FORREST RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship
full · phd
- ~110,000 AUD / year (≈€67,000 est.)Annual fellowship salary
- Up to 3 yearsFellowship term
- Five partner universitiesHost institutions in WA
- All disciplinesEligible fields
- Open to all nationalitiesEligible applicants
- Residence at Forrest HallScholar accommodation
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Jul 31, 2026
Deadline
All countries
Country
Forrest Research Foundation
Provider
The Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship supports early-career researchers to carry out independent, interdisciplinary research at one of five partner universities in Western Australia: the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, and the University of Notre Dame Australia. Established by the Forrest Research Foundation in 2014, the programme is open to applicants of any nationality and across all academic disciplines, from the sciences and engineering to the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Forrest Fellows receive full financial support for the term of the fellowship, typically up to 3 years, along with a research and travel allowance and residence at Forrest Hall, the foundation's purpose-built scholar accommodation in Perth. The annual fellowship salary is set at a high rate for a postdoctoral appointment and is estimated at about 110,000 AUD (about €67,000 est.) per year, paid through the host university. Fellows join a cohort of scholars committed to high-impact research and public engagement. Applications usually open mid-year and are assessed on the strength of the candidate, the research proposal, and fit with a host university. Because the stipend, the allowances, and the application dates are confirmed each round, verify the exact current-round figures on the official Forrest Research Foundation page before you apply.
What's covered
- Fellowship salary — A full postdoctoral salary, estimated at about 110,000 AUD (about €67,000 est.) per year, paid through the host university for the term of the fellowship.
- Research and travel allowance — A dedicated allowance to support fieldwork, conferences, equipment, and collaboration while based in Western Australia.
- Accommodation — Residence at Forrest Hall, the foundation's purpose-built accommodation for Forrest Fellows and Scholars in Perth.
- Research environment — Access to the facilities, laboratories, and supervisors of the host partner university, with interdisciplinary collaboration across the five institutions.
- Scholar community — Membership of the Forrest cohort, with mentoring, networking, and public-engagement opportunities throughout the fellowship.
How to apply
Applications are made online through the Forrest Research Foundation during the annual fellowship round, typically alongside identifying a host university and supervisor.
- Read the official guidelines — Review the Forrest Fellows guidelines on the foundation's website to confirm eligibility, the term, benefits, and the exact deadline for the round.
- Identify a host — Contact a potential host department and supervisor at one of the five partner universities to confirm support for your proposed research.
- Prepare your proposal and CV — Develop an interdisciplinary research proposal and a full academic CV demonstrating your record and the impact of your work.
- Arrange references — Secure referees who can speak to your research excellence and potential as an independent early-career researcher.
- Submit your application — Complete and submit the online application through the Forrest Research Foundation before the round deadline (about 31 July 2026, est.).
Eligibility
QualificationA PhD or equivalent research degree, completed or submitted before the fellowship begins.
Research recordAn exceptional academic and research record relative to career stage, demonstrated through publications and other outputs.
Research proposalA strong, original, interdisciplinary research proposal that can be hosted at one of the five partner universities.
NationalityOpen to applicants of all nationalities; international candidates are welcome.
Fellows are expected to engage with the broader community and contribute to the collaborative Forrest scholar cohort, and to be based at the host university in Western Australia.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
2027 fellowship round~31 July 2026 (est.)
Selection
Applications are assessed by the Forrest Research Foundation on the strength of the candidate's academic and research record, the originality and interdisciplinary nature of the research proposal, the potential for impact and public engagement, and the fit with a host partner university. Shortlisted candidates are typically interviewed before a small number of fellowships are awarded each round.
Verified sources
- Forrest Research Foundation Forrest Fellowsforrestresearch.org.auofficial
About the provider
The Forrest Research Foundation is a philanthropic foundation established in 2014 by Andrew and Nicola Forrest to support exceptional researchers in Western Australia. It funds postdoctoral Forrest Fellows and PhD Forrest Scholars across all disciplines at five partner universities, and provides residence at Forrest Hall in Perth to build a collaborative scholar community.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the Forrest Postdoctoral Fellowship?
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Outstanding early-career researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD or equivalent research degree, or will have submitted before the fellowship begins.
Which disciplines are eligible?
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All academic disciplines, from the sciences and engineering to the humanities, social sciences, and the arts.
How much does the fellowship pay?
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A full postdoctoral salary, estimated at about 110,000 AUD (about €67,000 est.) per year through the host university; confirm the current figure officially.
How long is the fellowship?
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Typically up to 3 years, allowing time for substantial independent research.
Where would I be based?
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At one of five partner universities in Western Australia, with residence available at Forrest Hall in Perth.
Which universities are the hosts?
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The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, and the University of Notre Dame Australia.
Do I need a host supervisor before applying?
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Yes. You should identify and secure support from a host department and supervisor at one of the partner universities.
What does the fellowship cover beyond salary?
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A research and travel allowance, accommodation at Forrest Hall, access to host-university facilities, and membership of the Forrest scholar cohort.
When is the deadline?
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Applications typically close around 31 July 2026 (est.); confirm the binding date on the official Forrest Research Foundation page.
Can international researchers apply?
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Yes. The fellowship is open to applicants from anywhere in the world.
How are applications assessed?
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On the candidate's research record, the originality and interdisciplinary nature of the proposal, the potential for impact, and the fit with a host university, usually with an interview for shortlisted candidates.
Where do I confirm the official details?
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On the Forrest Research Foundation Forrest Fellows page, which publishes the binding salary, benefits, and deadlines for each round.