The South Africa-Sweden University Forum (SASUF), in partnership with South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF), is accepting applications for the 2026 SASUF-NRF Seed Grants for Intra-Africa Collaborative Research Projects. The programme supports research partnerships between universities in Sweden, South Africa and 19 other African countries, including Nigeria.
It aims to strengthen international research collaboration, support knowledge exchange, and encourage researchers to develop solutions to important societal challenges. Up to 20 collaborative research projects will receive funding. Interested universities and research teams are encouraged to submit their proposals before the November 3, 2026 deadline.
Overview of the SASUF-NRF Seed Grants 2026
The SASUF-NRF Seed Grants are part of the SASUF+ Beyond Borders initiative. The programme provides financial support for collaborative research projects involving universities in Sweden, South Africa and participating African countries.
The grants are intended to help researchers establish international partnerships, conduct joint research activities and develop proposals for future research funding.
| Grant Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | SASUF-NRF Seed Grants 2026 |
| Host Organisation | South Africa-Sweden University Forum |
| Funding Partner | National Research Foundation |
| Eligible Countries | Sweden, South Africa and 19 African countries |
| Eligible Applicants | Universities and research institutions |
| Number of Projects | Up to 20 |
| SASUF Funding | Up to SEK 100,000 |
| NRF Funding | Up to ZAR 160,000 |
| Project Duration | 16 months |
| Application Deadline | November 3, 2026 |
| Project Start Date | March 1, 2027 |
Benefits of the SASUF-NRF Seed Grants 2026
Successful research consortia may receive:
- Up to SEK 100,000 from SASUF.
- Up to ZAR 160,000 from NRF.
- Financial support for international research collaboration.
- Funding for research-related mobility activities.
- Support for joint workshops, seminars and conferences.
- Opportunities for postgraduate student exchange.
- Opportunities to establish long-term international research partnerships.
- Support for developing future collaborative research proposals.
Research Areas Supported
Proposed projects must address at least one of the following four research themes:
- Sustainable Health.
- Green Transition.
- Migration and Urbanisation.
- Democracy, Social Justice and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
Eligibility Requirements for the SASUF-NRF Seed Grants 2026
To qualify for the programme, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- The research consortium must include at least one eligible Swedish university.
- The consortium must include at least one eligible South African university.
- The consortium must include at least one additional African university from an eligible SGCI participating country.
- The Swedish and South African Principal Investigators must hold PhD qualifications.
- The project must address at least one of the four SASUF research themes.
- Applicants must demonstrate the potential for meaningful international research collaboration.
- The proposed project must represent a new collaboration rather than a continuation of a previously funded SASUF project.
Also, Nigerian universities are eligible to participate as African research partners.
How to Apply for the SASUF-NRF Seed Grants 2026
Interested research teams should follow these steps:
- Visit the official SASUF-NRF Seed Grants webpage.
- Read the application guidelines and eligibility requirements.
- Establish a research partnership involving eligible universities in Sweden, South Africa, and another participating African country.
- Appoint the required Swedish and South African Principal Investigators.
- Prepare a joint research proposal and project budget.
- The Swedish Principal Investigator should complete the SASUF application process.
- The South African Principal Investigator should submit the application through the NRF Connect system.
- Ensure that all required submissions are completed before the deadline.
Official Application Page: https://www.sasuf.org/sasuf-nrf-seed-grants-for-intra-africa-collaborative-research-1
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the SASUF-NRF Seed Grants 2026 is November 3, 2026. The programme is expected to announce successful projects in February 2027, with funded activities beginning on March 1, 2027.
Official Website
For complete information about the SASUF-NRF Seed Grants 2026, application guidelines, and submission requirements, visit the official website:
https://www.sasuf.org/sasuf-nrf-seed-grants-for-intra-africa-collaborative-research-1
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerian universities apply for the SASUF-NRF Seed Grants?
Yes. Nigerian universities can participate as African research partners in eligible collaborative projects.
How much funding is available?
Each successful consortium can request up to SEK 100,000 from SASUF and ZAR 160,000 from NRF.
Can individual students apply?
No. The grants are intended for collaborative university research teams. Students may participate through eligible research projects.
How long will funded projects last?
The projects are expected to run for 16 months, from March 2027 to July 2028.
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