Dalarna University Scholarship 2026: How to Apply

Get 10-50% tuition reduction at Dalarna University! Complete guide to scholarships 2026 for international students—eligibility, benefits & application process.

Ever dreamed of studying in Sweden—the land of innovation, sustainability, and some of the world’s happiest people? Here’s your chance: Dalarna University is offering guaranteed scholarships to international students for 2026, and here’s the best part—if you apply to a DU program as your first choice, you’re automatically awarded a scholarship. No essays, no interviews, just commitment.

When I first learned about Dalarna University’s scholarship approach, I was genuinely impressed. Unlike universities that make you compete desperately for limited awards, DU guarantees every qualified student who ranks them first gets at least 5,000 SEK off their tuition. Plus, if you maintain strong grades during your studies, you keep earning more scholarships semester after semester. It’s refreshingly straightforward in a world where scholarship hunting feels like a full-time job.

Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, business innovation, solar energy engineering, or tourism development, Dalarna University offers master’s programs designed for the future—and they want to make them accessible to talented students worldwide, including you.

Scholarship Overview (Quick Facts)

Scholarship Details
Scholarship Name	Dalarna University Scholarships
Offered By	Dalarna University, Sweden
Award Amount	5,000-90,000 SEK (10-50% tuition reduction)
Number of Awards	Guaranteed for all eligible first-choice applicants
Application Deadline	Autumn 2026 Intake: February 15, 2026<br>Spring 2026 Intake: July 15, 2025
Eligibility	International students (non-EU/EEA)
Study Level	Master’s Degree
Field of Study	Business, Engineering, Tourism, Data Science, Health & more
Renewable?	Yes, through Academic Excellence Scholarship based on performance
Application Difficulty	Easy (automatic for first-choice applicants)

What is the Dalarna University Scholarship?

Dalarna University, located in the heart of Sweden, has created a unique scholarship ecosystem designed around one simple principle: reward students who choose DU and excel academically. The university offers two main scholarship types that work together to support your entire master’s journey.

The Philosophy Behind the Scholarships

Founded as an institution dedicated to accessibility and innovation, Dalarna University recognizes that talented students shouldn’t be blocked by financial barriers. Sweden has some of the world’s highest-quality education, but international students face tuition fees that can be prohibitive. DU’s scholarship system addresses this by:

Guaranteeing scholarships to committed students (Choose Dalarna First Scholarship)
Rewarding academic performance throughout your studies (Academic Excellence Scholarship)
Supporting both campus-based and online learners (starting 2026)

What Makes This Different?

Most universities make scholarships competitive—you apply, wait anxiously, and hope. Dalarna University flips this model: if you meet the requirements and rank them first, you WILL receive a scholarship. This transparency eliminates uncertainty and makes financial planning much easier.

Plus, unlike one-time awards, DU’s Academic Excellence Scholarship continues throughout your degree if you maintain strong grades. This means your hard work directly translates to continued financial support—a powerful motivator.

Two Types of Scholarships: How They Work Together

1. Choose Dalarna First Scholarship (Guaranteed)

What You Get: 5,000 SEK tuition reduction in your first semester

How It Works:

Rank a Dalarna University master’s program as your #1 choice on UniversityAdmissions.se
Get admitted to the program
Submit the DU scholarship application by the deadline
Automatically receive 5,000 SEK off your first semester tuition

Why It Matters: This guaranteed award shows DU values your commitment. Even if you’re not a straight-A student, choosing DU first demonstrates genuine interest—and they reward that.

2. Academic Excellence Scholarship (Performance-Based)

What You Get: Ongoing tuition reductions throughout your entire program

How It Works:

Maintain excellent academic results each semester
Achieve at least 50% VG grades (or equivalent: mix of 5 and 4, or A and B, depending on grading scale)
No course can have final results lower than 3 or C
Complete all credits successfully by the scholarship decision date

Award Amounts: The scholarship amount depends on your performance and can cover 10-50% of your tuition fees

Why It Matters: This isn’t just a one-time deal. Keep performing well, and you’ll keep receiving financial support semester after semester. Over a 2-year master’s program, this could save you 30,000-90,000 SEK or more.

How They Stack Together

Here’s the beautiful part: these scholarships complement each other:

Semester 1: Receive 5,000 SEK (Choose Dalarna First) + potential Academic Excellence award
Semester 2+: Continue receiving Academic Excellence Scholarship based on your results

This dual approach means committed, hardworking students get maximum financial support throughout their studies.

