IDRC Doctoral Research Awards

IDRC offers these awards twice a year to Canadians, permanent residents of Canada, and citizens of developing countries pursuing their doctoral studies at a Canadian university. These awards support field research in one or more developing countries. Candidates must conduct their research in areas corresponding to IDRC program priorities and must ensure that their research project aligns with these priorities. 

Have questions? Read the FAQs about the IDRA award.

Countries subject to approval

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, Chad, Congo (Democratic Republic of), Eritrea, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of), Liberia, Libya, Mali, 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, Tonga, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna)], Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, West Bank and Gaza, Yemen, Zimbabwe. 

Who can apply

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 we make the final selection.) 

To apply

These awards are offered twice a year. The competition deadlines are April 1 (awards announced in September) and November 1 (awards announced in May). For more information on the award and to apply, visit the Competitions page.

Award holders

Award holders and their research topics.