The University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) invites eligible emerging academic staff members to apply for financial support for Collaborator Networking or Exchange Programmes they are currently working on or proposing. This initiative is essential for emerging academics’ professional development, allowing them to expand their professional networks, access resources, and collaborate on impactful research projects. It is envisaged that exposure to diverse academic environments and global perspectives will help strengthen adaptability, improve funding prospects, increase visibility through joint publications and other outputs, and foster mentoring abilities ultimately leading to sustainable long-term career growth and meaningful contribution to their disciplines.
Funding is restricted to:
- South African citizens and permanent residents.
- Permanent, full-time academics at UKZN.
- Academics who have recently completed a PhD (within the past three years: 2023, 2024, or 2025).
Below are the application requirements
Applicants must:
- Have a solid or promising contact or prospects of collaborating with academics from other institutions to secure research grants for shared projects.
- Provide strong evidence of potential partnerships or collaborations and their materialization likelihood.
- Submit a detailed proposal that:
- indicates the value to be driven from the proposed visit or exchange.
- demonstrates how the grant will be used.
- outlines potential outcomes of the collaboration.
- articulates the reasons for selecting the respective institution or collaborator(s).
- define how each party contributes to the project.
- demonstrates how the partnerships will be sustained beyond the conclusion of this grant.
Compulsory Documents
The following documents must be submitted with the application:
- A support letter from the host institution containing details on co-support for the event.
- An itinerary and detailed programme for the visit.
- An institutional letter of support from the applicant’s Dean and Head of School or line manager.
- Copies of invitation(s) from the host(s).
- Details of the expected outcomes of the visit or collaboration.
Application Process and Key Details
Please Click here to upload your completed application form. The deadline for submission is Thursday, 18 June 2026. Only submissions uploaded on this depository will be considered.
Applicants who have been awarded in 2025 and have not fully utilised the funds must first exhaust the budget they have. The funds from 2025 will still be available to them in 2026. However, if they require additional funds, they are welcome to apply.
For further details on eligible expenses, please contact the Central UCDP Office at ucdp@ukzn.ac.za before submitting your application. Please note that only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed.
Exploratory proposals will not be considered under this funding call. Applications must focus on well-defined projects with clear objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
We encourage all eligible staff to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their professional growth and contribute to the advancement of research excellence at UKZN
All signatures must be obtained, and all supporting documentation must be submitted with the application, incomplete applications will not be considered
