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


How to apply

Alliance International Catalyst grants

You are limited to one application within a 12-month period as either applicant or co-applicant. It is expected that a maximum of 100 grants will be awarded per year. You and any Canadian co-applicants must hold, as primary applicant, an active NSERC peer-reviewed grant at the time of application.

Submit your grant application and supporting documents, including the Personal data form with Common CV attachment for the applicant and all co-applicants, and the biosketch of your international collaborator(s) through NSERC’s online system. You can apply at any time.

Alliance International Collaboration grants

You are limited to one application within a 12-month period as either applicant or co-applicant. You and any Canadian co-applicants must hold, as primary applicant, an active NSERC peer-reviewed grant at the time of application.

Submit your grant application and supporting documents, including the Personal data form with Common CV attachment for the applicant and all co-applicants, and the biosketch of your international collaborator(s) through NSERC’s online system. You can apply at any time. To confirm funding from your international academic collaborator(s) for this project and to confirm your role in the project, you must append the research proposal from your international collaborator(s) to your application, as well as their award letter (these documents are for NSERC’s internal use only).

Equity, diversity and inclusion

NSERC is acting on the evidence that achieving a more equitable, diverse and inclusive Canadian research enterprise is essential to creating the excellent, innovative and impactful research necessary to advance knowledge and understanding, and to respond to local, national and global challenges. This principle informs the commitments described in the Tri-agency statement on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and is aligned with the objectives of the Tri-agency EDI action plan.

Excellent research considers EDI both in the research environment (forming a research team, student training) and in the research process. For Alliance grants, EDI considerations are currently evaluated in the training, mentorship and professional development opportunities for students and trainees. The aim is to remove barriers to the recruitment and promote full participation of individuals from underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of visible minority/racialized groups and members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Applicants are encouraged to increase the inclusion and advancement of underrepresented groups as one way to enhance the excellence in research and training. For additional guidance, applicants should refer to Alliance grants: Equity, diversity and inclusion in your training plan and the NSERC guide on integrating equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in research.

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allianceinternational@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
1-855-275-2861

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