One of Australia’s most prominent research funding initiatives is the Australian Government Future Fellowships 2026 (GO7921), which is run by the Australian Research Council (ARC). Mid-career academics who have shown exceptional research quality, leadership potential, and a strong dedication to expanding knowledge in their fields are the target audience.
By funding high-impact initiatives in a variety of fields, including HASS (Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), this fellowship seeks to strengthen Australia’s research capacity. The ARC fosters research excellence, national advancement, and international cooperation by funding creative and visionary scholars.
The Australian Government confirms its commitment to supporting research that addresses both domestic and global issues while promoting international collaborations through the Future Fellowships program.Successful fellows get full funding, from AUD $766,904 to AUD $1,329,808 over four years, to conduct innovative research that advances societal well-being, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity.
Mid-career academics have an exceptional opportunity to further their careers, mentor up-and-coming scholars, and spur innovation in their disciplines through the Future Fellowships 2026 (GO7921). The program equips researchers to take the lead in Australia’s research and innovation ecosystem by providing them with full financing, robust institutional support, and chances for international engagement.
Host Country: Australia
University: Australian Universities
Opportunity Type: Post Doctorate, PhD, Fellowship
Subject: All Subjects
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
Academic Qualification:
- Must hold a PhD degree awarded between 1 March 2011 and 1 March 2021, or
- Hold a PhD outside this timeframe but provide evidence of eligible career interruptions that extend the eligibility period.
Experience Level:
- Must be a mid-career researcher with a proven record of high-quality research, leadership, mentoring, and collaboration.
Application Restrictions:
- Applicants who have been nominated for a Future Fellowship three times previously (including withdrawn or ineligible applications) are not eligible to apply.
Institutional Requirement:
- Applications must be submitted through an eligible Australian university or research organisation via the Research Management System (RMS).
Benefits:
- Funding Duration: 4 years (full-time), with the option to extend up to 8 years on a part-time basis.
- Funding Amount: Between AUD $766,904 and $1,329,808.
Funding Covers:
- Research project expenses.
- Support for research teams.
- Salary and institutional contributions.
- Equipment and travel allowances (in accordance with ARC guidelines).
Program Benefits:
- Enables fellows to establish or expand research programs.
- Provides opportunities to mentor and train emerging researchers.
- Encourages international collaboration to enhance the impact, scale, and quality of research within Australia.
Deadline: 05 November 2025
