International Research Training Groups (IRTGs) 2024
Supports international research training groups for advanced, collaborative postgraduate research between South African and German institutions across all major disciplines.
Funder: National Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026: Full application | September 2026: DA (institutional) submission | March 2026: Preparatory Workshops
Funding Amounts: FCS: R188,820/year (doctoral), R182,836/year (master’s); PCS: R131,320–R126,836/year; up to 3 years (PhD), 2 years (master’s), 1 year (honours); additional allowances for devices and disability.
Summary: Supports establishment and operation of international research training groups for advanced collaborative research training.
Key Information: Only full-time students at South African public universities are eligible; strict age and academic criteria apply.
Description
This funding opportunity, jointly supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the German Research Foundation (DFG), enables the creation and operation of International Research Training Groups (IRTGs). The program is designed to foster international research collaboration and offer advanced, structured research training for postgraduate students (master’s and doctoral) in partnership with German institutions. It aims to strengthen research capacity, promote knowledge exchange, and support the next generation of researchers across all major scientific, engineering, social science, and humanities fields.
