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 five years: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026).
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 use this link to submit your application: Collaborator Network and Exchange Programme Grant Application The deadline for submission is Friday, 16 October 2026
The funds awarded from 2026 will still be available to them in 2027.
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