Scholarship Coverage: What You’ll Actually Receive

Let’s break down the numbers because understanding the real value is crucial for your planning.

Tuition Fees at Dalarna University

First, know what you’re working with:

One semester (30 credits): 43,500-70,000 SEK
Full master’s program (2 years/120 credits): Approximately 174,000-280,000 SEK

Scholarship Coverage Breakdown

Scholarship Level	Coverage	Semester Savings	Annual Savings	2-Year Total Savings
Choose Dalarna First	5,000 SEK	5,000 SEK (first semester only)	5,000 SEK	5,000 SEK
10% Academic Excellence	10% tuition	4,350-7,000 SEK	8,700-14,000 SEK	17,400-28,000 SEK
25% Academic Excellence	25% tuition	10,875-17,500 SEK	21,750-35,000 SEK	43,500-70,000 SEK
50% Academic Excellence	50% tuition	21,750-35,000 SEK	43,500-70,000 SEK	87,000-140,000 SEK

Real-World Example:

Imagine you’re admitted to the Master’s in Solar Energy Engineering (tuition: ~140,000 SEK per year):

Semester 1: 5,000 SEK (Choose Dalarna First) = You pay 65,000 SEK instead of 70,000 SEK
Semester 2-4: You maintain excellent grades and receive 25% Academic Excellence = You pay 52,500 SEK instead of 70,000 SEK per semester
Total Savings over 2 years: 5,000 + (17,500 × 3) = 57,500 SEK (~$5,400 USD)

That’s a significant reduction that makes Swedish education far more accessible!

Additional Benefits Beyond Money

Studying at Dalarna University offers more than tuition reductions:

✅ Quality Education: Access to modern facilities, expert faculty, and industry connections
✅ Multicultural Environment: Students from 50+ countries create a diverse learning community
✅ Swedish Experience: Live in one of the world’s most innovative, sustainable, and student-friendly countries
✅ Post-Study Opportunities: Sweden offers generous post-graduation work permits for international students
✅ Online Option: Starting 2026, online students can also receive scholarships—study from anywhere!

Available Master’s Programs

Dalarna University offers excellent master’s programs across multiple disciplines. Here are the key programs eligible for scholarships:

Business & Economics

Business Studies with an International Focus
Economics
Business Intelligence
Pre-Master Economics

Sustainability & Tourism

Tourism Destination Development
Sustainability and Tourism

Engineering & Technology

Solar Energy Engineering
Energy-Efficient Built Environment
Data Science

Health & Social Sciences

Global Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights

Humanities

English and Irish Literature
African Studies

Pro Tip: Research programs align with your career goals, but also consider program competitiveness. Less popular programs might have better scholarship availability and admission chances.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

Let’s make sure you qualify before getting too excited. Here’s exactly what you need:

✅ You MUST Be:

1. An International Student

Non-EU/EEA citizen required to pay tuition fees in Sweden
Students from all countries worldwide are eligible

2. Academically Qualified

Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent to Swedish kandidatexamen) from an internationally recognized university
Your degree must be in a relevant field for your chosen master’s program

3. English Proficient

TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 90
IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
Alternative: If your previous degree was taught entirely in English, you may be exempt from language tests (verify with admissions)

4. A First-Choice Applicant (for Choose Dalarna First Scholarship)

Must rank a Dalarna University master’s program as your #1 choice on UniversityAdmissions.se
This demonstrates your commitment and triggers the guaranteed scholarship

5. On-Time Applicant

Submit program application through UniversityAdmissions.se before the deadline
Submit DU scholarship application separately before the scholarship deadline

❌ You Are NOT Eligible If:

You’re an EU/EEA citizen (you don’t pay tuition fees anyway)
You’re a bachelor’s student (scholarships are only for master’s programs)
You’ve previously received a Dalarna University scholarship (first-time students only for Choose Dalarna First)
You’re from specific countries eligible for Swedish Institute Scholarships instead (Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia—you should apply for SI scholarships)

Special Note on Swedish Institute Scholarships

If you’re from one of the 11 excluded countries listed above, don’t be disappointed! You’re eligible for Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)—fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance. These are actually MORE generous than DU scholarships, so it’s a win-win.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Process

Here’s where many students get confused: there are TWO separate applications you must complete. Let me walk you through both:

PHASE 1: Program Application (UniversityAdmissions.se)

Deadline:

Autumn 2026 Intake: October 16, 2025 – January 15, 2026
Spring 2026 Intake: June 1, 2025 – August 15, 2025

