Apply to MSLS

Step one – apply online at University Admissions*

University Admissions is the central University applications body for all Swedish universities. To apply for MSLS you apply and submit all your required documents through their systems. Before applying, make sure you read all instructions listed below, as well as the guidance posted at the University Admissions website.

* Please check that the universityadmission.se page you are redirected to has the correct year of application in the search bar.

Programme ranking on University Admissions

Please be sure when applying online that you carefully rank MSLS as your first priority. If you are accepted by your top-ranked programme, you will not have the option to attend any lower-ranked options, even if you would have been accepted by these lower-ranked programmes. So make sure you put us number one.

Swedish and EU/EEA citizens

For Swedish and EU/EEA citizens, please scan your passport and submit it to University Admissions in order to qualify for free admissions no later than 1 February 2024.

Non-EU/EEA citizens

For non-EU/EEA citizens, please pay the application fee of 900 SEK by 3 February 2025 as is outlined on the University Admissions website for your application to make it to step two below. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible so that your documents can be processed faster and you have a chance to complement the application should something be missing. 

 

Apply now

 

Step two – document your eligibility

Please ensure that you submit all relevant documents as outlined below (complete with your registration number received in Step 1) to University Admissions. Depending on the country your Bachelor diploma is from, you are able to submit some of your documents online. Please check the University Admissions website to see what you can upload and what you must send by mail. All documents uploaded must be originals. Note that we have specific MSLS requirements. Therefore, please ensure that you submit ALL relevant documents.

Applications by all international students must meet standard requirements established by University Admissions AND specific requirements related to this Master’s programme as listed below. To be considered in the first round, all supporting documentation must be received prior to 3 February 2025. Documents that arrive after this date will be considered as late applications.

We encourage you to submit your documents as early as possible to have the chance to complement them before the deadline should something be missing.

University Admissions must receive all documents below. Please note that certain countries have special requirements for how the documents should be sent. For details about the official documents you must submit visit the University Admissions website.

University graduation certificate*

Bachelor´s degree* or higher education (*original certificate)

University transcripts*

Course lists, i.e. subjects from each semester containing marks/grades (*original certificate)

English language requirements

Where English is not your native language, you can provide proof of your English level in one of three ways:

• high school studies

• university studies

• internationally recognized English test at levels ‘B’ or ‘6’

For more details see the University Admissions website. Note that there are certain exemptions from the proof of English ability requirements. BTH and the MSLS staff cannot assist with further exemptions, so please contact University Admissions Support Centre to discuss your case.

Passport

A copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and photograph, or some other identification document.

Relevant work experience

The MSLS programme requires relevant work experience (internship, volunteer service, full or part time work, extra-curricular activity) over the course of at least 6 months that demonstrates your experience with social and/or environmental causes. We are looking for examples that demonstrate your commitment to social and/or environmental sustainability; examples of meeting the requirement may be:

• a full or part time internship, volunteer service, job or extra-curricular activity that was a regular activity and spanned the course of 6 months or longer (e.g volunteer service every weekend for 6 months).

• multiple full or part time internships, volunteer services, jobs or extra-curricular activities that together spanned the duration of 6 months or longer (e.g. multiple summer volunteer services or internships that together span the duration of 6 months).

You can demonstrate that you meet this requirement by submitting the MSLS work experience template. Note that we do not accept self-proclaimed work experience. Please submit 3rd party evidence. In individual cases where this is not possible, you can also submit other forms of documentation, e.g. a letter of confirmation, an employment contract etc.

Recommended document – Curriculum vitae

Resume, maximum two pages, font size 11. This along with your work experience and motivation (part 4 in MSLS work experience template) will be used as a base to evaluate your application in case there are more qualified applicants than available seats.

In the case of more qualified applicants than available positions for the current programme start, a selection is made. The CV along with your work experience and motivaton (part 4 in the MSLS work experience template) will be used as base. To maximise your chances of getting a place, please make sure you have submitted all application documents as stated above.

Read more

The MSLS 2025/2026 admission results will be published on the 27th of March 2025. 

