Higher Education Grants in Australia

4 government programs · 1 currently open · Updated February 2026

Government grants are available for Australian businesses in the higher education sector. Programs span federal and state governments, offering funding for growth, innovation, infrastructure and workforce development.

What these grants can fund

  • Business expansion and capital investment
  • Equipment and infrastructure upgrades
  • Workforce training and skills development
  • Technology adoption and innovation
  • Export and market development

Common eligibility requirements

  • Registered Australian business with a valid ABN
  • Must be operating in the relevant sector
  • Matching co-contribution may be required
  • Some programs have employee or turnover thresholds

Eligibility varies by program. Always check the official source before applying.

Open programs

Showing 4 of 4
Open·Commonwealth·$50,000
Linkage Projects

Supports research projects that initiate or develop long-term strategic research alliances between higher education organisations and research end-users (business, industry, community organisations, or publicly funded research agencies). Projects must apply advanced knowledge to problems, acquire new knowledge, and secure commercial or other benefits of research.

Coming Soon·Commonwealth·Up to $3,000,000
Australia-US International Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (AUSMURI)

AUSMURI supports Australian universities participating in approved US MURI submissions on designated defence research topics. The grant funds fundamental and basic research to strengthen Australian university research capacity, skills, and global networks in fields of priority for future Defence capabilities. It encourages partnerships between Australian and US-based universities on collaborative research projects.

Closed·Commonwealth
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF)

The LIEF scheme provides funding to eligible organisations for research infrastructure, equipment and facilities that can be shared between higher education organisations and industry. Researchers can seek funding for infrastructure and equipment purchases, construction and installation, leasing, consortium membership costs, and specialised computing facilities. The scheme fosters collaborative research initiatives and expands availability of research infrastructure for the broader research community.

Closed·Commonwealth
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) 2027

The LIEF scheme provides funding to eligible organisations for research infrastructure, equipment and facilities that can be shared between higher education organisations and industry. Researchers can seek funding for infrastructure and equipment purchases, construction and installation, leasing, consortium membership costs, and specialised computing facilities. The scheme fosters collaborative research initiatives and enhances research capability across all disciplines excluding clinical and medical research.

Grant information is sourced from official government websites and updated regularly. Program details, eligibility and closing dates change — always verify with the official source before applying. Last data update: February 2026.