Steps:

Step 1: Create Account

Visit www.universityadmissions.se
Click “Create account” and follow registration process
You’ll receive a confirmation email

Step 2: Search for Programs

Select your intake semester (Spring 2026 or Autumn 2026)
Search “Dalarna University” and browse available master’s programs
Read program descriptions, requirements, and career outcomes

Step 3: Rank Your Choices

You can select up to 4 programs total across all Swedish universities
CRITICAL: Rank your chosen Dalarna University program as #1 (first choice) to qualify for Choose Dalarna First Scholarship
You can rank other Swedish universities as #2, #3, #4

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

Non-EU/EEA students must pay 900 SEK application fee
This single fee covers all programs you apply to (up to 4)
Payment is non-refundable

Step 5: Upload Documents Upload these to your UniversityAdmissions.se account:

Official academic transcripts (all university-level studies)
Bachelor’s degree certificate
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS scores)
Copy of passport
CV/Resume
Any program-specific requirements

Step 6: Submit Application

Review everything carefully before submitting
Once submitted, you generally cannot make changes
You’ll receive confirmation email

PHASE 2: Scholarship Application (Dalarna University)

Deadline:

Autumn 2026 Intake: February 15, 2026
Spring 2026 Intake: July 15, 2025

Important: Complete this AFTER submitting your program application!

Steps:

Step 1: Wait for Admission Decision

DU will notify you of admission through your UniversityAdmissions.se account
Admission results typically come 1-2 months after application deadline

Step 2: Access DU Scholarship Portal

Visit Dalarna University’s scholarship application page on their official website
Log in with credentials (you may need to create a separate DU account)

Step 3: Complete Scholarship Application Form The form will ask for:

Personal information
Program you’ve applied to
Confirmation you ranked DU first
Academic background

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

CV/Resume: Highlighting academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities
Recommendation Letter: From a professor or employer attesting to your abilities (upload to UniversityAdmissions account)
60-Second Video: Explaining why you deserve the scholarship

The 60-Second Video (Most Important Part!)

This is where you stand out. Here’s what makes a winning video:

What to Include:

Brief introduction (name, country, program you’re applying to)
Why Dalarna University? What specifically attracts you to DU and Sweden?
Your Goals: How will this master’s degree advance your career or impact your community?
What You Bring: What unique perspectives, experiences, or skills will you contribute to DU?
Strong closing statement

Technical Requirements:

Maximum length: 60 seconds (they WILL stop watching at 60 seconds)
Format: MP4, MOV, or other common video formats
Upload: Upload to YouTube (unlisted), Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar
Provide link in scholarship application (ensure link is publicly viewable)

Pro Tips for Video Success:

✅ Be authentic—speak from the heart, not a script
✅ Good lighting and clear audio matter (use your phone’s camera)
✅ Show enthusiasm and personality
✅ Practice 3-4 times before recording final version
✅ Test your link in incognito mode to confirm it works
❌ Don’t read from a script robotically
❌ Don’t go over 60 seconds
❌ Don’t upload privately (scholarship committee won’t be able to view it)

Step 5: Submit Scholarship Application

Review everything one final time
Click submit before the deadline
Save confirmation email

Required Documents Checklist

Make preparation easier with this complete checklist:

For Program Application (UniversityAdmissions.se):

☐ Official academic transcripts (translated to English if needed)
☐ Bachelor’s degree certificate (translated to English if needed)
☐ Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS official scores)
☐ Passport copy (identification page)
☐ CV/Resume
☐ Application fee payment (900 SEK)
☐ Program-specific requirements (if any)

For Scholarship Application (Dalarna University):

☐ Updated CV/Resume
☐ Recommendation letter from professor or employer
☐ 60-second video explaining why you deserve scholarship
☐ Link to video (publicly accessible on YouTube, Google Drive, etc.)

Document Tips:

All documents not in English or Swedish must be officially translated
Scan documents in high quality (readable text, clear images)
Save files with clear names (e.g., “JohnDoe_Transcript_UniversityName.pdf”)
Keep backup copies of everything

Pro Tips to Maximize Your Scholarship Chances

Having helped numerous students navigate Swedish university applications, here’s what actually makes the difference:

1. Rank DU First Without Hesitation

I’ve seen students hedge their bets by ranking bigger-name universities first and DU second or third. Big mistake. The Choose Dalarna First Scholarship is guaranteed if you rank them first—that’s 5,000 SEK you’re leaving on the table by ranking them lower.

