Sweden Offers SEK 2 Million to Recruit International Researchers: Grant for Recruiting International Visiting Researchers to Sweden 2026 ·Unknown

A major Swedish research funding opportunity is now open for universities seeking to bring prominent researchers from outside Europe to Sweden for a fully funded 12-month research appointment.

The Swedish Research Council has opened applications for its 2026 Grant for Recruiting International Visiting Researchers to Sweden, offering up to SEK 2 million to eligible Swedish higher education institutions and approved research organisations.

The funding is designed to help Swedish research institutions strengthen their research environments by recruiting established researchers whose current employment and research activities are based outside Europe.

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until 10 November 2026, giving eligible Swedish institutions an opportunity to submit applications throughout the call period.

SEK 2 Million Grant Supports a 12-Month Research Visit

The grant provides a standard amount of SEK 2,000,000 for a full-time, 12-month research visit to Sweden.

The funding may cover several costs associated with recruiting and hosting the international researcher, including:

• The researcher’s salary during the visit.
• Relocation and moving expenses.
• Housing rent.
• Travel between Sweden and the researcher’s home country.
• Certain research expenses resulting from the relocation.
• Costs related to accompanying family members.

The grant also includes indirect costs according to the model used by the administering organisation. However, the funding cannot be used for scholarships.

The Swedish Research Council expects the host organisation to cover any costs exceeding the grant amount, including potential long-term salary commitments.

Who Can Be Recruited Under the Swedish Research Council Grant

The proposed visiting researcher must meet several important requirements.

At the time of application, the researcher must:

• Be a prominent researcher with strong scientific credentials.
• Have been conducting research outside Europe for at least two years.
• Have at least five years of career experience after completing a PhD or equivalent foreign degree.
• Not already be established in Sweden.
• Be aware of the application and understand what a successful award would involve.

The researcher is expected to participate actively in the host department’s research activities and contribute to strengthening the Swedish research environment.

The long-term ambition is for the researcher to potentially establish their research activities at the host organisation beyond the funded visiting period.

The Swedish Host Institution Must Apply

One of the most important details about this opportunity is that the researcher cannot apply directly.

The applicant must be:

• A Swedish higher education institution (HEI), or
• Another Swedish organisation approved to administer grants from the Swedish Research Council.

The host institution must nominate a representative from the relevant department to serve as the project leader for the application.

The institution and recruiting department will also be responsible for local hosting arrangements and practical matters connected to the researcher’s relocation to Sweden.

This means international researchers interested in the opportunity should first identify a suitable Swedish university or approved research organisation willing to host and nominate them.

Research Areas Covered by the Grant

The call is open across a wide range of academic and research fields, including:

• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Clinical Therapy Research
• Artistic Research
• Medicine and Health
• Natural and Engineering Sciences
• Educational Sciences

The opportunity could therefore be relevant to prominent researchers working across many different academic disciplines.

What Makes an Application Competitive?

Applications are evaluated competitively by a review panel with broad subject expertise. External reviewers may also be consulted where additional expertise is required.

The assessment focuses on two major areas:

Scientific merits and international standing

Reviewers will consider:

• The strength of the researcher’s scientific achievements.
• The researcher’s international reputation and standing.

Relevance to the purpose of the call

Reviewers will also assess:

• How the visit could advance research in the relevant field.
• The researcher’s potential contribution to Swedish research.
• The quality of the plan for participation in the host department.
• The potential contribution to research, education, supervision, conferences and other activities.
• The potential for long-term development and renewal of the host department.

Application Documents and Requirements

The application must provide detailed information about the proposed researcher and the planned research visit.

Required materials include:

• A research description of up to four A4 pages.
• A brief CV of the visiting researcher of up to three A4 pages.
• A list of relevant publications and research outputs from 2018 to 2026 of up to five A4 pages.
• A certificate signed by the visiting researcher confirming their understanding of the grant terms.
• A description of the intended use of the grant funding.
• Details of the host department and research environment.
• A clear plan for the researcher’s participation in Sweden.

The research description must explain the researcher’s background, the justification for the visit, the contribution to Swedish research and the plan for participation in the host department and other Swedish departments.

Rolling Applications Open Until 10 November 2026

Applications opened on 11 February 2026 at 14:00 and will remain open until 10 November 2026 at 14:00.

The grant period may begin:

• No earlier than 1 May 2026, and
• No later than 1 March 2027.

The grant supports a 12-month visit, which must be completed within the grant’s 18-month availability period.

Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, applicants should expect processing to take up to approximately two months from registration to publication of the decision.

Important Application Tip for International Researchers

International researchers should understand that the first step is not submitting an individual application. The opportunity is designed around institution-led recruitment.

Researchers outside Europe who meet the eligibility requirements should consider:

• Identifying Swedish departments working in their research field.
• Contacting potential academic hosts early.
• Demonstrating how their expertise would strengthen Swedish research.
• Preparing an updated CV and publication record.
• Developing a clear research plan for the proposed visit.
• Discussing the possibility of longer-term research collaboration with the host institution.

Final Thoughts

The Swedish Research Council’s 2026 Grant for Recruiting International Visiting Researchers to Sweden offers a significant opportunity for Swedish research organisations to attract established researchers from outside Europe.

With SEK 2 million available for a 12-month visit, the funding can support salary, relocation, housing, travel and other eligible costs while helping Swedish institutions strengthen their research environments.

However, the most important detail remains that only eligible Swedish host organisations can apply. International researchers interested in being recruited should therefore focus on finding a suitable Swedish academic host and developing a strong case for how their expertise can contribute to Swedish research.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 10 November 2026.

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