GLOBAL STUDY SCHOLARSHIPS | 2026–2027
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) Scholarships 2027 in Sweden
Explore SLU’s tuition-waiver scholarships for international bachelor’s and master’s students, plus PhD and postdoctoral opportunities in agriculture, forestry, environment, animal science, and sustainable natural resource management.
The international application period for fall 2027 opened on October 16, 2026, and closes on January 15, 2027. SLU scholarship instructions, fee deadlines, and document deadlines can change between intakes, so always confirm them on the official SLU pages before applying.
Are you planning to study agriculture, forestry, environmental science, or animal science in Sweden? The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) offers a limited number of scholarships for fee-paying international students admitted to its bachelor’s and master’s programs. The scholarship is a full tuition waiver, which can reduce the cost of studying in Sweden significantly.
SLU is a public university that combines education and research to address environmental and societal challenges. This guide explains the SLU scholarship, the study programs, eligibility, benefits, deadlines, PhD and postdoctoral options, and the other funding opportunities you may want to consider.
Important: SLU scholarships are competitive and cover tuition fees only. You must visit the official SLU website before applying.
Table of Contents
SLU Scholarship at a Glance
The following table gives a quick summary of the main funding opportunities connected with SLU.
| Opportunity | Study Level | What It Covers | Deadline / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLU Scholarship | Bachelor’s (Forest and Landscape), Master’s | Full tuition waiver | Apply by January 15, 2027, with an eligible program as first choice |
| Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships | Master’s | Tuition fees and SEK 12,000 per month | Check the SI website |
| Erasmus Mundus (selected programs) | Master’s | Depends on the program | Varies by program |
| PhD Positions | Doctoral | Tuition-free; funding depends on the vacancy | Varies by vacancy |
Important reminder
The SLU scholarship covers tuition fees only. It does not cover living costs or travel. The application fee must be paid even if you apply for a scholarship, and SLU states it cannot be waived.
1. About the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a public university in Sweden specializing in agricultural sciences, environmental studies, forestry, veterinary medicine, animal science, and the sustainable use of natural resources. Its work brings education and research together to address environmental and societal challenges.
Main Areas of Study
- Agricultural sciences, biotechnology, and food systems
- Environmental sciences and sustainable development
- Forestry and forest sciences
- Biology and natural resource management
- Animal science and veterinary medicine
- Landscape architecture, horticulture, and related fields
2. Study Programs at SLU
Bachelor’s Program: Forest and Landscape (BSc)
The Swidish University of Agricultural Sciences lists one international bachelor’s program taught in English: Forest and Landscape (BSc). It is a three-year, 180-credit program that looks at how forest landscapes are managed, experienced, and developed from both a forestry and a landscape perspective. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science with a major in either landscape architecture or forestry science.
The program requires English B (English 6) or equivalent. Because the language of instruction is English, the Swedish-language entry requirement may not apply.
Master’s Programs
SLU offers master’s programs in fields such as plant biology, environmental studies, sustainable development, forestry, food science, agricultural economics, and animal science. The programs include:
- Agricultural Economics and Management
- Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Policy Analysis
- Agroecology
- Animal Science
- Conservation and Management of Fish and Wildlife
- EnvEuro
- Environmental Communication and Management
- Environmental Economics and Management
- Euroforester
- European Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics
- Food and Landscape
- Forest and Business Management
- Forest Bioeconomy
- Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management
- Horticultural Science
- Industrial Wood Supply Management
- Landscape Architecture
- Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanisation
- Outdoor Environments for Health and Well-being
- Plant Biology for Sustainable Production
- Rural Development and Natural Resource Management
- Soil, Water, and Environment
- Sustainable Development
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Veterinary Nursing
Most master’s programs are taught in English and require English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course, English 6. Specific entry requirements vary by program.
Browse All Programs
Review the full program list and each program’s entry requirements before choosing your first-choice program.
3. SLU Scholarship Details
SLU offers a small number of scholarships each year to fee-paying students admitted to bachelor’s and master’s programs. Out of many applicants, the university selects only a few, so competition is high. Selection is generally described as depending on your previous university grades and a well-written motivation letter.
