Introduction
Every year, hundreds of ambitious students around the globe seek advanced training in environmental sciences to tackle pressing challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management. Pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences not only equips you with cutting-edge scientific methodologies but also opens doors to influential networks, career opportunities in academia, government, and industry, and a chance to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals.
For international students weighing their options, Scandinavia—comprising Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway—stands out as a top destination. Renowned for its world-class universities, English-taught programmes, and strong emphasis on sustainability, the region offers attractive scholarship schemes that cover tuition and often provide generous living stipends. In this comprehensive guide, we highlight fully funded international Master’s scholarships in Environmental Sciences at leading Scandinavian universities, compare their benefits side by side, and offer practical insights on application strategies and program dynamics.
Fully Funded International Master’s Scholarships in Environmental Sciences
Scandinavian countries have recognized the importance of attracting global talent to drive environmental research and sustainable development. Below are the premier fully funded scholarship programmes tailored to Master’s students in Environmental Sciences and related fields.
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
- Country & Sponsor: Sweden, Swedish Institute
- Coverage:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly allowance of SEK 12,000 for living expenses
- One-time travel grant (SEK 15,000; SEK 10,000 for certain countries)
- Network membership in the SI Network for Global Professionals and alumni benefits
- Eligibility: Citizens of 33 eligible countries; applicants must demonstrate professional work and leadership experience and be liable to pay tuition fees
- Application Window: Opens annually in early February for programmes starting in August/September
- More Info: SISGP Overview & Application
This highly competitive scheme aims to cultivate a cohort of global leaders committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. You must apply separately through the University Admissions portal and then submit documentation to the Swedish Institute within their online portal.
Lund University Global Scholarship
- Country & Sponsor: Sweden, Lund University
- Coverage: Partial to full tuition fee waiver (percentage awarded depends on faculty budget; living costs not included)
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA citizens who complete an application to a Master’s programme at Lund University and meet academic excellence criteria
- Scholarship Amount: Varies by programme, up to 100% of tuition fees
- Upcoming Deadline: Typically mid-June for studies commencing in autumn
- More Info: Lund University Global Scholarship
Lund University, consistently ranked among the world’s top institutions, awards approximately SEK 20.5 million annually through this merit-based programme. While it offers substantial tuition relief, scholarship recipients must secure funds for living expenses to satisfy Swedish migration requirements.
Danish Government Scholarships at University of Copenhagen
- Country & Sponsor: Denmark, Danish Government via University of Copenhagen
- Coverage (at the Faculty of Science & Health):
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend (~DKK 10,309 for 22 months)
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA applicants with outstanding academic records (grade point average in the top 15%) to eligible MSc programmes, including Environmental Science
- Application Process: Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate scholarship application needed
- More Info:
Denmark’s flagship scholarship demonstrates the country’s commitment to environmental research by fully funding the most promising candidates. Recipients can devote themselves entirely to their studies without financial stress.
Aalto University Excellence Scholarship
- Country & Sponsor: Finland, Aalto University
- Coverage: 100% tuition fee waiver for the normative study period (2 years)
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students admitted to English-taught Master’s programmes; awarded on the basis of academic merit during admissions
- Living Expenses: Not covered; students must demonstrate ability to finance living costs
- How to Apply: Indicate scholarship interest in the Master’s application form; no separate application
- More Info: Aalto Scholarships & Tuition Fees
Aalto’s scholarship programme selects top talent across all fields—including Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Energy—and grants a full tuition waiver, underscoring Finland’s focus on research innovation.
University of Helsinki Tuition Fee Waivers
- Country & Sponsor: Finland, University of Helsinki
- Coverage: 100% tuition fee waiver for two years; no living stipend included
- Eligibility: Excellent master’s applicants (non-EU/EEA citizens liable for tuition fees), selected on academic excellence and motivation
- Application: Same form used for degree application; waivers granted based on overall rankings
- More Info: Helsinki Tuition Fees & Scholarships
As one of Europe’s oldest research universities, Helsinki offers generous fee waivers to top applicants. While living costs remain the student’s responsibility, Finland’s high standard of living and extensive support services provide a safe environment for research and study.
NORSTIP Scholarship at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
- Country & Sponsor: Norway, NMBU & Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills
- Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver plus a monthly scholarship equivalent to Norwegian student loans and grants
- Eligible Programmes: Select two-year Master’s programmes in environmental sciences, biosciences, and sustainable development
- Eligibility: Employees or students from partner universities in low- and middle-income countries; competitive selection based on academic and professional background
- Application Call: Announced mid-year for programmes starting autumn
- More Info: NORSTIP Call for Applications (PDF)
NORSTIP fosters capacity building in environmental research by supporting candidates from NMBU’s partner institutions. The scholarship covers both tuition and living, embracing Norway’s tuition-free policy and providing extra funds for daily expenses.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM)
- Type & Sponsor: European Commission’s Erasmus+; operated by a consortium including Lund University (Sweden), Université de Versailles (France), University of the Aegean (Greece), and others
- Coverage:
- Tuition and participation costs
- Travel and installation grants
- Monthly subsistence stipend of ~€1,400
- Duration: Two years with study mobility at a minimum of three consortium universities
- Eligibility: Open worldwide; selection based on academic excellence, motivation, and alignment with programme objectives
- Application Period: Annual call for cohorts (e.g., 2025–2027)
- More Info:
MESPOM exemplifies the pinnacle of fully funded international Master’s scholarships in Environmental Sciences: a truly pan-European programme with robust financial support and a uniquely diverse academic experience.
