About this opportunity
A degree project often stalls at the point where the data lives somewhere else. The SASUF+ Fieldwork and Data Collection Stipend exists to move the student to that place, whether it is an archive in Cape Town, a laboratory in Uppsala or a community where the interviews are waiting.
The forum describes the aim as supporting thesis related fieldwork abroad while strengthening academic collaboration between South Africa and Sweden, with preference given to projects already linked to previously SASUF funded research. The award is a once-off stipend paid in the student's own currency.
The call page states "Successful applicants will receive a once-off stipend: South African students: 60,000 ZAR Swedish students: 30,000 SEK", and sets out what it is meant to cover, "International travel, Accommodation, Local transport, Visa and insurance, Fieldwork-related expenses". The scheme takes its shape from the Minor Field Studies model initiated by Sida, the Swedish development agency.
Three conditions decide
Eligibility
You must be a registered student at a South African or Swedish university that takes part in SASUF+, your fieldwork must be tied to a thesis or degree project, and your plan must include at least ten days in the host country. There is no maximum duration, though the length you ask for has to match the work you describe.
SASUF+ is a partnership of 37 universities supported by the National Research Foundation and the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education, STINT.
What you receive
- A once-off stipend of 60,000 ZAR for South African students and 30,000 SEK for Swedish students
- Cover for international travel, accommodation, local transport, visa and insurance and fieldwork related expenses
- Hands-on research experience collecting interviews, surveys, laboratory samples, archival material or observations
- Time inside a SASUF-affiliated research group, which the call treats as a route into longer term collaboration
- Preference for students whose project connects to research already funded by SASUF
Who can apply
- You must be a registered student at a South African or Swedish university participating in SASUF+
- The fieldwork must be linked to a thesis or degree project at honours, master's or equivalent level
- You must provide a fieldwork plan including a minimum stay of 10 days in the host country
- There is no maximum duration, but the requested length of stay must match the work described
- Projects connected to previously SASUF funded research are given preference
Who should not apply
- Students at a university outside the 37 SASUF+ participating institutions are not eligible
- Fieldwork that is not linked to a thesis or degree project does not qualify
Documents to prepare
- A fieldwork plan setting out the stay of at least 10 days in the host country
- Proof of registration at a SASUF+ partner university
- A description of the degree project the fieldwork serves
- A budget or cost outline covering travel, accommodation, local transport, visa, insurance and fieldwork expenses
How to apply
- Read the call page at https://www.sasuf.org/fieldwork-and-data-collection-stipend and check that your university appears on the SASUF+ partner list at https://www.sasuf.org/partneruniversities
- Confirm the host university and the SASUF-affiliated research group you will work with
- Write a fieldwork plan that shows a minimum ten day stay and the empirical data you intend to collect
- Prepare the supporting registration and degree project documents
- Submit the application before 15 October 2026
- Write to sasuf@uu.se if any part of the eligibility is unclear
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
How much is the stipend?
It is a once-off award of 60,000 ZAR for South African students and 30,000 SEK for Swedish students.
What can the money be spent on?
The call lists international travel, accommodation, local transport, visa and insurance, and fieldwork related expenses.
How long do I have to stay abroad?
At least ten days in the host country. The page states there is no maximum duration, as long as the stay you request matches your fieldwork plan.
Can a Nigerian student apply?
This particular stipend is written for registered students at South African or Swedish universities that take part in SASUF+, so a Nigerian student would need to be enrolled at one of those partner institutions. Nigerian researchers and universities are in scope on the separate SASUF-NRF Seed Grants call for intra-African consortia.
When is the deadline?
The call is open from 14 August to 15 October 2026, so applications are due by 15 October 2026.
Important disclaimer
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