What Is the SASUF-NRF Seed Grant?
SASUF, the South Africa-Sweden University Forum, connects 37 universities across both countries. Launched in 2017, it has united over 4,000 researchers and sparked more than 100 collaborative projects. Now in its third phase called SASUF+, the programme introduces seed grants focused on academia and industry collaboration across four research themes.
Supported Thematic Areas
- Sustainable Health
- Green Transition
- Migration and Urbanisation
- Democracy, Social Justice, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Who Is Eligible for SASUF-NRF Seed Grant?
Each application must come from a consortium of at least five members including two South African universities, two Swedish universities, and one industry, NGO, or organisational partner from either country. One PI must be based in South Africa and one in Sweden. Both must hold a PhD. Private companies and NGOs can join as partners but cannot serve as Principal Investigators and must cover their own costs.
How Much Funding Is Available?
| Component | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|
| SASUF Portion (Swedish PI) | 100,000 SEK |
| NRF Portion (South African PI) | 160,000 ZAR |
Funding runs for a maximum of two years starting August 2026. Universities are encouraged to supplement with additional institutional or industry funding.
What Does the Grant Cover?
Eligible activities include student exchange programmes, research mobility, joint workshops, seminars, and stakeholder dissemination events. The grant does not cover salaries, large equipment, scholarships, or consultant fees.
Key Deadlines for SASUF-NRF Seed Grant
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 10 June 2026 |
| DA Deadline (SA only) | 18 June 2026 |
| Awards Announced | 28 July 2026 |
| Project Start | 1 August 2026 |
How to Apply
South African PIs apply through NRF Connect at nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za. Required documents include CVs of all partners, institutional support letters, budget breakdowns, and partner participation letters. Missing any document disqualifies the entire consortium.
Swedish PIs submit by email to sasuf@uu.se following guidelines at sasuf.org/funding-opportunities.
Review and Reporting
Applications are assessed on scientific quality, feasibility of long-term collaboration, and capacity development potential. A joint award committee makes the final funding decision in July 2026. All funded researchers must submit progress and final reports and acknowledge SASUF and NRF support in all publications.
SASUF-NRF Seed Grant related Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply? Researchers at SASUF partner universities forming a valid five-member consortium.
Is a PhD required? Only for Principal Investigators, not Co-PIs.
What is the maximum funding? 100,000 SEK plus 160,000 ZAR per project.
Can companies be PIs? No, industry partners join as consortium members only.
What is the deadline? 10 June 2026 for all applicants.
How many projects are funded? A maximum of 20 projects per call.
Can past SASUF recipients apply? Yes, provided the new project is not a continuation of previous work.
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Reference
www.nrf.ac.za notification
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