Swedish Institute Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP) Western Balkans

Please note that the deadline for submission may vary among different modules.

You can apply for a SAYP module via the website of the respective organiser (host university). The links are provided below. If you apply for more than one training programme, it is very important to rank the training programme in order of your preference in the motivation letter, as you can only be admitted to one of them. You need to submit a separate application with a unique letter of motivation for each programme you have chosen. We recommend that you apply for not more than two modules corresponding to your interests and professional role.

Halmstad university, Collaborative Governance in a Digital Era (deadline for submission is 12 April)
The module “Collaborative Governance in a Digital Era”, prepares participants to excel in a public administration landscape highly influenced by international governance trends and technological development. It offers participants a chance to critically reflect upon those trends by accessing cutting edge research that challenges some of the normative assumptions driving these trends. The module engages with theory and practice related to cooperation, coordination and collaboration as a specific governance mode that differs from those that formed the modern public administration organization.

Linköping university, Sustainable e-Government: Resilience, Innovation, Democracy
(deadline for submission is 5 April)
The programme, “Sustainable e-Government: Resilience, Innovation, and Democracy” (SeGRID), is a professional training programme for young public servants, policymakers, and civil society from the Western Balkans. The course provides skills and knowledge about democratic digital governance, rooted in theory and practice, to manage challenges of democracy, inclusion, equality, transparency, and resilience. SeGRID offers academic knowledge, practitioners’ expertise, a platform for discussing challenges and solutions, key contacts, and resources for initiating concrete projects based on outputs of the programme.

The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, Gender Equality Education for Practitioners, From Theory to Policy Implementation
(deadline for submission is 10 April)
This programme empowers individuals in civil society, public and private sector to master and critically engage with contemporary gender equality and feminist theories. Tailored for non-academics, this initiative ensures access to vital knowledge in the face of a rising anti-gender movement and deterioration in gender equality in the Western Balkan region. In today’s climate of increased misogyny, traditional gender mainstreaming is easily overlooked. We believe in providing a robust foundation for gender-inclusive policy making and advocacy. We are extending our impact through an accessible online regional component.

Lunds university, Perspectives on Multi-level governance, Decentralisation and Human Rights
(deadline for submission is 5 April)
The thematic module, “Perspectives on Multi-level Governance”, Decentralisation & Human Rights, focuses on decentralisation within public administration and how human rights can be implemented on a regional and local level. The module combines theory with a high level of practice, including lectures, seminars/workshops with experts from Lund University and study visits to relevant organisations. This combination enables the participants to get a deeper insight in public administration, as well as exchange experiences and establish new contacts and networks between all participating countries at Western Balkan.

Templates for your application:
CV europass
Motivation letter
Reference letter
English language certificate

The evaluation and selection process is carried out by the universities, arranging SAYP modules. Please note that SAYP alumni/alumnae, willing to participate in the programme again, will not be given priority in the selection process.  

The universities will contact the successful candidates by e-mail to offer them a place in the programme and ask them to confirm their participation. The candidates, placed on the reserve list, will also be notified by e-mail.