Alliance International grants were launched in December 2021 to support collaborations between Canadian and international university researchers. The funding opportunity has seen significant demand, and NSERC has awarded 679 Catalyst grants and 96 Collaboration grants to support collaborations between Canadian and international university researchers in 60 countries. To ensure the continued impact and relevance of this funding opportunity, NSERC is temporarily pausing the intake of Collaboration grants as of May 20, 2025, at 8:00 pm (ET) to review and refine objectives and optimize processes. The intake of Alliance International Collaboration grants applications is expected to re-open by winter of 2025-26.
We recognize that Canadian applicants may currently be working with an international collaborator(s) who has already submitted, or is about to submit, an application to their national funding agency and that the outcome may not yet be known. Therefore, Alliance International Collaboration applications without confirmation of the international funding may still be submitted to NSERC by May 20, 2025, at 8:00 pm (ET). These applications must include a copy of the proposal submitted by the international collaborator and applicants will be required to inform NSERC of the funding decision by the international funding organization as soon as possible or by November 13, 2025, at 8:00 PM (ET). Applications where the international funding is confirmed will be processed, and award decisions will be subject to the availability of funds and may include a random selection process.
Applicants or co-applicants remain limited to one Collaboration application in a 12-month period. Award decisions are expected to be communicated in fall 2025. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions.
The Alliance International Catalyst grants funding opportunity remains closed. Award decisions on applications received between September 18 and October 16, 2024, will be communicated in May 2025. Funding decisions will be based on availability of funds and a random selection process.
Alliance International
Review of your application
When NSERC receives an Alliance International application, it first undertakes an administrative assessment to ensure the application is complete and that it complies with all requirements. Once the administrative assessment is satisfactorily completed, NSERC proceeds with the merit assessment of the application.
Merit assessment mechanisms
| Catalyst grants | Collaboration grants |
From $20,000 to $25,000 for 1 year |
From $20,000 to $100,000 per year, for 1 to 3 years |
| Catalyst grants | Collaboration grants |
NSERC file managers |
NSERC file managers |
NSERC reserves the right to select the most appropriate review process, regardless of the amount of funding requested.
Merit evaluation criteria
The merit of your application is evaluated using the following five equally weighted criteria. The proposal must address all of the criteria and sub-criteria to be considered for funding.
Relevance and expected outcomes
- Significance of the research and the intended outcomes, and the potential for generating new knowledge in natural sciences and engineering (NSE) and further developing areas of Canadian research strength and leadership
Collaboration
- Added value of the proposed international collaboration for Canada and the rationale for the selected international collaborator(s)
Training
- Opportunities for enriched training experiences for research trainees (undergraduates, graduates, postdoctoral fellows) to develop relevant research skills as well as professional skills such as leadership, communication, collaboration and entrepreneurship (where possible and relevant, international experiences for Canadian trainees are encouraged)
Equity, diversity and inclusion
- Consideration of equity, diversity and inclusion in the research and training environment (for guidance, consult the Equity, diversity and inclusion in the training plan document)
Need for funds
- Budget commensurate with the requirements of your participation in the international research project
- Appropriateness of, and justification for, the planned expenditures
NSERC uses established merit indicators to rate each evaluation sub-criterion/criterion.
Risk assessment
At all times, Canadian researchers are encouraged to exercise appropriate levels of due diligence when managing their research and establishing and/or continuing partnerships with national, international, and multinational partners. Resources to do so are provided by the Government of Canada on the Safeguarding Your Research portal, including the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships. NSERC reserves the right to request additional information, as needed, before making a final funding decision.
Funding decision
NSERC’s funding decision will take into consideration the merit evaluation, as well as the assessment of potential risks for Canada’s national security, when applicable.
NSERC will use the merit indicator ratings assigned to applications to select proposals for funding on a competitive basis. Decisions stemming from the national security risk assessment will be based on the risks identified and the mitigation measures proposed.
| Catalyst grants | Collaboration grants |
5 to 9 weeks |
5 to 9 weeks (not including the time taken for the international funding agency’s peer-review of the proposal submitted by the international collaborator[s]) |
NSERC is committed to achieving these service standards for 80% of applications, recognizing that some proposals may require additional time.
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Contact
allianceinternational@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
1-855-275-2861
Application deadline
No deadline
