Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals Recipient, Aydan Mammadova from Azerbaijan, Pursues a Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Skövde, Sweden

My name is Aydan Mammadova, and I am from Azerbaijan. In 2024, I graduated with honors in Psychology from Khazar University, Baku, Azerbaijan. I am currently studying in Sweden at the University of Skövde, where I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience: Mind and Brain through the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP). During my undergraduate studies, I realized that the human brain is the most complex and mysterious organ worth studying. Learning about the direct connection between our behaviors, thoughts, and emotions and our brain inspired me to explore this field more deeply. This realization inspired me to continue my academic journey in neuroscience to gain a deeper understanding of the mind and brain.

Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals Details

University of Skövde, Cognitive Neuroscience: Mind and Brain- Master’s Programme

Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP) https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/swedish-institute-scholarships-for-global-professionals/

• Full tuition fee coverage.
• A monthly allowance of SEK 12,000to cover living expenses throughout the study period.
• A travel grant of SEK 10,000

Educational Background

My background in psychology fully prepared me for my current master’s studies in Cognitive Neuroscience: Mind and Brain. I graduated with a GPA of 92.93. During my undergraduate education, I studied subjects such as Human brain anatomy and physiology, Cognitive science, Mind, brain, behavior, and Consciousness, which provided me with both theoretical and practical knowledge related to the brain and human behavior. In addition to achieving high grades, I also earned the required number of credits in these courses, which was an important factor for eligibility. Furthermore, having written research proposals connected to the field strengthened my academic profile and made me a strong candidate for this program.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Skövde?

To apply to the institutions, the required documents included a diploma, transcripts, an English language certificate (minimum IELTS 6.5), a motivation letter, recommendation letters, and, in some cases, a research proposal. Once I had all the required documents ready, I submitted my applications to the universities.

How Did You Find Information About the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals and the University of Skövde?

I had already decided in 2023 that I wanted to pursue my master’s degree in Sweden, since Sweden has always been among the top countries in the world for providing high-quality education. For this reason, I discovered the website universityadmissions.se, where I could review the requirements, curricula, syllabi, and all relevant information about different universities. From there, I created a list of universities that best matched my academic background.

However, my financial resources were not sufficient to study at these universities. As a non-European citizen, I was required to pay a considerable tuition fee. Therefore, I began researching both the internal scholarships provided by the universities and those funded by the Swedish government. That is when I came across the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) link, which offers fully funded opportunities for students from 33 countries around the world.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes, I took the IELTS exam. To prepare for it, I regularly listened to English-language podcasts to improve my listening and comprehension skills, and I practiced extensively using the Cambridge IELTS books, which helped me strengthen my reading, writing, and speaking abilities.

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

To apply for the scholarship, I needed to submit three work experience forms, two leadership experience forms, two reference letters, and a CV, all of which had to follow the scholarship’s specified templates. I obtained the two work experience and two leadership experience forms from the organizations where I had worked and interned, and the third work experience form from an NGO I had been involved with. For the two reference letters, one was provided by my workplace, and the other by the project manager of an international project I had coordinated.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Swedish?

in English

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Swedish?

In Sweden, everyone from children to adults speaks English very well, so you can live comfortably here without learning Swedish. However, for those who want to work, learning Swedish is recommended.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of my leadership experience and my strong motivation. These aspects demonstrated my commitment, initiative, and ability to contribute meaningfully to both academic and extracurricular activities.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Honestly, I would not change anything

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

I would advise applicants to carefully research the scholarship requirements and understand exactly what the program expects. Additionally, they should connect with previous scholarship recipients and try to learn from their experiences to better prepare their own applications.