |
| Bachelor’s | 90,000–120,000 SEK | 22,500–30,000 SEK savings | 45,000–60,000 SEK savings |
Tip: Combine tuition reductions with part-time work (up to 20 hours/week) for living costs.
How to Write a Strong Scholarship Application
- Statement of Purpose: Highlight achievements, career goals, and potential impact.
- Academic Evidence: Transcripts, diplomas, and awards.
- Leadership & Initiative: Volunteer work, research, and student clubs.
- Recommendations: Two strong letters emphasizing merit and leadership.
- Proofread & Submit Early: Ensure accuracy and timeliness.
Cost of Living in Falun & Borlänge
| Accommodation | 3,500–5,500 |
| Food & Groceries | 2,500–3,500 |
| Transport | 500–800 |
| Health Insurance | 400–600 |
| Leisure & Miscellaneous | 1,000–2,000 |
|
Total
|
8,000–12,000 |
Tip: Shared apartments reduce costs 30–40%; DU offers housing assistance.
Career Prospects & Scholarship Leverage
- Sectors: Engineering, business, IT, tourism, sustainability, and social sciences.
- Employers: IKEA, ABB, Volvo, startups, NGOs.
- Networking: Strong alumni and industry connections.
- Scholarship Advantage: Enhances resume, provides networking opportunities, funds internships, and prioritizes leadership roles.
Useful Links
- Official DU Scholarship Page
- UniversityAdmissions.se
- Swedish Institute Scholarships
- Student Housing Information
- Scholarship Insights
Final Thoughts
The Dalarna University Scholarships 2025 provide structured and impactful financial support for international Master’s students. From initial tuition relief to merit-based awards and the opportunity for full SI funding, these scholarships reduce costs while offering strategic career advantages.
Key recommendations:
- Start applications 6–8 months early
- Prioritize academic excellence and leadership
- Plan living expenses and housing carefully
- Explore SI scholarships for full tuition and living costs coverage
- Utilize DU’s support networks and international student services
By applying wisely and maintaining strong academic performance, you can fully leverage DU scholarships and make the most of your Master’s journey in Sweden.
Understanding Different Scholarship Categories
Dalarna University offers multiple scholarship categories, and understanding them helps you maximize your funding opportunities:
1. Choose Dalarna First Scholarship
- Automatically awarded to applicants ranking DU as their first choice.
- Reduces tuition by 5,000 SEK for the first semester.
- Tip: Even if it seems small, it signals early commitment and boosts your visibility for other DU scholarships.
2. Academic Excellence Scholarships
- Focuses on continuing students maintaining top grades.
- Encourages consistent performance across all semesters.
- Tip: Set personal GPA targets from the start to qualify each semester.
3. Merit-Based Scholarships
- Awarded to international applicants based on outstanding academic records.
- Coverage: 25% or 50% of tuition.
- Tip: Programs in STEM, Business Intelligence, and Solar Energy often have higher allocations due to industry demand.
4. Swedish Institute Scholarships
- Full scholarships covering tuition, living, and travel costs.
- Extremely competitive; focuses on leadership and global impact.
- Tip: Start preparing leadership documents and essays early.
How to Combine DU Scholarships with Other Funding
Even if a DU scholarship covers tuition, students can explore additional sources:
- SI scholarships (for eligible countries) for living costs
- Home-country government scholarships or private grants
- Part-time student work (up to 20 hours/week in Sweden)
- University-specific project funding for research or internships
Tip: Maintain clear records of funding sources and deadlines to avoid overlap and ensure compliance.
Writing a Winning Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Your SOP is a critical component of merit-based scholarships. Here’s how to make it stand out:
- Start Strong: Begin with a clear statement of your goals and motivation.
- Highlight Achievements: Academic awards, research projects, internships.
- Demonstrate Impact: Explain how your studies will benefit your home country or global community.
- Show Leadership: Include extracurricular, community service, or professional initiatives.
- Tailor to DU Programs: Mention how specific Dalarna programs align with your career objectives.
Tip: Keep it concise, structured, and error-free. Aim for 1–2 pages, readable with clear headings.
Letters of Recommendation – Tips for Maximum Impact
Strong recommendation letters can tip the scales for scholarship committees:
- Select referees who know you academically or professionally.
- Ask them to highlight your leadership, problem-solving, and initiative.
- Provide them with your SOP and academic records for context.
- Give referees at least 3–4 weeks to write detailed letters.
Tip: A strong recommendation can differentiate you from dozens of equally qualified applicants.
Living in Sweden – Culture and Cost-Saving Tips
Studying at Dalarna is more than academics—life experience matters:
- Culture: Friendly, egalitarian society; strong emphasis on sustainability and outdoor lifestyle.
- Weather: Cold winters and mild summers; plan clothing accordingly.
- Cost-Saving Tips:
-
- Cook meals instead of dining out
- Share apartments or student dorms
- Use public transport or bikes
- Buy second-hand books and materials
Tip: Budgeting your monthly 8,000–12,000 SEK wisely ensures you can focus on studies.
Networking and Professional Development
Scholarships are also gateways to career and professional growth:
- Attend DU workshops and seminars
- Join student associations and clubs related to your field
- Seek internships with Swedish companies or NGOs
- Engage in research projects with professors
Tip: Scholarships signal excellence to potential employers; include them on your CV and LinkedIn profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To improve your chances, avoid these pitfalls:
- Late applications – Missing deadlines for University Admissions or DU scholarships
- Incomplete documents – Missing transcripts, SOP, or recommendation letters
- Ignoring eligibility rules – e.g., applying for DU scholarships if from an SI-eligible country
- Weak SOP – Failing to demonstrate impact, goals, or leadership potential
- Poor budgeting – Underestimating living costs or accommodation
Timeline Checklist for 2025/2026 Applicants
|
August 2025
|
Research programs, prepare transcripts & SOP |
|
September 2025
|
Submit Spring intake applications (UniversityAdmissions) |
|
October 2025
|
Submit DU scholarship applications |
|
November 2025
|
Receive Spring intake DU scholarship decisions |
|
December 2025
|
Prepare housing applications & budget planning |
|
January 2026
|
Spring semester begins |
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February 2026
|
Apply for SI scholarships if eligible |
|
March–May 2026
|
Maintain top grades for continuing scholarships |
Tip: Use a personal calendar or reminders to track multiple deadlines efficiently.
Why Dalarna University Scholarships are Worth Pursuing
- Reduce financial burden while pursuing a global degree
- Signal academic and leadership excellence to employers
- Access international networks and professional connections
- Encourage consistent academic performance through continuing scholarships
- Open doors to further funding (SI, part-time work, research grants)
Final Recommendations
- Start your application process early (6–8 months ahead)
- Focus on merit and leadership to qualify for all scholarship tiers
- Combine DU scholarships with SI scholarships or other funding if possible
- Budget for living expenses, travel, and housing proactively
- Engage in student networks and professional opportunities at Dalarna
By strategically applying for scholarships, excelling academically, and leveraging DU’s resources, you can maximize funding and career opportunities during your Master’s studies in Sweden.