SASUF-NRF Seed Grants for Collaborative Research
Opportunity Type: Research Funding / Seed Grant
Funding Organisations:
South Africa–Sweden University Forum (SASUF) & National Research Foundation (NRF)
Application Deadline: 10 June 2026
Project Duration: Up to 2 years (Starting 1 August 2026)
Number of Projects Funded: Up to 20 projects
Overview
The SASUF–NRF Seed Grants for Collaborative Research (2026–2028) support collaborative research partnerships between South Africa and Sweden, focusing on academia–industry–society collaboration.
The programme aims to strengthen interdisciplinary research, promote international collaboration, and address societal challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Thematic Areas
Projects must align with one of the following themes:
- Sustainable Health
- Green Transition
- Migration and Urbanisation
- Democracy, Social Justice and Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Funding Available
- Up to 100,000 SEK (SASUF portion)
- Up to 160,000 ZAR (NRF portion)
- Funding duration: Maximum 2 years
- Up to 20 collaborative projects funded
Eligibility Criteria
Projects must include:
- At least 2 South African universities
- At least 2 Swedish universities
- At least 1 industry, NGO, or societal partner
- One Principal Investigator from South Africa
- One Principal Investigator from Sweden
Principal Investigators must hold a PhD.
Eligible Activities
Funding supports:
- Research mobility
- Joint workshops and seminars
- Conferences and symposia
- Student exchange programmes
- Stakeholder engagement activities
- Dissemination of research findings
Important Dates
- Call Launch: 17 March 2026
- Application Deadline: 10 June 2026
- Decision Announcement: July 2026
- Project Start Date: 1 August 2026
How to Apply
- South African applicants submit via NRF Connect
- Swedish applicants submit via SASUF submission process
- Joint proposal required from both countries
Click HERE for NRF Connect
Click HERE to visit SASUF website