We are pleased to announce the opening of TIRF’s 2026 Doctoral Dissertation Grants (DDG) competition. The commencement of the current DDG program offering marks the 25^th consecutive year the Foundation will make awards to help support doctoral students around the world.

There are two different types of DDGs offered from TIRF and its partners this year: (1) the TIRF-Duolingo DDG and (2) the TIRF-Cambridge DDG (sponsored by Cambridge English, which is part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Cambridge funding will primarily be used to support research in language assessment, and Duolingo funding will be used to assist researchers in EFL contexts.

DDGs are provided in the amount of up to US $5,000 per award. The deadline for receipt of proposals is Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11:59pm PT. Please click here to access the 2026 DDG call for proposals.

Applicants who have been advanced to candidacy in legitimate Ph.D. or Ed.D. programs are invited to submit proposals for funding. Proposals are reviewed by a TIRF committee of established international researchers. Each year, the highest rated DDG proposal is awarded in the name of the late Dr. Russell N. Campbell, who was one of TIRF’s founding Trustees.

TIRF’s DDG Fellows are offering two, one-hour webinars during the 2026 DDG funding cycle. These Q&A sessions are designed to assist prospective applicants as they prepare their proposals for the 2026 DDG program. The webinars will be recorded and posted to TIRF’s website and YouTube channel. Additionally, especially for those unable to join the live webinar, questions may be asked in advance by prospective applicants via a form linked to below. Note that registration is required using the links below. 

• Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 8:00am ET – Register here
• Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 8:00pm ET – Register here
• If you are unable to attend, you may submit questions to the panelists using this form. Questions submitted will be asked by the moderator during the webinars.

Since 2002, TIRF has supported students completing their doctoral research on issues related to the Foundation’s Research Topics. The Foundation has made DDG awards to 224 individuals from nearly 30 countries during the first 20+ years the program has been offered.

TIRF remains grateful to its partners, including Cambridge, Duolingo, and the TOEFL® Program at Educational Testing Service, who help make possible the annual TIRF DDG program. And we are ever thankful for the continued financial contributions of many individuals who donate annually to support what is considered to be the Foundation’s flagship program.