How I Secured a Fully Funded Master’s at Lund University, Sweden Through the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals

My name is Matheus Simon, and I'm an architect and urban designer from Porto Alegre, Brazil. I've always been passionate about creating better cities and finding ways to make architecture more sustainable. Throughout my career, I've worked with residential buildings, urban planning, BIM coordination, and 3D visualization, but I always wanted to deepen my understanding of sustainable urban development.

That was one of the main reasons I decided to pursue a Master's in Sustainable Urban Design at Lund University in Sweden. I wanted to learn from one of the world's leading countries in sustainability, challenge myself in an international environment, and develop practical solutions for cities facing climate and social challenges.

Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals Details

I received the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP) to study the Master's Programme in Sustainable Urban Design at Lund University.

The scholarship was fully funded. It covered my tuition fees, provided a monthly living allowance, insurance, and a travel grant. Without this scholarship, studying abroad would simply not have been financially possible for me.

Beyond the financial support, becoming part of the Swedish Institute network connected me with inspiring professionals from all over the world who are committed to creating positive change in their countries.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

No. The Swedish Institute Scholarship was the only scholarship I received for my Master's studies, and fortunately, it was the one I had dreamed about. Looking back, I believe focusing my efforts on one opportunity that truly matched my profile was the right decision.

Educational Background

Before moving to Sweden, I completed my Bachelor's degree in Architecture and Urban Design at PUCRS in Brazil.

During my undergraduate studies, I was awarded a full scholarship through the Science Without Borders programme, funded by the Brazilian government, which allowed me to spend one academic year (2012–2013) studying Architecture at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. That experience was transformative. It was my first time living abroad, studying in English, and experiencing a completely different academic culture. It broadened my perspective on architecture and confirmed that I wanted to build an international career.

After graduating, I started a Master's degree in Civil Engineering at UFRGS in Brazil, focusing on innovation and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). I also received a Brazilian government research scholarship during this period. Although I didn't complete the programme because I accepted the opportunity to study in Sweden, the research experience gave me valuable knowledge about sustainability and strengthened my academic background for the Master's in Sustainable Urban Design at Lund University.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Lund University?

My preparation actually started three years before I submitted my application. I applied three times in a roll and each time I was improving my background, my knowledge, and my application.

Back in 2018, I had a dream of living, studying, and eventually working abroad. Instead of applying randomly, I decided to build a long-term plan. I started by researching around ten different countries, comparing universities, Master's programmes, scholarship opportunities, and the kind of lifestyle each country could offer.

After months of research, I narrowed my options down to three countries that matched what I was looking for: a high-quality education, scholarship opportunities, and a place where I believed I could build both my academic and professional career.

When I found Lund University's Master's in Sustainable Urban Design, everything clicked. The programme perfectly matched my interests, and Sweden's strong commitment to sustainability made it the ideal destination. On my third application, I was accepted into the programme and was awarded the Swedish Institute Scholarship.

Looking back, I don't think it was luck. It was the result of years of planning, preparation, and being clear about what I wanted.

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

Most of my research came from official sources. I spent a lot of time exploring university websites, scholarship websites, and the official Swedish study portals.

The three websites that helped me the most were:

• Study in Sweden, which explains everything about studying and living in Sweden, from choosing a programme to practical information about student life.
• The Swedish Institute (SI) website, where I found detailed information about the scholarship requirements and application process.
• University Admissions Sweden, which is the official platform used to apply for Master's programmes in Sweden.

Besides the official websites, I joined Facebook groups for international students and Swedish Institute applicants. Those communities were incredibly helpful because I could ask questions, learn from previous scholarship recipients, and understand the application process from people who had already gone through it.

One piece of advice I always give is not to be afraid to contact universities directly. Whenever I had questions, I emailed the programme coordinators or admissions offices, and they were always willing to help. Sometimes a simple email can give you exactly the information you need.

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

Yes. I took the IELTS as proof of English proficiency.