Scholarship Details
| Study levels | Bachelor’s (Forest and Landscape) and Master’s |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | Fee-paying students who apply to a master’s program or Forest and Landscape as their first choice |
| Tuition | Full tuition waiver |
| Living and travel costs | Not covered |
| Medical insurance | Included for all fee-paying students, scholarship recipients included, through Kammarkollegiet FAS+ during the study period |
| Application fee | Must be paid; cannot be waived (about SEK 900 where payable, according to a third-party source) |
Scholarship Benefits
- A full tuition-fee waiver for your eligible program.
- Comprehensive medical insurance during your studies.
- The chance to study at a leading Swedish university in agriculture and environmental sciences.
Pay your tuition fee even if you apply for a scholarship
The university advises that international payments can take over a month to process, so you should pay your tuition fee even if you have applied for a scholarship.
4. Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility depends on the program, scholarship, or research position.
Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs
- Meet the general university admission requirements and the specific academic requirements of your chosen program.
- Meet the English-language requirement (generally English 6 or equivalent).
- Provide the previous qualifications, relevant subjects or credits, and supporting documents requested.
SLU Scholarship
- Be a fee-paying student (this term usually means applicants from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland).
- Apply to a master’s program or the bachelor’s program in Forest and Landscape as your first choice.
- Please ensure that you meet the application deadline and pay the application fee.
- Follow the university’s separate scholarship instructions, which are sent to eligible applicants after the application round.
Meeting the criteria does not guarantee a scholarship.
Age limit: The general information reviewed does not state a universal age limit. Check the requirements of your program or position.
5. Other Funding: Swedish Institute and Erasmus Mundus
Because the Swidish University of Agricultural Sciences scholarship does not cover living expenses, many applicants also look at other funding.
Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships
The Swedish Institute is a government agency that offers scholarships to students from countries outside the EU/EEA. At the master’s level the scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses of SEK 12,000 per month. SI has its own eligibility rules and application process, so check the SI website for the current call and any other benefits, such as travel support.
Erasmus Mundus Specializations
Students in some Erasmus Mundus specializations within SLU master’s programs may be eligible for scholarships. The programs listed by SLU include
- Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Policy Analysis (AFEPA)
- European Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics (EMABG)
- Erasmus Mundus Master Program in Plant Breeding (emPLANT+)
- MSc in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA)
6. PhD and Postdoctoral Opportunities
University also offers doctoral education in several research fields. PhD candidates carry out research in a specific subject area. The departments advertise doctoral positions as vacancies, and the faculty makes the formal admission decision.
Key Points
- Doctoral education in Sweden is tuition-free.
- Applicants must be assessed as having the potential and competence needed to complete doctoral studies.
- Each doctoral subject may have additional specific entry requirements, which are stated in the vacancy.
- Some countries may have additional requirements. See SLU’s admission regulations for doctoral education.
- Funding, salary, and employment benefits depend on the individual vacancy.
- Postdoctoral positions generally require a PhD in a relevant field, plus the qualifications listed in the advertisement.
Check the Official Doctoral Requirements
Read the admission regulations and the full vacancy text before applying. Exact degree and credit requirements can differ between subjects.
7. Required Documents
Required documents vary by program and opportunity. Use this checklist as a starting point and follow the instructions for your program or vacancy.
Document Checklist
- Valid passport or other proof of citizenship, as requested by the application system.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Proof of English-language proficiency, where required.
- Motivation letter for the SLU scholarship application.
- For PhD and postdoctoral positions: CV, relevant qualifications, and the other research documents requested in the job advertisement.
Previous university grades are considered in scholarship selection and are assessed together with the motivation letter. Refer to the official instructions for any additional documents, such as a CV or references.
How to Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Explain why you chose your SLU program, how it relates to your academic background, and what you plan to do after graduation. Be specific about subjects, projects, or experience, and avoid sending the same generic letter to every university.
