The Forrest Research Foundation Fellowships 2026 offer an exceptional, fully funded opportunity for outstanding researchers from around the world to conduct innovative research at one of Western Australia’s top universities.
These prestigious fellowships are awarded to researchers who are not only academically excellent but also adventurous, curious, and committed to making a global impact. Fellows receive a generous salary, accommodation at the iconic Forrest Hall in Perth, research and travel funding, and a relocation allowance. More than just a job, this fellowship builds leadership, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, and fosters a community of scholars dedicated to creating positive change.
If you are within two years of completing your PhD or will finish by the end of 2025, this could be your chance to live, work, and lead in Western Australia.
Quick Overview of Forrest Research Foundation Fellowships 2026
- Host Country: Australia
- Host Institutions: Any of the five Western Australian universities:
- University of Western Australia (UWA)
- Curtin University
- Edith Cowan University
- Murdoch University
- University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle)
- Fellowship Duration: Up to 3 years (full-time)
- Start Date: 2026 (before September)
- Fellowship Value: Approx. AUD 108,362/year salary + benefits
- Accommodation Allowance: AUD 25,116/year (2025 rate, taxed)
- Research and Travel Allowance: AUD 12,000 (one-time)
- Relocation Allowance: Up to AUD 10,000 (includes airfare)
- Eligibility: PhD conferred on or after 1 January 2023 or completing by 31 December 2025
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2025, 11:59 PM AWST
Perks of the Fully Funded Fellowship in Australia
- AUD 108,362/year (Level A Step 8) + 17% superannuation
- AUD 25,116/year to support living at Forrest Hall
- AUD 12,000 to support conferences, fieldwork, and publications
- Up to AUD 10,000 for travel to Perth, including for family
- Serve as a mentor and ambassador in the Forrest Scholar community
- Stay at Forrest Hall with a vibrant community of global researchers
- Open to all academic disciplines
Benefits of the Leadership Development Fellowship
- Gain global recognition and strengthen your academic leadership
- Work across multiple fields and institutions
- Mentor Forrest Scholars and younger researchers
- Communicate your research with wider audiences
- Conduct independent, impactful research in a supportive environment
- Access top research facilities and academic mentorship
Exclusions of the Interdeisciplinary Research Fellowship
- Fellows must live at Forrest Hall unless exempted for special reasons
- Fellowship cannot be deferred beyond September 2026 without special approval
- Only one application per person; you cannot apply for multiple mentors/universities
- Teaching is permitted, but 80% of the fellowship must be focused on research
Eligibility Criteria for the Forrest Research Foundation Fellowships 2026
To be eligible for the Forrest Fellowship, you must:
- Have your PhD conferred between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2025
- Plan to work at a Western Australian university during the fellowship
- Nominate a university mentor and receive their support before applying
- Be ready to engage in the Forrest Hall and Scholar community
- Be committed to global impact, interdisciplinary work, and leadership
- Open to international and Australian applicants from all disciplines
Important Dates of the Fellowships for International Students
- Applications Open: May 2025
- Applications Close: 30 June 2025, 11:59 PM AWST
- Shortlisting: Completed by the end of July 2025
- Interviews: Early September 2025
- Final Selection: Mid-September 2025
- Fellowship Start: Before September 2026
How to Apply for the Forrest Research Foundation Fellowships
- Download and complete the application form
- Contact a mentor at your preferred university and confirm their support
- Compile Supporting Documents:
- Application Form (PDF)
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 4 pages)
- Publications list
- Grants and awards list
- Contact details of three referees (two must be academic)
- Passport-style photo (410 x 530 resolution)
- Optional: Career interruptions statement (PDF)
- Visit Apply Now
- Upload all required documents in the portal before the deadline
Required Documents for the Application Process of the Fellowship
- Completed Application Form (PDF)
- CV (maximum 4 pages)
- List of Publications and Grants
- Three Referees’ Contact Information (at least 2 academic)
- Passport-Style Photograph (JPG or PNG format)
- Optional Career Interruption Statement