Strategy: If you’re genuinely interested in a DU program, rank it first. You can still apply to other universities as choices #2-4.

2. Apply Early (Don’t Wait for Deadline)

While the deadline is February 15 or July 15, apply at least 2-3 weeks early. Here’s why:

You have buffer time if documents are missing or incorrect
Earlier applicants often get priority review
Technical issues won’t derail your application

3. Craft an Exceptional 60-Second Video

This is your chance to stand out. The scholarship committee watches hundreds of videos—make yours memorable:

What Works:

Personal story showing your passion for the field
Specific reasons you chose DU (research their programs deeply!)
Clear articulation of how you’ll contribute to campus community
Genuine enthusiasm (smile, make eye contact with camera!)

What Doesn’t Work:

Generic statements (“I want to study abroad to gain international experience”)
Reading word-for-word from a script
Poor production quality (dark lighting, background noise, unclear audio)
Going over 60 seconds

Example Opening: “Hi, I’m Sarah from Kenya, and I’m applying to DU’s Sustainability and Tourism master’s program because I witnessed my community’s beaches deteriorate from unsustainable tourism practices. At Dalarna University, I want to learn sustainable tourism models that I can bring back home to protect our environment while supporting local economies…”

4. Get a Strong Recommendation Letter

Your recommender should:

Know you well academically or professionally
Provide specific examples of your abilities
Address your potential for graduate-level success
Highlight qualities relevant to your chosen program

Bad Recommender: A professor who taught you in a 200-person lecture and barely knows your name
Good Recommender: Your bachelor’s thesis supervisor who worked closely with you for months

5. Maintain Excellence Once Enrolled (for Academic Excellence Scholarship)

The Choose Dalarna First Scholarship is one-time, but the Academic Excellence Scholarship continues if you perform well. To qualify each semester:

Aim for VG (highest grade) in at least 50% of courses
Never receive a grade lower than G/3/C
Complete all your credits on time

This turns your scholarship into long-term financial support.

6. Research Your Program Thoroughly

When writing your video or application, demonstrate genuine knowledge:

Mention specific courses that interest you
Reference faculty research that aligns with your interests
Explain how DU’s approach differs from other universities
Show you’ve read program outcomes and career paths

Generic applications don’t win scholarships. Specific, researched applications do.

Important Dates and Timeline

Stay organized with these critical deadlines:

Spring 2026 Intake (Starting January 2026)

Milestone	Date
Program Application Opens	June 1, 2025
Program Application Deadline	August 15, 2025
Scholarship Application Deadline	July 15, 2025
Admission Decisions	Mid-September 2025
Tuition Payment Deadline	October 2025
Program Start	January 2026

Autumn 2026 Intake (Starting August 2026)

Milestone	Date
Program Application Opens	October 16, 2025
Program Application Deadline	January 15, 2026
Scholarship Application Deadline	February 15, 2026
Admission Decisions	Early April 2026
Tuition Payment Deadline	May 2026
Program Start	August 2026

Pro Tip: Set phone reminders 2 weeks before each deadline so you’re never caught off guard!

FAQs

1. Can I get a scholarship if I’m studying a master’s program online?

Yes! Starting in 2026, Dalarna University scholarships are available for both campus-based and online master’s programs. This is fantastic news for students who want Swedish education quality but can’t relocate.

2. Are scholarships available for bachelor’s students?

No. Dalarna University scholarships are exclusively for master’s degree students. If you’re looking for bachelor’s scholarships in Sweden, explore Swedish Institute Scholarships or other universities’ programs.

3. I’m from Kenya (one of the excluded countries). Can I still get funding?

Absolutely! You’re eligible for Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)—which are actually more generous, covering full tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance. Apply through the Swedish Institute website during their application window (typically February).

4. Can I apply for scholarships if I didn’t rank DU as my first choice?

You can still receive the Academic Excellence Scholarship based on your grades during studies, but you will NOT receive the Choose Dalarna First Scholarship (5,000 SEK). If DU is genuinely your top choice, rank them first.

5. Will my scholarship automatically renew each semester?

Choose Dalarna First Scholarship: One-time only (first semester)
Academic Excellence Scholarship: YES, renews every semester if you maintain required academic standards

6. How competitive is the scholarship?

Here’s the great news: the Choose Dalarna First Scholarship is guaranteed for all qualified applicants who rank DU first. It’s not competitive—it’s automatic. The Academic Excellence Scholarship is based on your grades, not competition with other students.