The MSLS programme is a 10-month transformational Master´s programme in Karlskrona, Sweden that focuses on advancing students’ knowledge, skills, and global networks, in order to build their capacity to be strategic leaders in the co-creation of thriving, sustainable societies. Since its start in 2004, more than 800 students from 90+ countries and all continents of the world have taken the programme.

We focus on working with complexity + systems approach

The MSLS programme founders believed that “The question of reaching sustainability is not about if we will have enough energy, enough food, or other tangible resources – those we have. The question is: will there be enough leaders in time?”​ So at MSLS we become the leaders and change agents the world needs. Together, we learn to understand our complex world better and to collaborate more strategically and systemically across borders, sectors and disciplines. Together, we transform the ways we think, plan, make, act and lead, in order to ‘co-create’ a vibrant, sustainable future. ​

MSLS Programme Overview

Tuition to study in Sweden has until 2012 been free of charge – even for non-EU/EEA citizens – and thus it is not common for universities to offer scholarships directly. The tuition fee for MSLS is free for EU/EEA citizens and non-EU/EEA citizens are required to pay 140,000 SEK for the entire programme period. You can find out more information about tuition fees and the payment process on this BTH website.

The cost of living in Sweden is high in comparison to many countries around the world, but there are many sources of funding that you can investigate to support you during your studies. However, this requires you plan ahead and be persistent in your investigations. In many cases, you can apply for scholarships without yet being officially accepted – ask the organisation you are applying to if this is possible.

You should also consider bilateral agreements between Sweden and your home country. We recommend you also seek funds from current or prospective employers, as a Master’s degree in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability is of high value to any employer. You can read more about this option below. You should also be aware that sometimes scholarships must be applied for well in advance of your application to study (up to one year in advance).

The cost of living in Sweden is similar to many countries in Europe and North America (slightly less expensive than some and slightly more expensive than others).

For example, rent for small student accommodation (10 – 30 sq. m.) ranges from 3500 – 5000 SEK/month incl electricity, water and heating. Larger apartments in Karlskrona (45 – 65 sq.m.) may cost in the order of 4500 – 6000 SEK/month. A nice lunch at the student cafeteria will cost about 75 SEK and a monthly pass for the local transit system is about 790 SEK/month. As of October 2024, 1 USD equals approximately 10,40 SEK. The Swedish Institute also provides information about the cost of living in Sweden.

BTH scholarship

There will be a number of scholarships available from BTH covering a part of the tuition fee. Find out more about how to apply, the selection process and the evalution on our BTH website.

StratLeade scholarship

Stratleade is a US based not-for-profit that offers up to three grants a year to support aspiring leaders within the Master´s in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability Programme at Blekinge Institute of Technology. Grantees may receive full coverage of the programme’s tuition. Read more about the application deadline and process on the Statleade website.

Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals

The Swedish Institute (SI), a government agency,  promotes interest and trust in Sweden around the world. SI offers a range of scholarships for students from countries outside the EU/EEA area.

In order to get more information about the Swedish Institute scholarships, funds and grants please visit the Swedish Institute´s website. These scholarships have different deadlines, so check the dates carefully.

Other scholarships

Remember to look for scholarship opportunities from your Government or from other sources in your country. You can also have a look at the scholarships below:

• Study in Sweden

• The Institute of International Education

• Eurodesk European Info Centre

• Open Society Institute & Soros Foundation Network

• The Rotary Foundation Programme

• Global Grant

• Find A Master’s

Sponsorship from an organization or employer

In past years a number of students have been successful in obtaining funds from their employer or other organizations in their home countries. Allowing an employee to study in Sweden and return with new sustainability expertise can be very valuable for an organization, so you shouldn’t be afraid of inquiring with your current employer.

An alternative approach is to find an organization that could benefit from sustainability advice or your assistance on a limited-term basis in exchange for funds to study in Sweden. For example, sometimes course work of the MSLS programme provides the possibility of working directly with an external organization on a Strategic Planning for Sustainability project. Industry Collaboration during thesis projects is also an opportunity where you can combine your studies with direct tangible benefits that an organization may be willing to pay you for.

Student loans

You may be eligible to apply for a student loan if such schemes exist within your country. Unfortunately, we have limited information about such schemes and you should investigate the options that exist in your country.

