# International Research Training Groups (German-Canadian)

**Funder:** DFG
**Deadline:** 31 March 2027 (Establishment proposal deadline 1 April 2028)
**Duration:** Up to 9 years (5-year initial period + 4-year renewal)
**Consortium:** Required — joint proposal by a German host university and a Canadian SSHRC-eligible post-secondary institution
**Application:** 3-stage: draft proposal (31 March 2027) → establishment proposal (1 April 2028, by invitation) → renewal proposal (before end of first funding period)
**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:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Joint DFG-SSHRC scheme funding one German-Canadian International Research Training Group in social sciences and humanities (non-health-focused), supporting doctoral researcher exchanges, PhD positions, and reciprocal research visits between German and Canadian institutions. Canadian lead PI must be affiliated with an SSHRC-eligible institution; proposal must meet SSHRC subject-matter eligibility.

## Summary

This joint DFG-SSHRC scheme funds International Research Training Groups that pair a German university with a Canadian SSHRC-eligible institution to run a shared doctoral training program in the social sciences and humanities, excluding health topics. It supports up to 9 years of activity across two funding periods and requires reciprocal doctoral researcher exchanges of 6-12 months with dual supervision from both countries. Applications go through a three-stage process, starting with a draft proposal and moving to an invitation-only establishment proposal.

## Who should apply

- Research teams jointly led by a German university and a Canadian SSHRC-eligible post-secondary institution
- Investigators working in social sciences and humanities fields outside health research
- Teams able to commit to a structured doctoral training program lasting up to 9 years
- Applicants prepared to organize reciprocal 6-12 month doctoral researcher exchanges with dual supervision

## Key dates

- Draft proposal deadline: 31 March 2027
- Establishment proposal (invitation only): 1 April 2028
- Renewal proposal due approximately 1 year before the end of the 5-year first funding period; total duration up to 9 years

## Tips for applicants

- Draft proposals must already show a credible joint German-Canadian team and shared research theme; recruit the Canadian SSHRC-eligible partner well before the March 2027 deadline.
- Design the doctoral training plan around the required 6-12 month reciprocal exchanges and dual supervision from the outset, since this is a structural requirement, not an add-on.
- Confirm the project's subject matter against SSHRC's eligibility guidelines early, since the scheme explicitly excludes health-related topics.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does the German-Canadian International Research Training Group run?

Up to 9 years total, split into a first funding period of 5 years and a renewal period of 4 years.

### Who can apply for the DFG-SSHRC International Research Training Groups scheme?

Joint teams of a German host university and a Canadian SSHRC-eligible post-secondary institution working in social sciences and humanities (non-health topics).

### What is the application process for this DFG-SSHRC call?

A three-stage process: a draft proposal by 31 March 2027, an establishment proposal by 1 April 2028 (invitation only), and a renewal proposal about a year before the first funding period ends.

### Is this a recurring DFG call?

No, this is listed as a one-off joint scheme between DFG and SSHRC.

### Does the programme require researcher exchange between Germany and Canada?

Yes, it requires reciprocal doctoral researcher visits of 6-12 months and dual German/Canadian supervision.

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

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