Proud scholarship graduates received their diplomas
“The Swedish Institute’s Scholarship for Global Professionals was by far the most competitive I could find when I wanted to do a master’s programme abroad. Apart from funding your studies it gives you a monthly allowance so that you can focus completely on your studies”, says Jady Pamella from Brazil.
Jady was a leading business professional in the technology sector, including a stint in Silicon Valley, for twelve years before deciding to further her knowledge through international master’s studies. Once awarded the SI scholarship, she chose to embark on the Master’s Programme in Computer and Systems Sciences at Stockholm University.
Jady Pamella just completed her master's studies in computer and systems sciences.
Speech, cake and summer songs
“I’ve known since I was eight years old that I wanted to work with computers and technology”, she enthuses. “I wanted to improve the way they work and what they can do for humanity. At the moment I am very focused on AI security: to make the use of AI safe for humans, animals and the planet.”
SI scholarship holders were celebrated at the Stockholm University Faculty Club by, amongst others, the University's Vice President Jane Reichel (second from the left).
On Monday 11 May 2026, Jady was one of nearly twenty SI scholarship holders at Stockholm University who took part in a diploma ceremony at the Stockholm University Faculty Club on the Frescati campus. The recent master's graduates were celebrated with a speech by Jane Reichel, Vice President of Stockholm University, traditional Swedish strawberry cake and a choir singing Swedish summer songs.
After one or two years of intense studies most of them will leave Stockholm shortly. The idea behind the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals is to award it to ambitious professionals who want to contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.
A tool for employers to improve employee satisfaction
Riyad Mehdiiyev is an SI scholarship holder and graduate from Azerbaijan. Within his master’s studies in data science and AI at Stockholm University he has developed an appliance model to make it easier for employers to understand their employees.
“Often employers don’t realise that an employee is unhappy until they leave the company. Then it’s already too late and can do a lot of damage. I want to help companies satisfy the needs of their employees.”
He sees great opportunity in implementing the results of his studies back home in Azerbaijan. His hope is that it will have a big impact on the way of thinking in the human resources area.
Riyad Mehdijev accepting his diploma from Vice President Jane Reichel.
Easy to network in Sweden
Both Jady and Riyad have thoroughly enjoyed their stay in Sweden and at Stockholm University. They are keen to advise future master’s students to not only focus on their studies but also on other opportunities that can be beneficial for professional as well as personal development.
“The studies are of course a big part of your stay here but they are not everything”, says Riyad. “I would advise new master’s students to take the chance to make connections and explore ideas. Go to events and speak to industrial leaders! In Sweden everyone is kind of on the same level, so it’s very easy to approach for instance a company director.”
“I feel very comfortable with the Swedish culture and way of life”, he continues. “The pragmatism and everyone always being on time – it suits my personality. All the innovations happening here are of course very important, too. And the nature is so beautiful!”
Meeting people from all over the world
Jady is equally fond of Stockholm and Sweden and mentions the Nobel Prize as one of the reasons behind her choice of study destination.
“With the Nobel Prize you really show the world that science is important. It’s a big event and there is also the Nobel Prize Museum here in Stockholm. Stockholm University is a very international environment where you meet people from all over the world. Instead of only learning about Swedish culture you learn about other cultures as well when you're a student here”, Jady says enthusiastically.
Jackline Raphael Mwasyola is now a master's graduate in public health sciences.
“You have a very good education system”
Jackline Raphael Mwasyola from Tanzania is another SI scholarship holder that has spent the last two years pursuing a master’s degree at Stockholms University.
“I’ve been studying public health sciences”, Jackline says, proudly showing off her diploma. “I love Sweden. It’s so cool and calm and you have a very good education system. Stockholm is a busy city with lots of interesting things going on and it really suits me.”
She finds her master's studies in public health, focusing on matters such as disease prevention and disease control, highly rewarding and is looking forward to making use of them in the real world.
“Ideally I’d like to work for an international organization. I’m also tempted to do a PhD and return to Stockholm University in the future.”
Last updated: 2026-05-13
Source: Communications Office