SASUF+ Fieldwork and Data Collection Stipend Call

Call open 5 August – 15 October, 2026

Background

The South Africa–Sweden University Forum+ (SASUF+) is a strategic partnership between universities in South Africa and Sweden, supported by the 37 participating universities, the National Research Foundation (NRF) and STINT. SASUF+ aims to strengthen equitable, long-term academic collaboration, enhance research capacity, and contribute to societal impact aligned with shared thematic priorities.

As part of this commitment, SASUF+ is launching a Fieldwork and Data Collection Stipend for the target group Honours and Master’s students to support students undertaking thesis-related fieldwork abroad within the framework of SASUF+ collaborations.

Purpose of the stipend

The stipend enables students to:

• Conduct fieldwork abroad as part of their Honor’s, Master’s or equivalent degree project

• Collect empirical data (e.g. interviews, surveys, laboratory samples, archival material, observations)

• Strengthen collaboration with SASUF-affiliated research groups

• Gain hands-on research experience and build pathways toward future academic collaboration

The scheme is inspired by the Minor Field Studies (MFS) stipend model initiated by SIDA.

Grant amounts

Successful applicants will receive a once-off stipend with the following amounts:

• South African students: 60,000 ZAR

• Swedish students: 30,000 SEK

The stipend is intended to cover costs related to:

• International travel

• Accommodation

• Local transport

• Visa and insurance

• Fieldwork-related expenses

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be registered students at a South African or Swedish university participating in SASUF+

• Conduct fieldwork linked to a thesis or degree project

• Demonstrate a clear connection to a SASUF+ thematic areas

• Have academic supervision from both a home institution and a relevant partner or host environment (where applicable)

• The student must have a signed letter from the host institution confirming who will be responsible to support the students’ arrangements prior/during the travel to the host institution in the receiving country.

Priority will be given to students who can demonstrate a clear link to a SASUF-affiliated research group (i.e. one of the 100+ research groups funded through SASUF). A list of funded SASUF projects and contact details for relevant researchers will be published on the SASUF website prior to the call opening. This initiative aims to strengthen continuity within SASUF by connecting students to ongoing or emerging collaborations, fostering long-term academic relationships, and reinforcing the integration of education, research, and mobility within the SASUF+ framework.

Applicants who are not formally connected to a SASUF-funded project may be considered on an exceptional basis. In such cases, the proposed project must demonstrate a strong Sweden–South Africa collaboration, and the student must have established academic links at both the home institution and the receiving institution.

Application requirements

Please note that South African students applying through the NRF system must have their supervisor or host at the receiving institution submit the application on their behalf. This requirement applies to all South African applicants using the NRF system.

Swedish students may submit their applications directly through SASUF. However, they must include a letter from the host institution confirming support for the application.

A complete application will include:

• A project description (including purpose, methods, and relevance to SASUF+)

• A work plan, timeline and tentative dates for the fieldwork (minimum 10 days abroad, no maximum time stated)

• A budget outlining the use of the stipend

• A motivation statement from the student

• A letter of support from the academic supervisor(s)

Selection principles

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Academic relevance and quality

• Feasibility of the proposed fieldwork

• Contribution to SASUF+ objectives and themes

• Potential for long-term collaboration and impact

• Equity and inclusion considerations

Payment of funds

All stipends will be available to use before the start of the fieldwork period to ensure that students can make necessary arrangements (e.g. flights and accommodation) without personal financial risk.

For South African students, all NRF award letters must be issued and received by the institution before the grant funds can be used. Once the letters are in place, the institution may immediately begin supporting the use of the funds.

For Swedish students, SASUF will centrally transfer the grant to the student’s home institution as soon as agreements are signed. The money will be received prior to departure.

Time period to use allocated funds

The call for Fieldwork & Data Collection Stipends for Honours and Master’s students will be open for applications during the period: 5 August – 15 October 2026.

All awarded stipends must be used for fieldwork activities conducted within the SASUF+ project period. This means that:

• Approved fieldwork and student mobility must take place after the award of the stipend, and

• All mobilities must be fully completed no later than 1 June 2028.

This deadline includes the completion of travel, fieldwork activities, and any required academic engagement linked to the stipend. The timeframe is intended to ensure alignment with the overall SASUF+ project lifecycle and reporting requirements.

If the grant holder does not proceed with the mobility and has already received funds, all funds must be repaid.

After Your Mobility

All grant holders are required to submit a written report of at least one A4 page to SASUF, outlining the mobility activities, outcomes, and personal reflections. A report template is available and will be shared by the SASUF secretariat when stipends are announced.

We look forward to receiving your application!