Note that all applications for awards must be sent electronically.
These awards are intended for field research in one or more developing countries. Candidates must conduct their research in areas corresponding to IDRC's research priorities.
Since 1982, IDRC has helped graduate students undertake thesis research in the field of international development. IDRC Doctoral Research Awards are intended to promote the growth of Canadian and developing-country capacity in research on sustainable and equitable development from an international perspective.
Research proposals that include comparative research between a developing country and Canada or that have a Canadian component, even if it is not comparative research, will not be considered for this competition. For such research, candidates should apply for a Canadian Window on International Development Award.
Countries subject to approval
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In principle, IDRC supports research in all developing countries. At this time, however, we do not support awards that involve research in Burma (Myanmar), Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Eastern Europe, or Central Asia.
Prior to issuing the award and contract, field research proposed in the following countries or territories must be approved by IDRC:
Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo (Democratic Republic of), Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, Eritrea, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of), Liberia, Libya, Papua New Guinea, Small Island States [including Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, São Tomé and Principe, Seychelles, Timor-Leste and Oceania (Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Kiribati, Palau, Marshall Islands, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Tongo, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna)], Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan (Republic of China), West Bank and Gaza, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Who can apply
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To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, or a citizen of a developing country
be enrolled at a Canadian university at the doctoral level
your research proposal must be approved by your thesis supervisor
your proposed field research must take place in one or more developing countries and be conducted for a doctoral dissertation
you must provide evidence of affiliation with an institution or organization in the developing-country region(s) in which the research will take place
you must have completed course work and passed comprehensive exams before taking up the award.
(You have up to 12 months to start your field research from the date on the letter of offer.)
Award holders
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To read about former IDRC Doctoral Research award recipients and their research topics, go to Candidates Recommended for an Award.
Duration
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Award tenure corresponds to the period of field research. In general, it will be no less than 3 consecutive months in each developing country researched and no more than 12 months. IDRC is responsible for field research expenses occurring only after the announcement of the results and from the date indicated in the official letter to successful candidates. The award is not retroactive: field research expenses that took place before the results announcement will not be covered.
Value
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The award will cover justifiable field research expenses up to CA$20,000 a year. The budget covers one return trip from Canada to the developing country. It also covers housing, food, insurance, travel within the country(ies) of research, and several field research expenses. The award does not support expenses related to your relatives, spouse, or children.
You may apply for funding renewal for a second year of field work if the research requires a second season of data collection. However, renewals are an exception and are provided for research that may need to deal with the uncertainties of growing seasons and climatic conditions that affect data collection.
Number of awards
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Approximately 15 to 20 awards are offered per competition.
Deadlines
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November 1, 2011. Awards will be announced in May 2012.
To apply
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Complete two forms: the checklist and the application form. You must also provide all the documents requested in the checklist.
Here is the Template of the letter of approval from your research supervisor. This is to help your supervisor write the required letter of approval.
Your application must be complete, submitted electronically, and received at the Centre by the deadline. Late and/or incomplete applications will NOT be considered. Your application should be submitted in English or French ONLY (Canada’s two official languages).
Re-application policy
An individual cannot apply more than twice, if unsuccessful, for the same IDRC award. Read the “Important Information for Re-applicants” in the checklist.
Learn about the Evaluation process.
Ethics
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If your research poses ethical concerns, you may, at IDRC’s discretion, be required to submit the appropriate approval from your university's ethics committee.
Announcement of results
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We thank all applicants for their interest. Candidates recommended for an award will be advised by email and regular mail. Their names will also be added to the list of Candidates Recommended for an Award. Candidates not recommended for an award will be informed by regular mail only.
For more information, contact us at [email protected]
