SASUF+ Beyond Borders
Registration open until 1 Sept 2026
About SASUF
The South Africa–Sweden University Forum (SASUF) is a strategic internationalisation initiative connecting 37 partner universities across South Africa and Sweden.
SASUF brings together researchers, teachers, students, university leaders, and societal stakeholders to develop collaborative solutions to global challenges linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Through research collaboration, innovation initiatives, student engagement, and virtual exchange, SASUF promotes sustainable internationalisation and “glocal thinking” — combining global knowledge with local impact.
What SASUF Does
• Organises Research and Innovation Weeks, workshops, and seminars
• Supports collaborative projects and virtual exchange initiatives
• Encourages student participation and leadership engagement
• Promotes sustainable and inclusive international collaboration
Since 2018, SASUF has connected approximately 4,000 researchers, students, and university leaders through joint activities across both countries.
Our Journey
SASUF was launched in 2017 through a joint initiative by Swedish and South African Vice-Chancellors to strengthen bilateral cooperation in higher education and research.
The initiative has evolved through several phases:
• 2022–2024: SASUF 2030 introduced hybrid collaboration models and Virtual Exchange Grants
• 2025–2028: SASUF+ focuses on virtual collaboration, societal engagement, intra-African partnerships, and science policy dialogue
Impact
SASUF has funded more than 100 collaborative projects involving over 500 researchers from South Africa and Sweden.
A key achievement is its commitment to inclusion, with 75% of funded projects involving at least one historically disadvantaged institution (HDI) in South Africa.
The initiative has gained international recognition as a successful model for equitable university collaboration and has inspired similar partnerships globally.
Building Global Solutions Through Partnership
SASUF continues to strengthen collaboration between South Africa and Sweden through innovation, sustainability, shared knowledge, and long-term academic partnerships.