International Research Training Groups (IRTG)

International Research Training Groups (IRTG) provide opportunities for joint doctoral training programmes between German universities and universities abroad.

In these groups, German universities cooperate with research institutions in other countries, combine innovative top-level research and the structured promotion of excellent early career researchers. As bilateral collaborations set up by experienced scientists, IRTGs promote systematic scientific cooperation through joint research programmes and corresponding qualification measures for (post) doctoral researchers.

A central feature of International Research Training Groups are coordinated and reciprocal research visits by doctoral researchers at the respective partner institutions. IRTGs can only be established by universities and research institutions entitled to confer doctoral degrees.

Programme details

The DFG has concluded agreements with a number of partner organisations to support cooperation and the submission of proposals.

Information on doctoral training programmes offered in specific countries is available here.