# International Cooperation: Standing Open Proposal Submission Opportunities in the Individual Grants Programme

**Funder:** DFG
**Consortium:** Required — joint proposal with researcher(s) at a foreign partner institution
**Application:** Single stage; proposal submitted simultaneously to DFG and foreign partner organisation (or via lead agency depending on agreement)
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/news/news-topics/announcements-proposals/2024/ifr-24-49
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Researchers at German institutions may submit joint research project proposals with international partners under a Standing Open Procedure (no fixed deadline). Requires complementary co-financing from a DFG partner organisation abroad. Review is either bilateral (both sides review independently) or via lead agency. Funding contingent on both organisations approving.

## Summary

The DFG Individual Grants Programme Standing Open Procedure funds joint research projects between German researchers and international partners on a rolling basis, with no fixed deadline. Proposals require co-financing from a DFG partner organisation abroad and are reviewed either bilaterally or via lead agency, with funding contingent on approval from both sides. This mechanism suits researchers seeking flexible collaboration timelines with established overseas partners.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at German research institutions
- Teams with established international collaborators at DFG partner organisations abroad
- Researchers seeking flexible submission timelines outside annual call cycles
- Projects requiring complementary funding from both German and international sources

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline, submissions accepted at any time
- Single-stage proposal review
- Bilateral or lead-agency evaluation depending on partner agreement

## Tips for applicants

- Verify your intended international partner institution is a recognised DFG partner before drafting; this is a gating criterion.
- Coordinate submission timing with your international co-applicant, both organisations must receive the proposal simultaneously or via the designated lead agency.
- Confirm the review mechanism (bilateral vs. lead agency) with your partner organisation early; it shapes the review timeline and communication flow.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the DFG Standing Open Procedure?

It is a rolling-deadline funding mechanism for joint research between German and international researchers, with submissions accepted at any time and no fixed call cycle.

### Is international collaboration required for the DFG Standing Open Procedure?

Yes, proposals must be joint submissions with at least one researcher at a foreign DFG partner institution, and co-financing from that partner is required.

### How is the DFG Standing Open Procedure reviewed?

Review is either bilateral (independent evaluation by each organisation) or via lead agency, depending on the agreement between the DFG and the partner organisation. Funding requires approval from both sides.

### Can I submit a proposal to the DFG Standing Open Procedure at any time?

Yes, submissions are accepted continuously with no fixed deadline.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-international-cooperation-standing-open-proposal-s-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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