8. Application Deadlines
APPLICATION PERIOD – FALL 2027
October 16, 2026 – January 15, 2027
This is SLU’s application period for international students applying to bachelor’s and master’s programs starting in fall 2027. Applications are submitted through universityadmissions.se.
Fee and document deadlines
Other sources indicate that the application fee and supporting documents are due shortly after the application deadline, around February 1–2, 2027. SLU’s scholarship page for the previous intake referred to a February deadline. Please confirm the exact 2027 dates on SLU’s application and scholarship pages.
Each vacancy advertisement states the closing dates for PhD and postdoctoral positions.
9. How to Apply
Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs with the SLU Scholarship
Step 1 – Choose Your Program
Select a suitable SLU program and read its entry requirements carefully.
Step 2 – Apply on universityadmissions.se
Submit your application through the Swedish admissions system and rank your SLU Master’s program or Forest and Landscape as your first choice.
Step 3 – Pay the Application Fee and Upload Documents
Pay the application fee and upload the required documents before the fee and document deadline.
Step 4 – Follow the Scholarship Instructions
Eligible applicants receive instructions from SLU on how to apply for the tuition waiver. Submit your motivation letter and any requested documents by the stated date.
Step 5 – Prepare for Funding and Residence Permit
Plan how you will cover living costs, and review the residence-permit process if you are admitted.
PhD and Postdoctoral Positions
- Visit the university jobs and vacancies page.
- Select a suitable vacancy and review its requirements, funding details, and closing date.
- Prepare the documents listed in the advertisement.
- Submit your application as instructed in the advertisement.
Official Scholarship Information
Check the latest eligibility criteria, instructions, and deadlines before submitting your application.
Important Tips for Applicants
1. Rank an Eligible Program First
The scholarship route depends on applying to an SLU master’s program or Forest and Landscape as your first choice.
2. Do Not Skip the Application Fee
The fee must be paid even if you apply for a scholarship, and it cannot be waived.
3. Plan Your Living Costs
The SLU scholarship covers tuition only. Consider applying for SI or other funding as well, and prepare for the financial requirements of the residence-permit process.
4. Focus on Grades and Motivation
Competition is high. Strong previous grades and a clear, specific motivation letter matter.
5. Prepare Documents Early
Official transcripts, degree certificates, and English-language evidence can take weeks to arrange.
6. Use Official Channels Only
Apply through universityadmissions.se and the SLU website. Be cautious of agents who promise guaranteed admission or scholarships.
Avoid Scholarship Scams
No individual or agent can guarantee a competitive scholarship. Verify any payment request or offer directly with SLU or the Swedish Institute.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the SLU scholarship fully funded?
No. It is a full tuition-fee waiver. It does not cover living costs or travel, so you need to arrange funding for those separately.
2. Which programs are eligible?
The bachelor’s program in Forest and Landscape and SLU’s master’s programs are eligible if they are ranked as your first choice. Check SLU’s scholarship page for any exclusions in your intake.
3. Is the application fee waived for scholarship applicants?
No. SLU states that the application fee must be paid and cannot be waived.
4. Does the scholarship include health insurance?
All fee-paying students, including scholarship recipients, are covered by medical insurance through Kammarkollegiet FAS+ during the study period.
5. What is the deadline for fall 2027?
The international application period runs from October 16, 2026, to January 15, 2027. Fee and document deadlines follow shortly after, so please check the official pages for confirmation.
6. Can I receive both an SLU scholarship and an SI scholarship?
They are separate schemes with their own rules. Check both sets of conditions before accepting any offer.
7. Is a PhD at SLU tuition-free?
Yes. Doctoral education in Sweden is tuition-free. Salary and employment benefits depend on the specific vacancy.
8. Where can I find PhD and postdoctoral vacancies?
You can access PhD and postdoctoral vacancies on the official SLU jobs and vacancies page. Each advertisement lists its requirements, documents, and closing date.
Official Links
Use the official resources below to verify eligibility, current application dates, and funding conditions.
SLU Scholarships
Official scholarship information, eligibility, and instructions.
Programs and Courses
Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, plus important dates.
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