Apply for World-Class Researchers Sweden’s International Visiting Researcher Grant 2026. Eligible Swedish universities and research organizations can receive SEK 2 million to recruit world-class researchers from outside Europe and strengthen research excellence.
Overview
The Swedish Research Council has opened applications for the Grant for Recruiting International Visiting Researchers to Sweden 2026, a prestigious funding opportunity designed to help Swedish higher education institutions and research organizations attract outstanding researchers from outside Europe.
The programme aims to strengthen Swedish research environments, foster international collaboration, and support the long-term establishment of world-leading researchers within Sweden’s academic ecosystem.
Successful organizations can receive SEK 2 million to support recruitment, relocation, salary, and research-related expenses for a visiting researcher undertaking a 12-month stay in Sweden.
About the Grant
The grant provides Swedish universities and approved research organizations with financial support to recruit internationally recognized researchers currently based outside Europe.
The recruited researcher is expected to contribute actively to the host institution’s research environment, collaborate with Swedish researchers, and strengthen long-term research capacity within Sweden.
The programme supports research across a broad range of disciplines, including:
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Clinical Therapy Research
- Artistic Research
- Medicine and Health
- Natural and Engineering Sciences
- Educational Sciences
The initiative forms part of Sweden’s strategy to enhance international research collaboration and attract global research talent.
Benefits
Many institutions ask: What do we gain from this grant?
Successful applicants receive:
Financial Support
- SEK 2 million grant funding
- Funding for a 12-month full-time visit
- Coverage of salary costs during the stay
Relocation Support
Funding may cover:
- Moving expenses
- Housing costs
- Travel between Sweden and the researcher’s home country
- Family relocation expenses
- Research expenses linked to relocation
Research Environment Development
- Access to internationally recognized expertise
- Strengthened research capacity
- Increased international collaboration opportunities
- Enhanced academic reputation
Long-Term Impact
The programme encourages long-term integration of researchers into Swedish academia and supports sustainable international partnerships.
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
The applicant must be:
- A Swedish university or higher education institution (HEI), or
- Another Swedish organization approved by the Swedish Research Council as an administrating organization.
Applications must be submitted by the organization rather than individual researchers.
Who Can Be Recruited?
The nominated researcher must:
- Be a prominent international researcher
- Have conducted research activities outside Europe for at least two years before application
- Have at least five years of research experience after completing a PhD or equivalent degree
- Not already be established in Sweden
- Be willing to relocate and work in Sweden during the fellowship period
Additional Requirements
The researcher:
- Must be aware of and support the application
- Must sign a formal confirmation certificate
- Cannot already be funded through another visiting researcher or mobility programme for the same purpose
Application Process
Step 1
Contact the Swedish Research Council to obtain access to the application call in Prisma.
Step 2
Create or access the organizational application within Prisma.
Step 3
Identify and secure agreement from an eligible international researcher.
Step 4
Prepare all required documentation and supporting materials.
Step 5
Submit the application through Prisma.
Step 6
Applications undergo rolling review and evaluation.
Step 7
Funding decisions are published on a rolling basis.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
Research Programme
Maximum four pages including:
- Description of the researcher and their research
- Justification for recruitment
- Expected contribution to Swedish research
- Department participation plan
Visiting Researcher Information
Including:
- Name and current institution
- Academic qualifications
- Current position
- Planned visit duration
- Employment plan
Curriculum Vitae
Maximum three pages.
Publication List
Maximum five pages covering:
- Peer-reviewed publications
- Non-peer-reviewed outputs
- Research achievements between 2018 and 2026
Signed Researcher Certificate
A one-page signed statement confirming:
- Awareness of the application
- Commitment to the proposed visit
- Intention to establish research activities within Sweden
Budget Justification
Brief explanation of planned use of funding.
Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Opens
11 February 2026
Application Closes
10 November 2026
Processing Time
Approximately two months from submission to decision.
Visit Start Date
Between:
- 1 May 2026
- 1 March 2027
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Grant for Recruiting International Visiting Researchers |
| Host Country | Sweden |
| Funding Organization | Swedish Research Council |
| Grant Amount | SEK 2 Million |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Eligible Applicants | Swedish Universities and Approved Research Organizations |
| Eligible Researchers | Established Researchers Outside Europe |
| Research Areas | All Major Disciplines |
| Application Type | Organization Application |
| Opening Date | 11 February 2026 |
| Closing Date | 10 November 2026 |
| Funding Decisions | Rolling Basis |
Conclusion
The Grant for Recruiting International Visiting Researchers to Sweden 2026 offers Swedish universities and research institutions an exceptional opportunity to attract globally recognized researchers and strengthen their research environments.
With SEK 2 million in funding, support for relocation and salary costs, and a strong focus on long-term research collaboration, the programme represents a strategic investment in Sweden’s future research excellence. Organizations seeking to expand their international research networks and enhance academic impact should consider taking advantage of this valuable funding opportunity.
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