WICSO Launches New Research Grant Program
April 20, 2026
DORTMUND, GERMANY — WICSO has announced the launch of a new Research Grant Program designed to support collaborative research projects that address critical challenges and opportunities in international education. The program represents a significant investment in the organisation's research mandate and provides new funding pathways for member institutions.
Grant Categories
The program offers three distinct grant categories to accommodate research projects at different scales and stages:
Seed Grants
€10,000Designed for pilot studies, preliminary research, and small-scale collaborative projects. Seed grants provide early-stage funding to help researchers develop proof-of-concept data and establish international partnerships. Projects are typically 6–12 months in duration.
Major Projects
€50,000Substantial funding for large-scale collaborative research initiatives involving multiple institutions across at least two countries. Projects should demonstrate clear potential for significant impact on international education policy or practice. Duration of 12–24 months.
Doctoral Support
€5,000Targeted support for doctoral students pursuing research in international education. Funding may be used for fieldwork, data collection, conference attendance, or research-related travel. Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program at a WICSO member institution.
Focus Areas
The Research Grant Program prioritizes projects addressing three strategic focus areas:
- •Artificial Intelligence in Education: Research exploring the integration of AI technologies in teaching, learning, assessment, and institutional management, including ethical considerations and equity implications.
- •Equity and Access: Studies examining barriers to educational access and success for marginalized populations, including socioeconomic, geographic, and gender-based disparities in international education.
- •Learning Outcomes Assessment: Research on innovative approaches to measuring student learning outcomes, competency-based education models, and cross-cultural validation of assessment instruments.
Eligibility and Application
The program is open to faculty, researchers, and doctoral students affiliated with WICSO member institutions. Collaborative proposals involving partners from multiple countries are strongly encouraged. Applications are reviewed by the WICSO Research Committee on a competitive basis, with evaluation criteria including scientific merit, feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with WICSO's strategic priorities.
The first application cycle opens on June 1, 2026, with a deadline of August 31, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by October 15, 2026, with funding disbursed in early 2027. The program is initially funded for a three-year pilot period, with potential for expansion based on uptake and impact.
Apply for a Research Grant
Full guidelines and application forms are available on the WICSO website.
View DetailsAbout WICSO Research: The WICSO Research Council coordinates and promotes collaborative research among member institutions, with a focus on producing evidence-based insights that advance the quality and reach of international education worldwide.