Preparation was mostly about consistency rather than intensity. I practiced reading, listening, writing, and speaking regularly using mock exams and free online resources. Since I had already studied abroad before, I was comfortable communicating in English, but I still wanted to be fully prepared for the exam format.

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

The scholarship application required much more than good grades.

I spent a lot of time reflecting on my professional journey and identifying the impact I wanted to create after graduation. The Swedish Institute looks for leadership potential and people who want to contribute to sustainable development, so I focused on showing how my previous experiences, research, and professional work connected to that mission.

I revised my essays many times and asked trusted friends to review them. Looking back, that feedback made a huge difference.

How is Your Experience at Lund University?

It was one of the best experiences of my life.

Lund University encourages collaboration rather than competition. Students come from all over the world, bringing completely different perspectives, which makes every project richer.

The courses were very practical and focused on solving real urban challenges. We worked on projects in Sweden, Iceland, Tanzania, and other contexts, always combining sustainability with social and environmental aspects.

How Do You Rate Lund University Academically?

I would rate Lund University 10/10.

The professors are highly knowledgeable but also very approachable. The teaching style encourages critical thinking instead of memorization, and students are constantly challenged to connect theory with real-world applications.

I particularly appreciated how interdisciplinary the program was. Architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, environmental sciences, and social sciences all came together in meaningful ways.

How Does Lund University Support International Students?

Very well.

From the moment I was admitted, Lund University provided guidance on housing, visas, student life, and practical matters.

There are also many student organizations, international events, mentorship programs, and activities that make it easy to meet people and feel part of the community.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Swedish?

Yes.

The entire Master's programme was taught in English, and I never felt disadvantaged because I didn't speak Swedish.

Outside the classroom, learning some Swedish certainly helped in everyday life, but academically, English was more than enough.

What Did You Pursue After the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals?

After graduating, I joined Ramboll in Sweden as a Trainee in Urban Design and Planning.

There, I worked on urban and landscape design projects for municipalities around Stockholm and Uppsala, applying many of the concepts I had learned during my Master's.

After returning to Brazil, I continued working on architecture and urban design projects. Today, I am a Partner and Architect at Koren Arquitetos, a well-established architecture firm with more than 30 years of experience. My main responsibility is leading the firm's technological transformation by implementing BIM methodologies and Autodesk Revit across the office.

I am helping modernize the company's design and delivery processes, improving collaboration, efficiency, and project quality while creating a better experience for both our team and our clients. It has been incredibly rewarding to combine the international experience I gained in Sweden with the reality of the Brazilian architecture market, bringing innovative workflows and regenerative design principles into my professional practice.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Swedish?

Academically, no.

Since the programme is entirely in English, you can successfully complete the degree without speaking Swedish.

However, learning Swedish definitely improves your daily life, helps you integrate into society, and mostly will help you to find more job opportunities after graduation, if you study in Sweden, I think you should learn the language as fast as you can.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it showed a clear story.

Everything I had done, from research scholarships, professional experience, project coordination, and sustainability research to my interest in regenerative design, pointed toward the same long-term goal.

I also tried to be authentic. Instead of writing what I thought the selection committee wanted to hear, I focused on explaining why sustainable cities genuinely matter to me and how I wanted to contribute after graduation.

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

If I could go through the process again, I would probably start preparing even earlier.

The application involves many documents, recommendation letters, essays, and deadlines. Having more time would have reduced the stress and allowed me to refine my applications even further.

That said, every step of the process taught me something valuable.

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

• Start early.
• Don't underestimate the importance of your motivation letter. Good grades matter, but they are only part of the application. The committee wants to understand who you are, what you believe in, and how you intend to use your education to make a positive impact.
• Also, don't be discouraged if the process feels overwhelming. I know it can seem impossible at times, especially when you're competing with applicants from around the world.
• Be authentic, tell your story honestly, and show how your experiences connect to your future goals. In the end, I believe authenticity is much more powerful than trying to build the "perfect" application.