The Swedish Institute SAYP Leadership Program 2025 invites young professionals from Eastern Europe to take part in a fully funded leadership training program hosted in Sweden. Designed to strengthen governance, innovation, and democratic values, this program brings together changemakers who are committed to improving their societies and institutions.

The Swedish Institute Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP) offers a rare platform to learn from Swedish universities, connect with peers from the region, and gain real-world skills in areas such as inclusive governance, digital democracy, climate leadership, and more. Participants engage in both online sessions and in-person modules held in Sweden, experiencing the country’s top academic and policy institutions firsthand.

This opportunity is more than just a training—it is an investment in young leaders who are determined to shape the future of their nations through transparent, inclusive, and innovative practices. If you are a young professional working in government, civil society, or the private sector and aspire to become a more impactful leader, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

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Host Country:

Sweden

Program Location:

Primarily online with on-site training in Sweden (exact cities depend on the selected module and host university)

Program Dates:

Specific dates vary by module; each runs between spring and autumn 2025. Most modules begin with online activities and culminate with a study trip to Sweden.

Program Themes or Focus Areas:

• Modern and Inclusive Governance

• Sustainable Public Administration

• Transparency and Anti-Corruption

• Climate and Environmental Leadership

• Digital Public Services and E-Democracy

• Civic Engagement and Youth Empowerment

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Benefits

Participants selected for the Swedish Institute SAYP Leadership Program 2025 will receive a full scholarship package that covers all necessary expenses:

• No application or participation fees

• No English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) required

• Round-trip fully funded travel to Sweden

• Free accommodation and meals during the on-site portion

• Comprehensive insurance coverage for non-EU participants

• Online and in-person leadership training at top Swedish universities

• Access to expert-led workshops, case studies, and study visits

• Collaborative projects and real-world simulations

• Networking with professionals across sectors and regions

• Lifetime membership in the SI Alumni Network, offering future opportunities for collaboration and mentorship

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this leadership program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 25 and 40 years old (born 1985–2000)

• Hold citizenship or permanent residency in one of the following countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan*, Belarus*, Georgia*, Moldova, or Ukraine
  (*Limited eligibility may apply depending on the module and country status.)

• Have completed at least three years of higher education (Bachelor’s level or equivalent)

• Be currently employed in one of the following sectors:

  • Government institutions or political settings (e.g., policymaker, civil servant, party staff)

  • Civil society organizations or NGOs

  • The private sector, particularly in leadership or socially engaged roles

• Have strong command of English (verbal and written) to actively participate in all program activities (note: no formal test is required)

• Demonstrate a commitment to democratic development, transparency, human rights, or social change

• Be open to learning, sharing, and building long-term professional relationships across borders

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How to Apply

The application process for the SAYP Leadership Program requires careful preparation. Follow these steps to ensure a strong application:

1. Choose your preferred module(s) from the list of offerings on the Swedish Institute website. Each module focuses on a different topic and is hosted by a different Swedish university.

2. Visit the website of the host university running your chosen module. Review the program content, eligibility, and format.

3. Prepare your application materials, including:

   • A completed online application form

   • A compelling motivation letter explaining your interest in the module and how it aligns with your work and goals

   • CV or résumé

   • Proof of citizenship or residency

4. If applying for multiple modules, submit a separate application for each one. Clearly rank your preferences in each motivation letter.

5. Submit your application via the respective university’s portal before the deadline.

Note: Each participant can only be selected for one module per year.

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Application Deadline

• Applications Open: June 17, 2025

• Deadline to Apply: August 26, 2025

• Application Review Period: August 27 – October 15, 2025

• Final Selection & Notification: October 16–26, 2025 (tentative)

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This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in a training program that builds bridges across cultures and sectors. The Swedish Institute has a long-standing reputation for fostering democratic dialogue, social innovation, and international cooperation. With a strong emphasis on leadership development, SAYP not only equips you with technical tools but also supports your personal growth and regional collaboration.

Participants leave the program with deepened knowledge, stronger networks, and actionable strategies they can implement in their communities or workplaces. By becoming a part of the SI Alumni Network, graduates gain lifelong access to mentoring, funding, and collaboration opportunities across Europe and beyond.

Whether you aim to make governance more inclusive, support civic participation, or bring digital innovation to public service, this program gives you the skills and support you need to make that vision real.