Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals Recipient, Khadiza Binte Ahsan from Bangladesh, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing an MSc in International Development and Management at Lund University, Sweden

My name is Khadiza Binte Ahsan, and I am from Bangladesh. I recently graduated from the MSc in International Development and Management (LUMID) at Lund University, Sweden. Currently, I am working as a Fundraising Officer at an international NGO in Sweden, where I support partnerships and resource mobilization for humanitarian and development programs. My decision to pursue further education came from a deep commitment to rights-based development and humanitarian work, particularly in the areas of child protection, climate action, and gender equality.

Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals Details

I received the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP), which fully covered tuition, provided a monthly stipend, insurance, and travel allowance. It is one of the most competitive scholarships globally, and I feel very grateful to have been selected.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor of Social Sciences (B.S.S.) in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Dhaka. That degree grounded me in justice, governance, and development issues and gave me the confidence to connect theory with practice. My field experiences in humanitarian and development work helped me build the professional foundation needed to apply for an interdisciplinary program like LUMID.

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

The very first step for me was finding information. I followed Lund University’s website and the Swedish Institute pages closely. Once I was clear about the requirements, I registered for the IELTS test and prepared thoroughly.

For the SISGP scholarship specifically, one important element was the reference forms. These must be completed by referees and HR, and the Swedish Institute is very strict about them. So I reached out to my supervisors and colleagues well in advance, explained my goals, and asked for their support. Having maintained good professional relationships made this process smoother. I truly believe that being proactive and respectful of others’ time was crucial for a strong application.

Beyond paperwork, I reflected deeply on my impact and leadership, both in my professional roles and through volunteer initiatives like WeMen View, a youth-led gender advocacy platform that I founded. I worked to show how my experiences connected to the Sustainable Development Goals and how studying in Sweden could amplify my contribution.

How Was Your Experience at Lund University?

I absolutely loved my time at Lund. One of the things that stood out most was the horizontal relationship with teachers; we were treated as colleagues, and our perspectives were respected. My international classmates were another highlight. Coming from so many different countries and professional backgrounds, they brought diverse insights that made every discussion richer. This global learning environment helped me see development challenges and solutions from multiple perspectives, which was genuinely an eye-opening experience for me.

How Do You Rate Lund University Academically and Why?

Lund University is academically strong and very interdisciplinary. The LUMID program is designed to combine academic rigour with practical application. I especially appreciated how theory was constantly linked to real-world practice, fieldwork, and critical analysis.

How Does Lund University Support International Students?

The support for international students was excellent, including orientation weeks, career guidance, and even opportunities for Swedish language classes. These made it easier to adapt and feel part of both the university and Swedish society.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Swedish?

All my classes were conducted in English, which was very accessible for international students.

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

Not at all. You can succeed academically with English alone. Still, learning Swedish is very useful for social integration and career opportunities.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe it was not just my professional experience, but how I connected it to impact and leadership. I showed clear links between my work, whether in humanitarian response, fundraising, or youth activism, and the broader SDGs. I also demonstrated my commitment to bringing back knowledge and applying it in the Global South. My references, who strongly supported my application, also played a huge role.

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

I would have started preparing earlier to give myself more time for each step, especially refining my motivation letter and coordinating with referees.

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

• Don’t burn bridges with previous employers. You will need their support for references, and strong recommendations can make a big difference.
• Highlight your impact and leadership. Even small initiatives count, focus on how you made a difference and connect it to the SDGs.
• Prepare early and give referees plenty of time. The SISGP forms are strict, and rushing can create problems.
• Stay humble but confident. Let your passion and genuine motivation come through in your writing.