The Australian Research Council (ARC) invites applications for its 2027 Future Fellowship Program, offering international researchers up to $60,000 annually over four years, which includes salary support and research funding.
Application Deadline:
6 November 2026
Tell Me About The Opportunity:
The Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship is a prestigious mid-career research fellowship scheme designed to reflect the Australian Government’s commitment to research excellence. It supports outstanding mid-career researchers to undertake high-quality basic and applied research in areas of national and international benefit, foster collaboration, demonstrate leadership and mentoring, and address significant knowledge gaps.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Plant and agricultural sciences, plant biotechnology, plant pathology, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, agricultural genomics, environmental science, climate and sustainability, engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, materials science, chemistry, physics, social sciences, economics, education, humanities, and other areas of national priority.
Type:
Mid-Career Research Fellowship Program
Who can Apply?
- Outstanding international and domestic mid-career researchers from all countries.
- Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent research higher degree (for FT27, the PhD award date must generally fall between March 1, 2012, and March 1, 2022, unless extended by eligible career interruptions).
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of research, leadership, training, supervision, or mentoring.
- Applicants must be nominated and supported by an eligible Australian administering organisation (university) willing to recruit and retain them in a continuing academic position.
- Individuals who have been nominated for a Future Fellowship on three previous occasions are ineligible.
How are Applicants Selected:
Applications are evaluated based on research excellence, the quality and innovation of the research proposal, the applicant’s research record and leadership potential (assessed via Research Opportunity and Performance Evidence / ROPE), alignment with national priorities, and the strength of the National Interest Test statement.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All countries (international researchers are eligible to apply provided they are hosted by an eligible Australian administering organization)
Where will the Award be Taken:
Eligible Australian administering organisations / universities
How Many Awards:
Not explicitly specified (competitive grant scheme)
What is the Benefit of the Award:
- A 4-year fellowship providing a salary awarded at one of three designated levels.
- Up to $60,000 per annum in non-salary project funding (covering personnel, equipment, travel up to $100,000 over the project period, consumables, workshop/conference costs, and essential care expenses).
How Long Will the Award Last:
4 years
How to Apply:
- Review the official FT27 grant guidelines and check eligibility criteria.
- Secure an eligible Australian administering organisation (university) willing to submit the nomination on your behalf.
- Prepare the required documentation, including an updated academic CV, research publication record, Research Opportunity and Performance Evidence (ROPE), detailed research proposal, research questions and objectives, National Interest Test statement, and evidence of supervision/mentoring experience.
- Submit your application through the appropriate research grants portal managed by your administering organization before the deadline.