7. When will I find out if I received the scholarship?

You’ll receive scholarship confirmation shortly after receiving your admission offer. The Choose Dalarna First Scholarship is automatic upon admission (if you ranked them first and submitted scholarship application). Academic Excellence Scholarship decisions come after each semester based on your results.

8. Can I combine this with Swedish Institute Scholarships?

No. If you receive a Swedish Institute Scholarship (which is fully funded), you’re not eligible for Dalarna University scholarships. However, receiving a DU scholarship does not prevent you from applying for SI scholarships—they’re separate application processes.

Similar Scholarships in Sweden You Should Consider

Don’t limit yourself to one application! Here are excellent alternatives:

1. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)

Award: Full tuition + living expenses + travel + insurance
Eligibility: Students from 33 specific countries with work experience
Link: Swedish Institute

2. Uppsala University Global Scholarship

Award: Full or partial tuition waiver
Level: Master’s
Link: Uppsala University

3. Lund University Global Scholarship

Award: 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% tuition reduction
Level: Master’s
Link: Lund University

4. Karolinska Institutet Global Master’s Scholarships

Award: Full or partial tuition waiver
Level: Master’s (Health Sciences)
Link: Karolinska Institutet

5. Chalmers IPOET Scholarships

Award: 75% tuition reduction
Level: Master’s (Engineering/Science)
Link: Chalmers University

Final Thoughts: Is This Scholarship Right for You?

Let me give you my honest assessment based on years of guiding students:

You should DEFINITELY apply if you:

Have strong academic performance (competitive GPA from bachelor’s degree)
Are committed to studying at Dalarna University specifically
Want guaranteed scholarship support (not competitive lottery)
Value smaller class sizes and personalized attention over big-name university prestige
Are interested in sustainability, tourism, renewable energy, or business programs
Prefer a more affordable Swedish city (Dalarna is cheaper than Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmö)
Want the option to study online while still receiving scholarships

Consider other options if you:

Need full funding including living expenses (DU scholarships only reduce tuition)
Want to study at Sweden’s most famous universities (Uppsala, Lund, KTH, Stockholm University)
Are eligible for Swedish Institute full scholarships (those cover everything)
Prefer very large, research-intensive universities
Don’t meet English proficiency requirements

My Honest Assessment:

Dalarna University scholarships represent one of the most transparent, accessible scholarship opportunities in Sweden. The guaranteed Choose Dalarna First Scholarship removes the anxiety of competitive scholarship hunting, and the ongoing Academic Excellence Scholarship rewards your hard work throughout your degree.

While DU may not have the global brand recognition of Lund or Uppsala, it offers excellent education quality, innovative programs (especially in sustainability and renewable energy), and significantly lower living costs compared to major Swedish cities. The guaranteed scholarship makes it financially accessible, and the smaller campus community often means better student support and networking opportunities.

For students genuinely interested in DU’s programs—particularly sustainability, tourism, solar energy, or business—this scholarship is a no-brainer. You’re getting Swedish education quality, international student community, and meaningful financial support without gambling on competitive scholarships.

Ready to Start Your Swedish Adventure?

Sweden is calling, and Dalarna University is ready to support your master’s journey with guaranteed scholarships. Don’t let financial concerns hold you back from experiencing Nordic innovation, sustainability leadership, and multicultural education.

Your Next Steps:

Research Programs: Visit Dalarna University’s website and explore master’s programs that align with your interests
Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet academic and English proficiency requirements
Prepare Documents: Gather transcripts, test scores, and other materials early
Create UniversityAdmissions.se Account: Register and explore the application portal
Apply for Program: Submit your application with DU ranked as first choice
Create Your 60-Second Video: Plan, practice, and record your scholarship video
Submit Scholarship Application: Complete the DU scholarship form before deadline

Official Application Portals:

Program Application: www.universityadmissions.se
Scholarship Information & Application: www.du.se/scholarships

Need Help? Contact Dalarna University’s International Office directly with questions about eligibility or application process.

Remember: every successful international student started exactly where you are now—with a dream and the courage to apply. Dalarna University’s guaranteed scholarship removes one of the biggest barriers to studying abroad. With strong academics, genuine interest, and a compelling 60-second video, you could be walking through Swedish forests, learning from expert faculty, and building a global network within months.

The deadline is approaching. The opportunity is real. The only thing missing is your application. Start today! 🇸🇪📚✨