DFG
International Research Training Groups
Rolling deadline; submit at any time
Last verified:
DFG International Research Training Groups fund structured doctoral programmes jointly run by German universities and one or more foreign partner institutions, with cross-border supervision and long-term reciprocal research visits built in. The lead applicant must be based at a German university and can apply at any time. These programmes support doctoral training that spans institutions and borders, strengthening international research networks.
Details
| Funder | DFG |
| Consortium | Required — German university plus at least one foreign university or research institution |
| Frequency | Continuous |
| Eligible countries | DE |
Eligibility & scope
Jointly structured doctoral programmes run by German universities and foreign partner institutions. Includes cross-border supervision of doctoral students and long-term reciprocal research visits. Lead applicant must be at a German university.
Who Should Apply
- •Faculty members leading doctoral programmes at German universities
- •Research groups with established or planned partnerships in foreign universities or research institutions
- •Projects emphasising cross-border supervision and reciprocal research visits for doctoral students
- •Applicants across all academic disciplines
Key Dates
- •Rolling deadline, submit at any time
- •Continuous call with no fixed annual cycle
- •Doctoral programme duration varies by structure (typically 3-4 years per cohort)
Tips for Applicants
- ✓A formal partnership agreement with the foreign institution(s) strengthens the application; vague letters of support underperform.
- ✓Spell out the reciprocal visit schedule explicitly, DFG panels review feasibility of cross-border student movement and co-supervision logistics.
- ✓Emphasise both German and foreign supervisors' complementary expertise; programmes framed as unidirectional training score lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DFG International Research Training Group?
It is a DFG funding scheme that supports joint doctoral programmes run by German universities and one or more foreign partner institutions, including cross-border supervision and reciprocal research visits.
Who can lead a DFG International Research Training Group application?
The lead applicant must be a faculty member at a German university; applications must also name at least one foreign university or research institution as a partner.
When is the deadline for DFG International Research Training Groups?
The call has a rolling deadline, you can submit at any time, as this is a continuous funding scheme.
Is consortium partnership required for DFG International Research Training Groups?
Yes, a German university must partner with at least one foreign university or research institution; solo applications from a single German site are not eligible.
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Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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