Yes, in general, it does (from August 21st to June 15th not including winter and reading breaks). Even in periods three and four, group projects, tutorials and some seminars will necessitate attendance at BTH to gain the full learning experience. Some students may gain special permission to visit their project locations and/or their homes provided the visit can be shown to be significantly beneficial to their overall learning.

The programme is a one-year Master’s degree intended specifically for career professionals and those wishing to combine their undergraduate and prior training with a specialised sustainability/leadership competence.

It is fair to say that holistic sustainability education is a relatively new field, and so far there are a limited number of programmes available around the world. We are not aware of any other programmes that offer the international, transdisciplinary, science-based approach combining strategic sustainable development and leadership studies, that the MSLS programme provides. In this sense, the MSLS programme is unique and world-leading.

In Swedish, the degree title is ‘Magisterprogram i strategiskt ledarskap för hållbarhet‘ and the english title is ‘Master of Science (one year) in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability’. The Swedish Institute provides additional information about the equivalency of Swedish degrees in other countries.

Application period

Due to slight changes each year, we encourage you to check the University Admissions website for the application procedures and dates.

Notification of acceptance

Mid-March, April and June for international students, and July for Swedish students.

Visa application

We advise you to apply immediately after receiving an acceptance letter. Some accepted students have been declined enrolment in the MSLS programme because of a failure to secure a visa on time. Note: The Swedish migration office is on reduced work hours over the summer vacation period so early visa application is highly recommended.

Academic year

Generally late August to early June each year. Check official semester dates on our BTH website.

Arrival and orientation week

The MSLS orientation week is one week in advance of the official semester commencement date.

Holiday period

In the MSLS programme there is a short break with no classes in late December / early January (though there is no official Christmas / winter break in Swedish universities). As it is officially part of the semester period exams follow directly afterwards.

Graduation and going home

Past MSLS classes have held a class graduation event in early June following the end of the semester. A large number of students also choose to stay in Sweden for Midsummer celebrations in late June. Some also stay for the entire summer. Those who choose to stay after the end of the programme make allowance for this when applying for a visa (if applicable).

Students are typically high calibre professionals in early to mid-career and come from a diverse range of personal, professional and academic backgrounds to represent the four corners of the world.

To date, students have represented over 90 countries (including Australia, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Cameroon, China, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Malawi, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Turkey, Vietnam, the Phillipines, UAE and USA) and collectively speak more than 30 languages. They have brought to Karlskrona a wealth of experience in finance, architecture, management, the arts, teaching, chemistry, entrepreneurship, engineering, and many other fields.

For profiles of current and former students visit the MSLS website and read through our MSLS class biographies. You can also get a taste of the MSLS student experience in this video.

MSLS Impact MSLS Student Experience

Our MSLS alumni community is a vibrant, supportive community of changemakers from all over the world. They have very diverse jobs after they completed the MSLS programme such as (the following list is not complete):

• Sustainability Reporting Manager at KPMG

• Senior Consultant at Reos Partners

• Director Learning & Impact at CLIMATE KIC

• Head of Solutions Mapping at UNDP Accelerator Lab

• Sustainability Manager at Electrolux

• Business Co-Founder at Bureo

• Participatory Process Designer at Ashoka Globalizer Team

• Head of Sustainability at IKEA

• Project Coordinator at the German Council for Sustainable Development

For more examples, please read our MSLS Alumni Stories from the Field, watch our MSLS Alumni Voices videos or visit our MSLS Alumni Map.

MSLS Alumni Stories from the Field MSLS Alumni Voices MSLS Alumni Map

We have several MSLS events happening every year, such as the Art of Hosting Training Karlskrona, MSLS Deep Dives or MSLS Open House webinars. You can find an overview of upcoming and past MSLS events on our MSLS website. 

Subscribe to our MSLS newsletter to stay updated about our latest news and upcoming events.

MSLS Events MSLS Newsletter

We highly recommend that you attend orientation week starting one week before the official semester commencement.

You can find the key programme dates above under “What are the key dates for the MSLS programme?” If you are an admitted MSLS student, you can find more detailed information on your arrival here .

Information about the orientation week schedule will be provided to incoming students in early August.

Incoming MSLS students