Scholarships at Leading Scandinavian Universities
Below is a quick overview of the premium Master’s programmes in Environmental Sciences offered by key Scandinavian institutions, alongside their principal scholarship schemes.
| University & Programme | Key Scholarship(s) | Tuition Coverage | Living Stipend | Mobility Grant | Eligibility Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lund UniversityMSc in Environmental Studies & Sustainability Science | Lund University Global Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition | – | – | Non-EU/EEA; merit-based |
| University of CopenhagenMSc in Environmental Science | Danish Government Scholarships (Faculty of Science) | 100% tuition | DKK 10,309 €/mo | Included | Non-EU/EEA; top 15% GPA |
| Aalto UniversityMSc in Environmental Engineering; Sustainable Energy Systems | Aalto University Excellence Scholarship | 100% tuition | – | – | Non-EU/EEA; academic merit |
| University of HelsinkiMSc programmes (e.g. Urban Ecology) | Helsinki Tuition Fee Waivers | 100% tuition | – | – | Non-EU/EEA; top applicant ranking |
| NMBU (Norway)MSc in International Environmental Studies | NORSTIP Scholarship | 100% tuition | Norwegian loan/grant equiv. | – | Partner-university staff/students |
| Multiple EMJMD partnersMESPOM | Erasmus Mundus Scholarship | Full participation | €1,400 €/mo | €3,200–€4,500 | Global applicants |
Note: “–” indicates benefits not included.
Key Scholarship Comparison
- Tuition Coverage
- Full Waiver: SISGP, Danish Government Scholarships, Aalto Excellence, Helsinki Waiver, NORSTIP, MESPOM.
- Partial to Full Waiver: Lund Global Scholarship (programme-dependent).
- Living Stipend
- Explicit Monthly Allowance: SISGP (SEK 12,000), Danish Government (DKK 10,309), MESPOM (€1,400).
- None: Lund, Helsinki, Aalto (students must self-finance).
- Travel & Installation
- One-time Grant: SISGP (SEK 10,000–15,000), MESPOM (variable travel grant).
- Eligibility & Selection
- Geographic Targeting: SISGP (33 specified countries), NORSTIP (partner institutions), Lund Global (non-EU/EEA), others (open to all non-EU/EEA).
- Merit vs. Leadership: SISGP and Aalto emphasise leadership and work experience; others assess academic excellence.
Implications and Insights into These Dynamics
- Balancing Merit and National Objectives
Government-backed scholarships (e.g., Swedish Institute, Danish Government) often combine merit criteria with diplomatic outreach—targeting specific regions or promoting SDG objectives. University scholarships (Aalto, Lund, Helsinki) focus more narrowly on academic excellence. - Trade-offs Between Tuition and Living Costs
A full tuition waiver alone may not suffice in high-cost cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, or Helsinki. Programmes that include living stipends (SISGP, Danish Government Scholarships, MESPOM) significantly reduce financial stress and are often more competitive. - Mobility and Networking
Erasmus Mundus programmes like MESPOM not only fund your study but expand your horizons across multiple institutions, fostering a transnational professional network. Such mobility schemes suit students aiming for international careers. - Administrative Simplicity vs. Custom Applications
Some scholarships automatically consider all eligible Master’s applicants (e.g., Danish Government Scholarships), while others demand detailed supplementary applications (SISGP, Lund Global). Planning your admissions timeline is crucial to avoid missed deadlines. - Strategic Program Selection
Align your academic profile and career goals when choosing between general Environmental Science programmes and specialised ones (e.g., Sustainable Energy Systems at Aalto, Urban Ecology at Helsinki). Scholarship fit and eligibility criteria may hinge on such nuances.
Tips for a Winning Application
- Start Early
Begin your university and scholarship applications at least 9–12 months before the programme start date. Many Scandinavian deadlines fall between January and June. - Showcase Leadership & Impact
For schemes like SISGP and Aalto Excellence, highlight your professional experiences, community engagement, and demonstrable leadership in environmental projects. - Demonstrate Academic Excellence
High GPAs, strong letters of recommendation, and relevant research or internship experiences bolster your profile—critical for merit-based waivers. - Tailor Motivation Letters
Clearly articulate why Scandinavia, why your chosen university, and how their scholarship will enable you to advance environmental objectives in your home country. - Leverage Institutional Contacts
Attend virtual information sessions, reach out to current students or alumni, and connect with faculty to refine your application and gain insights into selection criteria.
Conclusion
Scandinavia’s fusion of academic excellence, progressive environmental policies, and robust scholarship frameworks makes it a premier destination for international Master’s students in Environmental Sciences. Whether you aim to lead policy reform in climate governance, pioneer sustainable technologies, or investigate ecological systems, the fully funded scholarships outlined here significantly lower financial barriers and allow you to focus on what matters most—innovating for a sustainable future.
Ready to Apply?
- Identify programmes and scholarships that align with your goals.
- Map out deadlines and admission requirements.
- Gather transcripts, references, and evidence of professional impact.
- Submit strong, tailored applications for both university admission and scholarship consideration.
Your journey toward becoming a changemaker in environmental science begins now. Seize these fully funded Master’s opportunities at Scandinavia’s leading universities and join a global community committed to safeguarding our planet. Good luck!