Swedish Institute (SI) Scholar, Ulviyya from Azerbaijan, Completed a Master’s in Leadership and Organisation at Malmö University in Sweden

I am Ulviyya Asgarzade, and I am from Azerbaijan. I have recently (in 2025) completed a Master’s degree in Leadership and Organisation: Societal Challenges and Organisational Change at Malmö University, Sweden.

My educational background might seem a bit diverse. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Safety Engineering. Although my academic background was in engineering, my professional journey took a different direction. While studying for my bachelor’s, I became actively involved in several projects and events, both locally and internationally. During that time, I developed a strong interest in how organisations navigate complex societal challenges and manage change effectively.

This is what ultimately motivated me to pursue further education in the field of leadership and organisation. When I discovered Malmö University’s programme, I found that it perfectly aligned with my interests. Moreover, as someone transitioning from a technical to a social science background, I appreciated that Malmö University welcomed students from diverse academic fields. I wanted to connect my practical experience with solid theoretical knowledge, and this programme provided exactly that opportunity.

Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals Details

I was awarded the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP), one of Sweden’s most prestigious and competitive scholarships. (from 2023-08-15 to 2025-06-15)

The total value of the scholarship is approximately 457,000 SEK, which includes full tuition coverage, a monthly living allowance, and a one-time travel grant. Also. additional support for networking and professional development opportunities offered by the Swedish Institute.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I did not apply for any other scholarships, as Sweden was my first and only choice. I was deeply motivated by the country’s strong focus on equality, sustainability, and innovation. I applied for this scholarship three times - my first two attempts were unsuccessful, but I was still accepted by universities. On my third attempt, I was finally awarded both admission and the scholarship, which made the achievement even more meaningful. This persistence taught me resilience and the importance of not giving up on goals I truly believe in.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Safety Engineering at the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, with a GPA of 88.52.

Although my bachelor’s degree was highly technical, I always had a passion for working with people, communities, and international projects. While studying for my bachelor’s, I became actively involved in several projects and events, both locally and internationally. Over six years between my bachelor’s and master’s studies, I gained valuable practical experience through different initiatives - including a year-long volunteering placement in Sweden through the European Solidarity Corps and active participation in several Erasmus+ projects across Europe. These experiences opened my eyes to the world of project management, leadership, and social impact - areas that inspired me far more than technical engineering. Over time, I realised that while my technical background gave me structure and problem-solving skills, I wanted to understand the human and organisational aspects of work. Therefore, I decided to study Leadership and Organisation - to connect my practical experience with academic insights and prepare for a career that combines strategy, change, and people management.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Malmö University?

When I decided to pursue further studies, I started by researching universities that aligned with my interests in leadership, management, and organisational change. Since I already had a background in engineering but had been working on various international and social projects, I was looking for a programme that would connect both my technical and practical experiences.

I spent a lot of time comparing different institutions, their requirements, and course structures. I also reached out to a few people who had studied in Sweden to understand more about the education system and student life. Once I decided on Malmö University, I carefully reviewed the admission requirements and began preparing all the necessary documents. I wanted my application to reflect not just my academic background, but also my professional experiences and personal motivation.

I took the IELTS exam, as it was a requirement for my university admission. I didn’t go through an intensive preparation period because I had just returned from my one-year volunteering experience in Sweden, where I used English daily. My language skills were already strong, so I focused mainly on understanding the IELTS writing structure and practising a few sample tasks before the test. It was a short but focused preparation, and it worked well for me.

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

Preparing for the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals took time, research, and reflection. I started by reading all the details on the official website to fully understand the requirements and values of the scholarship - especially its focus on leadership, sustainability, and contribution to development.

Then I studied examples of successful applications, watched YouTube videos from previous recipients, and asked a few people for advice. I created a checklist of all necessary documents (motivation letter, recommendation letters, proof of leadership experience, etc.) and spent time connecting my story with the scholarship’s goals.

Since I applied three times before I finally received it, I learned something new with every attempt. Each time, I improved my motivation letter and became clearer about my goals and achievements. On my third attempt, my application was strong, focused, and well-aligned with the scholarship’s mission - and that’s when I succeeded.

How is (was) Your Experience at Malmö University?

My experience at Malmö University was overall very positive and enriching. The university has a diverse, open, and international environment where students are encouraged to think critically and express their ideas freely. I met people from all around the world, which made discussions and group projects especially interesting and valuable. Living and studying in Malmö also gave me a chance to experience Swedish culture, which values equality, trust, and collaboration - qualities that I now try to apply in my own professional life.

Of course, not everything was perfect. I would say my experience was good, but not the best. The programme was still quite new at the time, and sometimes it felt like the university was testing the structure and content. We were often asked for feedback, which was positive, but it also showed that some parts were still developing. Despite that, I enjoyed the overall learning journey and gained valuable insights into how organisations deal with societal and structural challenges.

How Do You Rate Malmö University Academically and Why?

Academically, I would rate Malmö University as good, though I think there is room for improvement. My programme was new, it sometimes felt like the content could have been more focused on leadership aspects.

At times, the courses leaned a bit more toward theoretical and social perspectives, while I personally expected a stronger emphasis on practical leadership, strategy, and organisational management. Still, I appreciated that the university encouraged us to think deeply about issues like power, gender, and organisational culture, which helped me build a broader and more critical understanding of leadership. My overall academic experience was positive, and it gave me valuable knowledge and confidence for my future career.

How Does Malmö University Support International Students?

From the moment I arrived in Sweden, I felt well-guided and supported. The university organises orientation programmes, social events, and information sessions to help international students adapt to academic and everyday life in Sweden. Almost everyone in Sweden speaks fluent English, including administrative staff and teachers, which makes the experience much smoother. There are also several student associations and mentoring programmes that help new students connect and build networks easily.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Swedish?

All of my classes were conducted entirely in English. The programme was designed for international students, and the teaching materials, discussions, and assignments were all in English.

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

No, not at all. Knowing Swedish is not required for academic success in English-taught programmes. Sweden is one of the most English-friendly countries in Europe - most people, including professors and staff, speak English fluently. Of course, learning some Swedish can be helpful for daily life and integration, but academically, there are no issues for students who study in English.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my work experience played the biggest role in making my application stand out. Even though my bachelor’s degree was in engineering, I had six years of practical experience working on international projects related to leadership, coordination, and community development.

In addition, I had already lived in Sweden for one year as a volunteer, which gave me valuable cultural understanding and local experience. During that time, I also learned Swedish language basics, which might have been an extra advantage.

Overall, my combination of international experience, leadership involvement, and strong motivation to study in Sweden helped me stand out among many other applicants.

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

Honestly, I would not change anything if I went through the process again. I applied three times, and each attempt taught me something new.

The first time, I realised that my application lacked clarity and structure. The second time, I improved my motivation letter and CV. By the third time, I refined my application with precise examples, clear goals, and strong supporting documents, and that’s when I finally got both admission and the scholarship.

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

My biggest advice is to research as much as possible. Don’t just apply, but prepare strategically. Read about the scholarship requirements in detail, explore each programme carefully, and learn from the experiences of previous scholarship holders. Make notes, compare programmes, and create a list of what each one offers. When you write your motivation letter, show your clear purpose and explain how your background connects to the programme and the goals of the scholarship.

And most importantly: don’t give up if you don’t succeed the first time. Persistence truly pays off.