The Lund University Global Scholarship is a merit-based award from Lund University in Sweden for international students who have to pay tuition fees. It cuts part of your tuition bill. It does not pay your rent, your food or your flight. If you keep that one fact in mind from the start, you will plan far better than most applicants who see the word "scholarship" and assume everything is taken care of.
This guide explains how the award works, who it suits, and where Pakistani applicants usually trip up. For the condensed version, see the full scholarship details page.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Lund University |
| Country | Sweden |
| Funding type | Partial funding (tuition fee reduction) |
| Study levels | Bachelor's and Master's |
| Fields | All degree programmes offered at Lund University |
| Deadline | Varies. Confirm on the official site |
| Official site | Lund University scholarships and grants |
A tuition discount tied to your degree application
The scholarship is aimed at citizens of countries outside the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland who are required to pay tuition fees for their studies in Sweden. Pakistan sits outside all three, so Pakistani citizens fall within the target group, provided they are fee-paying students.
It is not a standalone award you can apply for in isolation. You first need to apply for a degree programme at Lund University through the national university admissions portal, during the designated application rounds. The scholarship application comes after that and runs through the Lund University website. If there is no degree application, there is nothing for the scholarship to attach to.
The university manages the scheme itself, and awards depend on the funds available in each academic year. That means the number of scholarships can change from one cycle to the next, and nobody can promise you a set number of places.
What the 25, 50, 75 or 100 percent reduction actually means
The scholarship reduces tuition fees by 25 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent or 100 percent. The university describes it overall as a partial tuition fee waiver rather than a full scholarship, so go in expecting a discount on fees and treat any larger reduction as a bonus. When you get an offer, read it carefully to see exactly which level you have been given and confirm the details with the university on the official scholarships page.
Here is what the award covers and what it leaves to you:
- It covers tuition fees only, at the reduction level you are awarded.
- It does not cover living expenses.
- It does not cover travel costs.
- It is awarded for the duration of the programme, subject to academic progress.
That last point matters more than people think. The award continues across your programme only if your studies keep moving forward. A weak first year can put the rest of the funding at risk, so this is not money you secure once and forget about.
The living-cost gap Pakistani students must plan for
Because living expenses and travel are excluded, you will need your own funds for accommodation, food, insurance, transport and the trip to Sweden. If your reduction is 25 or 50 percent, you will also be paying the rest of the tuition. Work out the remaining amount honestly before you accept a place. Our guide to bank statements and proof of funds explains how Pakistani families usually show financial support for study abroad applications.
Is this scholarship a good fit for you?
Selection is based on academic merit. The university looks at your previous academic achievements and your potential to succeed in your chosen field, along with the potential to contribute to the academic environment at Lund University. In plain terms, strong grades carry the most weight.
It suits you if:
- You have a consistently strong academic record, not just one good year.
- You were already planning to apply to Lund University for a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
- You or your family can cover living costs and any remaining tuition.
It is probably not the right primary plan if you need a fully funded package that includes a stipend. Even a full tuition reduction leaves living costs unpaid. Students in that situation should apply for it alongside other options rather than relying on it alone. Our scholarships guide for Pakistani students covers other routes worth comparing.
Eligibility conditions, one by one
To be considered, you must:
- Be a citizen of a country outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland.
- Be required to pay tuition fees for studies in Sweden.
- Have applied for a degree programme at Lund University.
- Demonstrate high academic performance.
- Meet the specific entry requirements for your chosen degree programme.
The last condition is where applicants often get caught. Entry requirements are set per programme and may vary, so check the requirements for the exact course you want rather than assuming a general rule applies. If you do not meet the programme's entry requirements, the scholarship question never arises.
Paperwork to prepare before the window opens
The documents listed for this scholarship are:
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- CV or resume
Your transcripts are the centre of this application, because selection is merit-based. Make sure they are complete and clear. Your statement of purpose should spend most of its space on what you have achieved academically and why you are ready for the programme, since that is what the committee is weighing. Ask recommenders who know your academic work well, such as teachers or supervisors, rather than people who can only speak to your character.
Submit everything in the format the university asks for. Rejected or unreadable files are an avoidable way to lose out. Our documents checklist for international scholarships is a useful way to get your papers in order early.
The two-application process and how it runs
- Apply for a degree programme at Lund University through the national university admissions portal.
- Submit the scholarship application form through the Lund University website.
- Wait while the selection committee reviews your academic credentials.
- Receive notification of your scholarship status by email.
Think of it as two linked applications. The order matters: your degree programme application should be submitted before the scholarship deadline. Students who leave the programme application late can find they have missed the scholarship as well.
Why you should not guess the dates
The application period and deadline vary, and both should be confirmed on the official site for the current cycle. Do not rely on dates from older forum posts or from a friend who applied in a previous year. Check the Lund University scholarships and grants page directly, note the dates for your intake, and work backwards from the earliest one.
Mistakes that cost applicants this award
- Treating it as fully funded. It is described as a partial tuition fee waiver and excludes living and travel costs. Budget accordingly.
- Applying for the scholarship without a degree programme application, or submitting the programme application after the scholarship deadline.
- Writing a statement of purpose that talks about dreams and travel instead of academic achievement.
- Ignoring programme-specific entry requirements, which may differ from course to course.
- Not checking email. Results and updates come by email from the university admissions office, so watch your inbox and spam folder regularly.
- Forgetting the academic progress condition once the award is granted.
For students comparing several Swedish options, our round-up of all Sweden scholarships puts this award next to the alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Can Pakistani students apply for the Lund University Global Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to citizens of countries outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland who are required to pay tuition fees for their studies in Sweden. Pakistan is outside those groups, so Pakistani fee-paying applicants fall within the eligible group, as long as they also meet the academic and programme requirements.
Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
No. It covers tuition fees only and does not cover living expenses, travel or other costs. You need separate funds for those.
How much of my tuition will be reduced?
Reductions are listed at 25 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent or 100 percent. The level you get is decided by the university, and the overall scheme depends on the funds available each year. Check your offer and the official site for the exact terms.
Do I need to apply for my degree programme first?
Yes. You must apply for a degree programme at Lund University through the national university admissions portal, and that application should be in before the scholarship deadline.
How are recipients chosen?
Selection is based on academic merit and your potential to succeed in your field and contribute to the academic environment at Lund University.
Is the scholarship renewed every year?
It is awarded for the duration of the programme, subject to academic progress. Keep your results strong to hold on to it.
Check the current cycle and deadline on the official Lund University website, and keep the Lund University Global Scholarship page handy for a quick summary.