Science Grants in Australia

6 government programs · 4 currently open · Updated February 2026

Government grants are available for Australian businesses in the science 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 6 of 6
Open·Commonwealth·$10,000 - $375,000
National Taxonomy Research Grant Program 2026-27

Provides funding for taxonomy and systematics research, training, and recruitment of taxonomists in Australia. Supports projects researching the taxonomy of Australian biota aligned with three priority areas: Biodiversity and Conservation, Public and Environmental Health, and Building Taxonomic Capacity. Seven grant streams available with funding up to $375,000 depending on the stream and career stage.

Open·Commonwealth
Full Details

The MRFF Clinical Trials Activity Initiative provides grants to support medical research projects conducting clinical trials for rare cancers, rare diseases, and unmet health needs across four streams: feasibility pilots, targeted clinical trials, health technology assessment evidence trials, and prevention trials. The grant aims to improve evidence-based healthcare delivery and increase patient access to high-quality clinical trials in Australia.

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
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.

Closed·Commonwealth·Up to $435,000,000
National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy 2025 Guidelines

National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy 2025 Guidelines (2024-25 to 2027-28 only) Eligibility: As per the Guidelines, by submission - restricted process. Grant Activity Timeframe: 2024-25 to 2027-28 Total Amount Available (AUD): $435,000,000.00 Instructions for Application Submission: Please send your completed Application Form to: Following electronic submission, you will receive an automatic reply. If you are unable to complete or lodge your application electronically, you can send your hard copy application by registered mail to: Department of Education C50MA5 GPO Box 9880 Canberra ACT 2601 Addenda Available: View Addenda Contact Details Director, National Research Infrastructure Program Management Email Address: NCRIS@education.gov.au Grant Opportunity Documents Submit Application × Edit Form

Closed·Commonwealth·$2,000 - $20,000
National Science Week Grants 2026

Grants of between $2,000 and $20,000 to support the delivery of science engagement activities during National Science Week 2026 (15-23 August 2026). The program aims to inspire wide community participation in STEM, celebrate Australian scientists, and encourage public interest in science pursuits through innovative engagement activities.

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.