How an Azerbaijani Legal Scholar Won the Fully Funded Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals to Pursue a Master’s in European Business Law at Lund University

My name is Gultakin Safarli, and I am from Azerbaijan, a country known for its deep cultural heritage, hospitality, and growing commitment to legal and institutional development. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Baku State University, where I was actively involved in academic and editorial work alongside my studies.

During my time at university, I served as a board member of the Student Academic Society of Baku State University Law School and contributed to the Baku State University Law Review. I worked as an article editor for the 7th edition and became the Editor-in-Chief of the 8th edition – the first woman to hold this position. Notably, it is the first student-run law review from the South Caucasus region to be indexed in HeinOnline.

In addition, I was awarded first place in a national legal essay competition organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross’s Azerbaijan delegation for my article on the topic of “protection of the environment during armed conflicts”.

Motivated by this background, I decided to pursue a Master's in European Business Law at Lund University. I am also one of the 22 recipients from Azerbaijan awarded the prestigious Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals in 2025, which supports both my academic and professional aspirations.

Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals Details

I am honored to be a recipient of the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals, awarded by the Swedish Institute. This prestigious scholarship supports talented professionals committed to advancing sustainable development in their home countries. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, one-time travel grant for the duration of my Master’s studies at Lund University. The total value of the scholarship I received is approximately SEK 550,000.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Law at Baku State University with an excellent academic record, graduating with a GPA of 96.72 out of 100. Throughout my studies, I gained a strong foundation in various areas of law, including international law, business law, and etc. Since my student years, I have been working in fields related to corporate and business law. After nearly four years of professional experience, I developed a keen interest in further specializing in this area. Pursuing advanced education in the Business Law field will allow me not only to deepen my expertise but also to integrate into the international legal community and enhance my professional growth.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Lund University?

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

I started my preparation by thoroughly researching potential universities and programs that align with my academic and career goals. I paid special attention to institutions known for strong law faculties and programs related to Business Law. I also connected with alumni and current students through social media and university forums to gather firsthand insights about the programs and campus life. I utilized multiple reliable sources to find scholarship opportunities and information about institutions. These included official university websites, scholarship portals such as the Swedish Institute website, educational fairs, and online platforms dedicated to international studies. I also joined webinars and contacted scholarship offices directly to clarify any questions and ensure I met all application requirements.

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

Yes, I took the IELTS exam and achieved an overall score of 7.5 out of 9, demonstrating strong English language proficiency necessary for academic studies in Sweden. To prepare, I enrolled in a preparatory course, practiced sample tests regularly, and focused on enhancing my academic writing and speaking skills. This systematic approach helped me secure a competitive score that strengthened both my scholarship and admission applications.

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

Preparing to apply for scholarships like the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals requires careful planning and dedication. First, I thoroughly reviewed all eligibility criteria and application requirements on the official scholarship website to ensure I qualified and understood the process. Next, I gathered all necessary documents well in advance, including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency. I also spent significant time crafting a compelling motivation letter, emphasizing my academic achievements, professional experience, and commitment to contributing to sustainable development in my home country. Additionally, I sought feedback from mentors and peers to refine my application materials, ensuring clarity and impact. Throughout the process, I stayed organized by setting personal deadlines and tracking progress, which helped me submit a strong and timely application.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of the strong combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and clear commitment to making a positive impact. My high GPA of 96.72/100 demonstrated my dedication to my studies, while my nearly four years of professional work in corporate and business law showcased real-world experience. Additionally, my leadership roles, such as being the first female Editor-in-Chief of the Baku State University Student Law Review and winning a national essay competition, highlighted my initiative and passion. Lastly, my motivation letter clearly conveyed my goals and how the scholarship would help me contribute to sustainable development in Azerbaijan.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would start preparing even earlier, particularly for the motivational essays and collecting recommendation letters. Early preparation would have given me more time to seek diverse feedback and polish my application further. Also, I would try to connect more extensively with past scholarship recipients to gain deeper insights and advice. Networking could provide valuable perspectives that strengthen the application.

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

My advice would be to start early and be thorough. Understand the scholarship’s goals and tailor your application to reflect how your background and aspirations align with those goals. Be authentic and specific in your motivation letter — tell your unique story and show your genuine passion. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from mentors, peers, or professionals. Lastly, stay organized and meet all deadlines, as attention to detail reflects your commitment and professionalism.