Researchers Grants in Australia

27 government programs · 17 currently open · Updated February 2026

Government grants are available for Australian businesses in the researchers 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 12 of 27
Open·Commonwealth·$25,000,000
MRFF 2022 Frontier Health and Medical Research Grant Opportunity

This grant program supports researchers pursuing innovative projects to develop new products and interventions in health and medical research, with the goal of creating treatments for serious and incurable health conditions. Funding supports programs of research comprising linked projects with a 10-year time horizon, from proof-of-concept through to full clinical implementation.

Open·Commonwealth·Up to $5,000,000
Swiss National Science Foundation - Australian-Swiss Joint Research Projects 2026

A collaborative funding opportunity between NHMRC and the Swiss National Science Foundation supporting joint research projects addressing artificial intelligence in healthcare for underrepresented population groups. The program funds Australia-based researchers participating in transnational consortia to develop solutions that mitigate biases in AI healthcare applications through diverse training datasets, evaluation mechanisms, inclusive data governance, and culturally informed protocols.

Open·Commonwealth·Up to $4,000,000
European Partnership for Brain Health (GO8180)

NHMRC is providing up to $4 million to support Australia-based researchers participating as partners in transnational consortia through the European Partnership for Brain Health. The funding supports research projects on biological, social and environmental factors that impact the trajectory of brain health across the lifespan, with two calls covering neurological/mental/sensory disorders and neurodegenerative disorders.

Open·Commonwealth·Up to $290,000
Mid-Career Industry Fellowships

A scheme that supports academic researchers in establishing careers in industry, and industry-based researchers to work in university settings. It provides salary contribution for up to 4 years and project costs up to $290,000, with the aim of increased two-way mobility and skill-building in research collaboration, translation and commercialisation.

Open·Commonwealth·Up to $150,000
Early Career Industry Fellowships

A scheme that supports academic researchers in establishing careers in industry and industry-based researchers working in university settings. Provides salary contribution for up to 3 years and project costs up to $150,000 to develop industry collaboration skills, achieve translatable and commercialisable outcomes, and deliver actionable results for industry partners.

Open·QLD
Circular Futures NQ – Innovation & Sustainability Summit 2026 Regional Delegation

Provides delegate tickets and support for Queensland innovators and ecosystem leaders to attend the Circular Futures NQ – Innovation and Sustainability Summit in Townsville (12-14 May 2026). Successful applicants receive summit tickets, travel/accommodation support where required, access to networking spaces, and opportunities to connect with investors and industry leaders.

Ongoing·ACT·Up to $2,000,000
Research and Innovation Fund Fellowship Program

The fellowship program supports early-mid-career researchers employed in the ACT Health system to build research capability and make high-value contributions to improving health and healthcare. The program invests in people and encourages collaboration, leadership, and capacity building in the ACT's health and medical research ecosystem. The ACT Government made $1 million available through the program in 2022–23.

Ongoing·Commonwealth·Up to $1,500,000
Industry Laureate Fellowships

A scheme that supports academic researchers in establishing careers in industry and industry-based researchers working in university settings. Provides salary contribution for up to 5 years and project costs to foster two-way mobility and skill-building in research collaboration, translation and commercialisation.

Ongoing·Commonwealth·Up to $300,000
Australian Laureate Fellowships

A prestigious research fellowship scheme supporting world-class researchers to conduct innovative and ground-breaking research in Australia. Provides funding for fellow salary, postdoctoral research associates, postgraduate researchers, and project costs up to $300,000 per year.

Ongoing·Commonwealth·Up to $300,000
Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellowship

A named Australian Laureate Fellowship available to highly ranked female candidates from the humanities, arts and social science disciplines. Recipients undertake an ambassadorial role to promote women in research and mentor early career researchers.

Ongoing·Commonwealth·Up to $300,000
Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellowship

A named Australian Laureate Fellowship available to highly ranked female candidates from the science and technology disciplines. Recipients undertake an ambassadorial role to promote women in research and mentor early career researchers.

Ongoing·Commonwealth
Discovery Projects

Supports excellent, internationally competitive fundamental research by individuals and teams to build new knowledge and create economic growth and enhanced quality of life in Australia.

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.