# International Research Training Groups

**Funder:** DFG
**Deadline:** 31 March 2027 (Draft proposal deadline; establishment proposal due 1 April 2028; grant decision November 2028; funding start March/April 2029)
**Duration:** Up to 9 years (5-year first period + 4-year second period)
**Consortium:** Required — one German university team and one Canadian SSHRC-eligible post-secondary institution team, each with ~5–10 researchers; proposals submitted jointly by both host institutions
**Application:** 2-stage: draft proposal (31 March 2027) → establishment proposal (1 April 2028)
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** DE, CA
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/news/news-topics/announcements-proposals/2026/ifr-26-59
**Last updated:** 2 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Joint DFG–SSHRC call for German-Canadian IRTGs in social sciences and humanities (excluding health-focused topics). German team based at a university with doctoral degree-granting rights; Canadian lead must be at an SSHRC-eligible institution. Funds PhD positions (up to 48 months), research visits (6–12 months reciprocal), workshops, and seminars. ~30 doctoral researchers funded on the German side; 14–20 on the Canadian side.

## Summary

The International Research Training Groups (IRTG) programme is a joint DFG, SSHRC call for German-Canadian research networks in social sciences and humanities, funding up to 9 years (5 years initial, 4 years optional second period). Each IRTG consists of one German university team and one SSHRC-eligible Canadian post-secondary institution team, each around 5-10 researchers, with approximately 30 doctoral researchers supported on the German side. Doctoral researchers must spend 6-12 months at the partner institution, embedding genuine cross-border research training.

## Who should apply

- PIs at German universities entitled to confer doctoral degrees
- Canadian lead PIs at SSHRC-eligible post-secondary institutions
- Research groups in social sciences and humanities (health-focused topics excluded)
- Teams committed to hosting doctoral researchers for 6-12 month exchanges
- Established groups willing to join a consortium and submit a joint proposal

## Key dates

- Draft proposal deadline 31 March 2027
- Establishment proposal due 1 April 2028; grant decision November 2028; funding start March/April 2029
- Up to 9 years (5-year initial period plus optional 4-year second period)

## Tips for applicants

- Pre-submission consultation with SSHRC is required before submitting to DFG; build this into your timeline.
- The draft proposal at stage one is gating: invest in clarity about the doctoral training model and research integration across the two teams.
- Ensure your Canadian partner holds SSHRC eligibility status before committing to a joint submission; misaligned institutional status stalls approval.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long is the International Research Training Group funding?

Up to 9 years total: a 5-year initial funding period plus an optional 4-year second period, subject to evaluation.

### Who can apply for an IRTG?

German PIs at universities with doctoral degree authority and Canadian lead PIs at SSHRC-eligible post-secondary institutions, applying jointly via both host organisations to DFG.

### How many doctoral researchers are funded in an IRTG?

Approximately 30 doctoral researchers are supported on the German side; each must spend 6-12 months at the Canadian partner institution.

### What research fields are eligible for the IRTG?

Social sciences and humanities, excluding health-focused topics.

### Is pre-submission consultation required for the IRTG?

Yes, pre-submission consultation with SSHRC is mandatory before submitting the draft proposal to DFG.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-international-research-training-groups-2027-03) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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