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Forrest Research Foundation 2026 PhD Scholarships

The Forrest Research Foundation is offering up to five prestigious PhD Scholarships in 2026 to outstanding researchers from around the world to conduct paradigm-shifting research based at any of Western Australia’s five universities. The Scholarships are open to candidates from all countries and all disciplines and are intended to accelerate opportunities for outstanding researchers.

Important dates

Opens: 10-10-2025 Closes: 19-10-2025

Applies to

Domestic International Postgraduate Research

At a glance

These Scholarships are suitable for top performing researchers who intend to apply for admission to a PhD and an ECU Higher Degree by Research Scholarship (Close 11:59PM AWST, 16 October 2025) at Edith Cowan University.

Applications must be submitted on the Forrest Research Foundation website: Forrest Research Foundation

Eligibility guidelines

These Scholarships are suitable for students with the following profile:

  • Forrest Scholars will be among the top performing students in their undergraduate and graduate cohorts – most have a GPA of 3.80 or higher.
  • Before applying, candidates will need to have identified a prospective PhD supervisor and received their approval to be named on the application.
  • Candidates must also apply for a PhD and an ECU Higher Degree by Research Scholarship at Edith Cowan University.

Selection criteria

  • Academic excellence and achievement
  • Exceptional ability, resourcefulness and resilience
  • Ability to communicate your research and engage with your chosen community
  • Originality and significance of proposed research
  • Desire to use research to have a positive impact on Western Australia and the wider world

Value

These generous Scholarships provide all tuition fees, a stipend and accommodation at Forrest Hall in a luxury self-contained studio apartment, all valued at over AU$270,000. Within Forrest Hall, Scholars will live amongst other researchers in a vibrant and inspiring research environment. The Foundation also offers a unique “researcher’s journey” program with opportunities for Scholars to access world leading researchers, mentoring, connections with Australia’s learned academies and more.

  • Research Training Program Stipend or equivalent university postgraduate research scholarship stipend valued at between $34,315 – $37,500 per annum in 2026 and indexed annually.
  • An accommodation allowance valued at $25,740 in 2026 and subject to annual indexation.
  • A research and travel allowance of up to $12,000, plus a relocation allowance allowing for economy airfare to Perth for Forrest Scholar and immediate dependants.
  • International/Domestic Research Training Program Fees Offset Scholarship

Partner Universities

Candidates must undertake research at one of the five Western Australian based universities:

  • Edith Cowan University
  • The University of Western Australia
  • Curtin University
  • Murdoch University
  • The University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle Campus)

About Forrest Research Foundation

Forrest Research Foundation was established in 2014 following one of the largest ever philanthropic donations in Australian history by Andrew and Nicola Forrest. The donation is used to drive research and innovation capacity in Western Australia by awarding Forrest Scholarships and Fellowships to outstanding young intellects from around the world to conduct research at one of Western Australia’s five universities.

Applications close: 11:59PM AWST, 19 October 2025

Terms and conditions

Please refer to the Forrest Research Foundation Scholarship Conditions.

For more information and to apply

For full guidelines and the online application portal go to: Forrest Research Foundation

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