Deadline: 26-Aug-25
Are you a young professional and want to connect with like-minded peers? The Swedish Institute Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP) is a training programme developed to build awareness, capacity and resilience in the practice of democratic governance and for EU integration.
SI Academy for Young Professionals is a training programme at the Swedish Institute that aims to empower young professionals from countries within the EU’s Eastern Partnership with skills, networks and inspiration to be able to implement and drive change work in their respective organisations and home countries.
The long-term objective of the programme is to contribute to strengthened democratic governance and EU integration for countries within the EU’s Eastern Partnership.
Within SAYP, a number of different thematic programmes are carried out annually by the organisers who have been granted project funding for this purpose by SI.
The programmes bring together groups of participants and work to strengthen their competence in subjects that have bearing on pressing societal issues and challenges, linked to the overall goal of SAYP.
Benefits
Participants in the programme will have the opportunity to develop their professional skills through hands-on learning and practical engagement. They will gain access to tools and methods that can be directly applied within their own organizations and adapted to local contexts. The programme also offers experience in a cross-sectoral working environment, fostering collaboration between professionals from different fields.
In addition to strengthening individual competencies, participants will build a valuable personal and professional network that extends beyond national borders. Graduates of the programme will also become members of the Swedish Institute Alumni Network, granting them exclusive access to continued learning resources and tools for ongoing development.
Cost Covered
All costs, including meals, accommodation and travel in case of on-site activities, are covered by the Swedish Institute. SI also provides health insurance for the participants from the countries outside of the EU, covering the period of their stay in Sweden.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Swedish Institute Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP), applicants must be citizens or residents of one of the following countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, or Ukraine. A strong command of English—both spoken and written—is essential, as the programme is conducted entirely in English. Applicants should have completed at least three years of relevant higher education and be between the ages of 25 and 40 (born between 1985 and 2000).
Candidates must be currently employed in a role that falls within one of the following categories: policymakers, such as politicians, government officials, or employees of political parties; public servants working in non-political roles within public institutions; civil society workers affiliated with NGOs or CSOs; or leaders operating within the private sector.
Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that they have the mandate, ambition, and potential to drive meaningful change within their organization and home country. Their professional background should also align with the thematic focus of the specific SAYP module they wish to join.
For more information, visit Swedish Institute.
How to Successfully Apply for the SI Summer Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP) – 2025
