The South Africa–Sweden University Forum (SASUF) has opened applications for its Long-Term Mobility Grants 2026, supporting PhD students and early career researchers to undertake a five-month research mobility period between participating universities in South Africa and Sweden. The programme is designed to strengthen academic networks, encourage international research collaboration, facilitate the exchange of ideas and help researchers develop new skills and research interests. Applications are open from 2 October to 4 November 2026. SASUF Long-Term Mobility Grants 2026 Overview Programme: SASUF Long-Term Mobility Grants Target group: PhD students and early career researchers Eligible countries: South Africa and Sweden Mobility duration: Five full and consecutive months Application period: 2 October–4 November 2026 Results: By 31 December 2026 Mobility completion deadline: 1 June 2028 Funding: Travel, maintenance, accommodation and eligible additional mobility costs Funding partner: STINT – The Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education Who Can Apply? The call is open to: PhD students and early career researchers at a Swedish SASUF partner university who wish to spend five months at a participating South African SASUF university; and PhD students and early career researchers at a South African SASUF partner university who wish to spend five months at a participating Swedish SASUF university. Applicants must either be currently enrolled as doctoral students or have obtained their doctoral degree in 2022 or later. Candidates must also be employed by or enrolled at their home university when applying and throughout the mobility period. The mobility must last five full and consecutive months. Shorter visits will not be funded, while longer visits may be permitted but SASUF funding will be limited to five months. The mobility cannot be divided into separate stays. PhD students are expected to undertake the mobility as part of their doctoral studies without interrupting their programmes. Postdoctoral researchers are expected to continue their research while retaining their position at their home university. Funding and Financial Support The level of financial support depends on the direction of the mobility. For South African applicants travelling to Sweden, the grant includes: SEK 30,000 per month as a maintenance allowance for five months. Up to SEK 15,000 for travel expenses, including visa-related travel and costs. For Swedish applicants travelling to South Africa, the funding includes: SEK 2,932 per month maintenance allowance. Up to SEK 15,000 for travel expenses. Up to SEK 10,000 per month for housing. For Swedish applicants, the grant is intended to cover additional mobility costs and is not intended to replace salary, as applicants are expected to maintain their salary or other financial support from their home university. Applicants should note that any costs exceeding the approved funding must be covered by the candidate. Research Mobility and Benefits During the five-month placement, successful applicants will continue their individual research projects while becoming integrated into a research group at the host university. The programme can help researchers to: Broaden and deepen their research skills and interests. Develop international academic networks. Exchange research ideas and expertise. Establish future research collaborations. Develop new research ideas. Gain experience working in a different academic and cultural environment. Applicants may draw inspiration from previous SASUF-funded research projects when developing new research and collaboration ideas. Host University Requirement Applicants are responsible for identifying a suitable host university, supervisor or research group. Before applying, candidates should review the participating SASUF universities and contact potential supervisors or research groups to discuss the proposed five-month mobility. A successful application requires an invitation letter from a supervisor or research group at the planned host university. Applicants should carefully check the current SASUF+ partner university list because some institutions involved in earlier SASUF activities are no longer eligible host universities. Required Application Documents Applicants must submit the following: Invitation letter from a supervisor or research group at the proposed host university. Completed SASUF Long-Term Mobility application form. Confirmation letter from the applicant’s supervisor, mentor, principal investigator or line manager confirming permission to undertake the mobility. CV and publication list, limited to four pages and using a font size of at least 12. Motivation letter explaining the applicant’s motivation, commitment and how the mobility will develop their research skills, interests or generate new research ideas. The complete application should be combined into one PDF and submitted by email. Selection Criteria Applications will be assessed based on several factors, including: Ranking by the home and host universities. Motivation and commitment to the programme. Potential for the mobility to develop research skills and interests. Potential to generate new research ideas. Balanced distribution among SASUF partner universities. Gender balance. Involvement in current or previous SASUF-funded projects, which may receive some priority. Important Dates Application opens: 2 October 2026Application deadline: 4 November 2026Selection results: Before 31 December 2026Mobility completion deadline: 1 June 2028Reporting deadline: 1 June 2028 Selected researchers must submit a financial statement detailing their expenses after the mobility. Any unspent funds must be repaid to SASUF. Grantholders must also submit a written report of at least one A4 page describing their mobility activities, outcomes and reflections. How to Apply Applicants should first identify an eligible SASUF partner university and potential supervisor or research group. After securing the required invitation and completing the application documentation, all documents should be combined into a single PDF and emailed to sasuf@uu.se. The email subject should follow the format: SASUF Long-term mobility for NAME Applicants should use the appropriate application template for South African or Swedish researchers. Why Apply? The SASUF Long-Term Mobility Grant provides an opportunity for emerging researchers to spend an extended period within a research environment in another country while maintaining links with their home institution. For PhD students and early career researchers seeking to expand their academic networks, develop international collaborations and strengthen their research profile, the five-month mobility can provide valuable academic and professional experience. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.