Swedish Institute (SI) Scholar, Ariful from Bangladesh, Pursues a Master’s in Applied Data Science at Malmö University, Sweden

My name is Ariful Amin. I am from Bangladesh. As a child, I was curious about how computers work. I liked to take things apart and learn by doing. This curiosity led me to study Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Dhaka. I enjoyed learning about logic, data, and building software that helps people.

Now I am pursuing a Master’s in Applied Data Science at Malmö University. I chose this field because I want to turn data into clear decisions. I want to make systems smarter, fairer, and easier to use. I believe simple tools can solve real problems. My goal is to grow as an engineer, share what I learn, and create technology that improves everyday life.

Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals Details

I study at Malmö University in the two-year Master’s in Computer Science: Applied Data Science. I received the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals. The scholarship covers full tuition (paid directly to the university), provides a monthly stipend for living costs, and includes a one-time travel grant. It also gives access to the SI Network for Global Professionals and, after the scholarship, the Sweden Alumni Network. The scholarship also includes insurance coverage. In short, my programme is a master’s in Applied Data Science at Malmö University, and my funding is the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals.

For others’ reference, similar scholarships in Sweden include:

• Malmö University Excellence Scholarship (Malmö University): tuition waiver (partial up to full), tuition only.
• Lund University Global Scholarship (Lund University): partial up to full tuition fee waiver, tuition only.
• Uppsala University Global/Prospective Master’s Scholarships (Uppsala University): full tuition fee waivers (tuition only), highly competitive.
• Avancez Scholarship (Chalmers University of Technology): typically 75% tuition reduction, with a potential increase (some years) in the second year.
• LiU International Scholarship (Linköping University): 25–75% tuition reduction (often 50%); percentages vary by award.

Educational Background

I earned a BSc in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Dhaka (2014–2018). The curriculum built my core CS toolkit—data structures & algorithms, databases, operating systems, computer architecture, microprocessors/microcontrollers, and hands-on labs in DS/OOP—which trained me to analyze complexity, memory management, and system trade-offs. I am now pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science: Applied Data Science at Malmö University, where the program emphasizes state-of-the-art data science methods, industry tools, capstone projects, and a research-oriented thesis, enhancing my end-to-end skills in data engineering, modeling, and deployment.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Malmö University?

Here’s how I prepared: kept it simple and practical. I treated admissions as a straightforward checklist: apply online, then gather the core documents, degree certificate, transcripts, proof of English, and ID/passport; and only add programme-specific items like a motivation letter or CV if the programme page asks for them. For Malmö’s Applied Data Science, I double-checked the entry requirements (CS/related degree, programming credits, math credits, and IELTS 6.5) directly on the programme page to make sure my background matched.

For SISGP, I started early because SI uses predefined templates (CV, proof of work, and leadership letters of reference), and they reject applications that don’t follow the exact instructions. Applicants from Bangladesh must show at least 3,000 hours of work experience before the cutoff (roughly ~2 years full-time), and you also need to demonstrate leadership. The scholarship expects a clear plan for contributing to sustainable development (SDGs) in your home country, and you apply after submitting your master’s application (UniversityAdmissions first, then SI during its window)

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals?

I started early because SI uses predefined templates and strict file rules. I downloaded SI’s Proof of Work and Leadership Experience form and the Letters of Reference form and lined up verifiers at work well ahead of time. SISGP expects you to document at least 3,000 hours of work experience (roughly two years full-time), so I totaled my hours, matched them to roles, and had managers sign the forms. I also used SI’s guidance on leadership to select examples that show initiative and responsibility. Finally, I created my application in the SI portal only after the master’s application was in, following SI’s timeline and instructions.

In my essays and short answers, I framed my track record and goals around leadership and impact aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), because SI explicitly looks for professionals who will contribute to sustainable development and lead change. I tied my examples to measurable outcomes and explained how the master’s programme enables those outcomes back home.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it matched exactly what SISGP says they look for: clearly documented professional experience (at least 3,000 hours), demonstrated leadership, and a concrete plan to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals after graduation. I verified my experience using SI’s required templates (Proof of Work & Leadership and the Letter of Reference) and followed their instructions precisely, which made my evidence easy to audit. I also tied my master’s focus directly to SDG-aligned impact at home and kept the narrative consistent between the university application and the SI portal (same application number, same goals). In short, it was tight on eligibility, strong on leadership, explicit on SDG impact, and fully compliant with SI’s formats and timelines

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

• Start by checking your eligibility and applying to your chosen master’s program first. Select an eligible master’s program and submit your application during the first admission round on UniversityAdmissions.se; ranking is important. SI’s own “How to apply” outlines the order: master’s application first, then SISGP.
• Calendar discipline: the SISGP portal is only open for a limited period (e.g., February 10–26, 2025), and late applications are not accepted—plan to submit on the first day.
• Use SI’s templates exactly as provided. Download and complete the Proof of Work & Leadership form, two Letters of Reference, and the CV using SI’s templates; follow the merging, signing, and stamping rules (one PDF, page limits). Non-compliant documents could make you ineligible.
• Document work experience and leadership: for many countries, including Bangladesh, SISGP requires at least 3,000 hours of work experience (with a maximum of three employers), verified on SI’s form; leadership evidence is also required.
• Tell a focused SDG story: frame your goals and past impacts around leadership and contributions to sustainable development—that’s explicitly what SI looks for.