Swedish Institute Global Professionals Scholarship Recipient, Hatice Has from Türkiye, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Lund University, Sweden

My name is Hatice Has. I am from Türkiye, and I have been living in Sweden since 2021. Before that, I worked in the private sector for nine years, and I was looking for a change in my career that would lead me to a more international and empowering environment. I found exactly that at Lund University in Sweden when I was accepted to the master’s programme in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which was made possible thanks to the Global Professionals Scholarship offered by the Swedish Institute (SI).

SI Scholarship for Global Professionals Scholarship Details

SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is offered for one- or two-year master’s education in Sweden. It covers the full tuition fee, a monthly allowance for living expenses, and a one-time travel grant. In 2021-2022, during my studies, the total scholarship amounted to more than €20,000.

Educational Background

My educational background is not a straightforward one. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Istanbul University in 2011, which provided me with strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills. During my professional career, I also completed a master’s degree in Marketing Communications Management at Galatasaray University, graduating with a GPA of 3.5 in 2015. This combination of humanities and business education prepared me well for fields that require strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural communication.

For the Swedish Institute Global Professionals Scholarship, GPA was not a primary evaluation criterion. Instead, the focus was on the skills acquired through education and professional and leadership experience, their relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals, and involvement in networks or civil society engagement. It is also important to note that eligibility for the scholarship requires prior acceptance into one of the eligible master’s programmes in Sweden, each of which has its own application process and documentation requirements independent of the Swedish Institute. I believe my diverse educational background demonstrated my commitment to lifelong learning and personal development, while my professional background met the scholarship’s emphasis on work and leadership experience.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Lund University?

The Swedish Institute provides a list of eligible programmes, so I first identified programmes that interested me and then consulted the respective programme and university websites. There are many resources available online on how to write a statement of purpose and how to structure a CV, so I researched each required document carefully, took time to refine my application materials, and personalised my letters for each programme I applied to. I also asked friends to read my letters and provide feedback.

I was required to take an English language test, and I took the IELTS (scored 7.5). As I already held a bachelor’s degree in English, I had a strong foundation, but to prepare for the IELTS, I completed an online course, which was helpful in understanding the format of the test, the expectations, and how to structure the writing and speaking components. (If you’d like to share, the link to the course https://www.udemy.com/course/ielts-band-7-preparation-course/learn/lecture/53817657#overview)

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

I learned about the Swedish Institute scholarships through word of mouth, and their website was my main source of information. Although I did not apply for other scholarships, I also reviewed the websites of other institutions and universities to gather information about what is out there.

The Swedish Institute mostly provided form templates for documents such as the CV and reference letters, and their criteria were very clear and detailed. I prepared the documents in the same way I described above, approaching each requirement with care and diligence.

How is (was) Your Experience at Lund University? 

It was certainly a rewarding experience. The master’s programme was very hands-on, which suited me well as someone who enjoys being active and engaged. Lund University is highly diverse, with students from many countries, and I made close friends and formed meaningful relationships with people from all over the world.

It was not always easy, of course. The programme was high-paced and intense, and adapting both to life in a new country and to the academic demands was challenging. However, I learned a great deal academically, practically, and personally. I am now continuing at Lund University as a PhD candidate in Strategic Management.

Moreover, the Swedish Institute not only provides financial support; it also offers a strong network of scholarship recipients, as well as seminars and leadership training. It has been a great experience to be part of their alumni network.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Swedish?

In Sweden, many programmes are taught in English, which attracts international students. In addition, more than 90 percent of the Swedish population speaks English. Therefore, not speaking Swedish did not pose any challenges academically or socially. However, I would point out that while knowledge of the local language is not a requirement for studying, it becomes important if you wish to pursue a career in Sweden.

 What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because my background and my purpose for pursuing the education aligned well with the programme requirements. I applied to programmes where I met almost all the criteria, as I believe fit is the most important factor. I also clearly demonstrated my purpose, my eagerness to learn from the programme, and my awareness of how it would contribute to my personal and professional development.

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

All went well for me, so I wouldn’t change a thing!

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

My advice would be to read all instructions carefully and comply fully with the requirements. Review your documents multiple times and pay close attention to deadlines. Do not hesitate to ask friends or colleagues for help, and consider reaching out to people who have gone through a similar process. You can find them on LinkedIn or through various social media pages, and many are willing to share their experiences.

Finally, be genuine in your applications and motivation letters, personalise each one for the specific programme, know the details of programmes, and clearly emphasise how your background and goals make you a strong fit.