NRF–SSHRC Seed Grants 2026: South Africa–Canada Research Collaboration Opportunity

The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) have launched a joint funding call to support collaborative research projects between South African and Canadian universities.

This initiative reflects the growing importance of international partnerships in addressing complex global challenges through research and innovation.

Strengthening Global Research Partnerships

This funding opportunity builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2025 during the South Africa–Canada Universities Network (SACUN) Workshop held in Ottawa. The agreement formalized a commitment to deepen academic collaboration and foster joint research initiatives between the two countries.

Through this partnership, both organizations aim to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional ties, and support impactful research that contributes to global development priorities.

Overview of the Seed Grants Programme

The SSHRC–NRF Seed Grants are designed to support early-stage collaborative research projects involving scholars from eligible institutions in South Africa and Canada. The programme will fund up to eight projects, each led by Principal Investigators from both countries.

Key Objectives:

• Encourage international research collaboration
• Build long-term academic partnerships
• Support innovative, interdisciplinary research
• Address shared global and societal challenges

Priority Research Themes

Applicants are invited to submit proposals aligned with six key thematic areas:

• Just and Resilient Societies
• Environmental Sustainability
• Artificial Intelligence
• Sustainable Growth
• Mathematics Education

These themes reflect pressing global issues and areas where collaborative research can generate meaningful impact.

Funding Timeline and Key Dates

Researchers interested in applying should take note of the following schedule:

• Call Opens: 01 April 2026
• Application Deadline: 28 May 2026
• Funding Decisions Announced: Between 01 – 30 September 2026
• Project Start: 2026

Project Duration and Structure

Selected projects will run for a minimum of 24 months and a maximum of 36 months. Each project must involve collaboration between South African and Canadian researchers, with clearly defined roles and shared leadership.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the SSHRC–NRF Seed Grants, applicants must:

• Hold a PhD
• Be affiliated with a recognized postsecondary institution in South Africa or Canada
• Submit a joint proposal with a counterpart from the partner country

Applications must be submitted through the NRF Connect system, with full guidelines available on the NRF website.

Leadership Perspectives

Dr. Gugu Moche, Deputy CEO of the NRF, emphasized the importance of this initiative in fostering inclusive and impactful research partnerships. She noted that cross-border collaboration is essential for tackling global challenges and building research capacity.

Michael Nxumalo, Manager of International Grants and Partnerships at the NRF, highlighted the role of the South Africa–Canada Universities Network in creating a foundation for meaningful collaboration and innovation.

Why This Funding Matters

The NRF–SSHRC Seed Grants represent a strategic investment in international research collaboration. By connecting researchers across continents, the programme aims to:

• (enhance shared knowledge)
• Strengthen institutional capacity
• Promote inclusive and diverse research partnerships
• Generate solutions to global challenges

For academics and researchers, this is a valuable opportunity to expand networks, access funding, and contribute to impactful, cross-border research initiatives.

How to Apply

Eligible researchers are encouraged to prepare and submit their proposals before the May 28 deadline. Detailed application guidelines and submission instructions are available through the NRF’s official platform.

Apply Now

As global challenges become increasingly interconnected, initiatives like the NRF–SSHRC Seed Grants play a crucial role in fostering collaboration beyond borders.

By supporting joint research efforts between South Africa and Canada, this programme is set to drive innovation, strengthen academic partnerships, and contribute to sustainable global development.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.