Swedish Research Council 2026 Grant for Recruiting International Visiting Researchers offers up to SEK 2 million to universities and research institutions seeking to recruit leading researchers from outside Europe. Learn about funding, eligibility, benefits, and how organizations can apply.
Overview
Sweden is strengthening its position as a global research hub through the Grant for Recruiting International Visiting Researchers 2026. Administered by the Swedish Research Council, this funding opportunity supports Swedish higher education institutions and approved research organizations in attracting outstanding international researchers currently based outside Europe.
The grant aims to strengthen Swedish research environments, foster international collaboration, and encourage long-term establishment of world-class researchers within Sweden’s academic ecosystem.
Organizations can receive a standard grant of SEK 2 million to support recruitment, relocation, and employment costs associated with bringing internationally recognized researchers to Sweden for a 12-month period.
About the Grant
The Grant for Recruiting International Visiting Researchers to Sweden is designed to help Swedish universities and research organizations recruit highly accomplished researchers who are currently conducting research outside Europe.
The initiative focuses on enhancing research excellence, expanding international collaboration, and creating long-term opportunities for researchers to establish their activities within Sweden.
The programme supports recruitment across multiple academic disciplines and encourages institutions to integrate visiting researchers into departmental activities, research programmes, teaching, supervision, and broader academic engagement.
Benefits
One of the most important questions applicants ask is: What do we gain?
Successful organizations receive:
- SEK 2 million in funding.
- Support for a 12-month visiting researcher appointment.
- Funding for salary costs.
- Relocation and moving expenses.
- Housing and accommodation support.
- International travel costs.
- Research-related expenses arising from relocation.
- Support for accompanying family members.
- Opportunity to strengthen research capacity.
- Access to globally recognized research expertise.
- Enhanced international collaboration.
- Potential long-term recruitment opportunities.
Research Areas Supported
Applications are accepted across a broad range of disciplines, including:
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Clinical Therapy Research
- Artistic Research
- Medicine and Health
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
- Educational Sciences
Eligibility
A key question is: Who can apply?
Eligible Applicants
Applications must be submitted by:
- Swedish universities and higher education institutions.
- Swedish research organizations approved by the Swedish Research Council.
Applications cannot be submitted directly by researchers.
Eligible Visiting Researchers
The proposed researcher must:
- Be a prominent international researcher.
- Have conducted research outside Europe for at least two years prior to application.
- Have a minimum career age of five years after earning a PhD or equivalent degree.
- Not already be established in Sweden.
- Be willing to participate actively in the host institution’s research environment.
- Have ambitions for longer-term collaboration with the host organization.
Funding Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Type | Visiting Researcher Grant |
| Funding Amount | SEK 2,000,000 |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Total Budget | Approximately SEK 30 Million |
| Funding Agency | Swedish Research Council |
| Support Type | Research Environment and Collaboration Support |
| Focus | International Recruitment |
Application Process
Many organizations ask: How do we apply?
Step 1
Contact the Swedish Research Council to obtain access to the application call in Prisma.
Step 2
Identify and secure agreement from a suitable international researcher.
Step 3
Prepare the recruitment plan and research programme.
Step 4
Gather all required supporting documents.
Step 5
Submit the application through Prisma.
Step 6
Await rolling review and funding decision.
Applications are reviewed continuously as they are submitted.
Required Documents
Applications typically require:
Organizational Information
- Applicant institution details.
- Project leader details.
Research Programme
Maximum four pages covering:
- The researcher and their research.
- Justification for recruitment.
- Contribution to Swedish research.
- Participation plans within the host department and other Swedish institutions.
Visiting Researcher Information
- Academic profile.
- Current position and institution.
- Employment plan.
- Research contribution details.
Curriculum Vitae
Maximum three pages.
Publications and Research Outputs
Maximum five pages.
Signed Certificate
A signed statement from the visiting researcher confirming:
- Awareness of the application.
- Understanding of grant conditions.
- Commitment to the proposed collaboration.
Budget Justification
Brief explanation of how grant funds will be used.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on two major factors:
1. Scientific Merit and International Standing
Reviewers evaluate:
- Research excellence.
- Academic achievements.
- International reputation.
- Scientific contributions.
2. Relevance to the Call
Reviewers assess:
- Potential contribution to Swedish research.
- Long-term impact on the host institution.
- Quality of collaboration plans.
- Departmental integration strategy.
- Contribution to teaching, supervision, conferences, and academic development.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
| Applications Open | 11 February 2026 |
| Applications Close | 10 November 2026 |
| Review Process | Rolling |
| Funding Decisions | Rolling |
| Earliest Start Date | 1 May 2026 |
| Latest Start Date | 1 March 2027 |
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
| Country | Sweden |
| Funding Agency | Swedish Research Council |
| Funding Amount | SEK 2 Million |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Applicant Type | Organizations Only |
| Eligible Researchers | International Researchers Outside Europe |
| Research Fields | All Major Academic Disciplines |
| Application Type | Rolling Submission |
| Recruitment Focus | International Research Talent |
| Deadline | 10 November 2026 |
Conclusion
The Grant for Recruiting International Visiting Researchers to Sweden 2026 represents a significant opportunity for Swedish universities and research organizations to attract globally recognized research talent. With funding of SEK 2 million per award, institutions can strengthen their research environments, build international collaborations, and support long-term academic excellence.
For organizations seeking to expand their global research networks and enhance their scientific capacity, this programme provides both financial support and strategic opportunities to bring world-leading expertise to Sweden.
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