Alliance International Collaboration Grant Program (Canada)

The Alliance International Collaboration Grants, offered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), support joint research projects between Canadian and international university researchers. This initiative aims to foster research excellence and provide training opportunities for Canadian students and postdoctoral fellows. The next application deadline is 25 November 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET). Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

- Funding Type: Grant

- Funding Amount: Between CAD $20,000 and $100,000 per year

- Project Duration: Up to three years

- Eligible Applicants: Canadian university researchers and their international counterparts

- Eligible Countries: Canada and international locations

- Deadline: 25 November 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET)

About the Opportunity

The Alliance International Collaboration Grants aim to facilitate high-impact research collaborations between Canadian and international university researchers in the fields of natural sciences and engineering. Projects should offer significant benefits to Canada, enhance research capacity, and provide valuable training experiences for Canadian students and postdoctoral fellows. Funding and Benefits

- Amount: Up to CAD $100,000 per year for a maximum period of three years.

- Purpose: To support Canadian research activities within international collaborations.

- Cost Sharing: Canadian and international teams must each contribute at least 25% to the total project budget.

Who Is Eligible?

- Primary Applicants: Canadian university researchers holding an active NSERC peer-reviewed grant.

- International Collaborators: Academic researchers holding a faculty position equivalent to assistant, associate, or full professor at accredited universities.

- Partnerships: Only between Canadian universities and international university researchers. Non-academic collaborators are excluded.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas - Research and development projects addressing challenges in natural sciences and engineering. - Projects that combine diverse expertise to generate new knowledge and technology. - Initiatives that provide enriched training environments for students and postdoctoral fellows. Why This Opportunity Matters The Alliance International Collaboration Grants offer a vital platform for Canadian researchers to engage in globally significant research, enhancing Canada’s long-term competitiveness and research excellence. By integrating diverse perspectives, these collaborations advance scientific knowledge and address complex global challenges. How to Apply

- Prepare Your Application: Follow the NSERC Alliance International application instructions and fill out the proposal template.

- Include Required Documents: Attach your international collaborator’s research proposal and official award letter.

- Complete STRAC Attestation: If applicable, complete the Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC) Attestation form.

- Submit Application: Use NSERC’s online system to submit your application and supporting documents, including a Personal Data form with a CCV attachment.

- Deadline: Ensure submission by 25 November 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET).

Application Tips or Common Mistakes

- Ensure Completeness: Use the Alliance International grant application checklist to confirm all sections are complete.

- Clarify Canadian Role: Clearly define the Canadian team’s role in the international proposal.

- Budget Justification: Provide detailed budget justification in Canadian dollars, including partner contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions Who can apply for these grants? Eligible applicants are Canadian university researchers with an active NSERC peer-reviewed grant. They must partner with international university researchers. What are the funding limits? Projects can receive between CAD $20,000 and $100,000 per year for up to three years. What is the application deadline? The deadline for submission is 25 November 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET). What expenses are covered? NSERC covers eligible direct research costs for Canadian teams. International collaborators must secure their own funding. How is the funding distributed? Funding decisions are competitive, based on merit assessment criteria and availability of funds. Next Steps Eligible researchers are encouraged to review the official NSERC guidelines and follow the specified application process. Prepare your proposal early and ensure all required documents are included for a successful submission.