Are you a researcher aiming to boost your academic career in Australia? The 2026 Forrest Fellowships by the Forrest Research Foundation might be the perfect chance for you! Open to both domestic and international candidates across all disciplines, this prestigious fellowship supports outstanding early-career postdoctoral researchers to undertake world-class research at top universities in Western Australia. If you want to make a global impact, these postdoctoral fellowships in Australia 2026 could be your opportunity.

Forrest Fellows will engage in high-level research with exceptional facilities and mentorship while enjoying generous funding and vibrant academic networks. In this guide, you’ll find all essential details about benefits, eligibility, application process, and why this is one of the best postdoctoral fellowships in Australia for 2026.

About Forrest Research Foundation

The Forrest Research Foundation, based in Perth, Western Australia, aims to foster research excellence by attracting outstanding researchers to WA. Fellows work at leading universities, contribute to innovation in the region, and form part of a thriving academic and leadership community.

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

Forrest Fellowships 2026 Overview

Item	Details
Fellowship Name	Forrest Fellowships 2026
Host Organization	Forrest Research Foundation
Host Universities	Western Australian Universities
Fellowship Type	Postdoctoral
Duration	Up to 3 years (full-time)
Eligible Nationalities	Open to all (Domestic & International)
Research Fields	All disciplines
Application Deadline	30 June 2025
Fellowship Start	Within 12 months of award

Fellowship Benefits

• Salary contribution equivalent to AU$108,362 per year + 17% superannuation (based on 2025 UWA salary scales; other universities may vary)
• One-off research & travel allowance of up to AU$12,000
• Relocation support of up to AU\$10,000 available for fellows and their accompanying dependents.
• Accommodation supplement of AU$25,116 per year (2025 rate) for living at Forrest Hall (taxable)
• Opportunity to teach (up to 20%) and engage in mentoring & leadership within the Forrest community
• Strong postdoctoral development support, including mentoring pathways for future career growth
• Membership in an elite network of Forrest Scholars and Fellows

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants should have completed, or be on track to complete, their PhD between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2025.
• Open to all nationalities
• Proposed research must be hosted at one of the eligible WA universities
• Fellows are required to live at Forrest Hall for the duration of the fellowship, with possible exceptions.
• Successful applicants must secure an employment contract at a WA university and commence within 12 months of the award
• Strong academic record, originality, leadership potential, and a commitment to contribute to research excellence in WA

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

• Step 1: Find a proposed mentor at one of the eligible WA universities
• Step 2: Contact your mentor early to confirm willingness to support your application
• Step 3: Prepare the following documents:
  • Online application form
  • CV (maximum 4 pages)
  • Three referees’ contact details (including at least two academic)
  • Professional photo
• Step 4: Submit the full application via: Application Portal
• Step 5: PhD must be completed, or expected to be completed, between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2025.
• Step 6: Final selection decisions will be endorsed by the Forrest Research Foundation Board of Governors

Selection Criteria

• Outstanding academic achievement
• Originality and innovation in proposed research
• Potential to positively impact society
• Leadership and mentoring potential
• Contribution to building WA’s research and innovation capacity

Comparison with Similar Fellowships

Fellowship	Host Country	Duration	Funding	Field	Eligibility
Forrest Research Foundation fellowship	Australia	3 years	Fully funded + extras	All disciplines	PhD awarded after Jan 2023
Humboldt Fellowship	Germany	6-24 months	Monthly stipend	All disciplines	Postdoctoral researchers
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)	EU	2-3 years	Fully funded + mobility	All disciplines	Researchers from any country
Banting Fellowship	Canada	2 years	$70,000 CAD/year	Health, natural sciences, engineering	International postdocs

FAQs about Forrest Fellowships 2026

1. Can I apply without completing my PhD yet?
   Yes — applicants can apply if they will complete all PhD requirements by 31 December 2025.
2. Is this open to researchers in any field?
   Yes — all disciplines are welcome.
3. Can I select any university for Forrest Research Foundation fellowship in Australia?
   No — only select Western Australian universities are eligible.
4. Is prior residence in Australia required?
   No — international applicants are welcome.
5. Is it mandatory to live at Forrest Hall?
   Yes — but exemptions may be approved in special circumstances.
6. Is this a full-time fellowship?
   Yes — designed for full-time research.
7. How many slots are available for Forrest Fellowships each year?
   Typically 5–10 fellowships are available annually.
8. Can I apply if I already hold a postdoc position?
   Yes — provided your PhD was awarded after January 2023.
9. Can I engage in teaching?
   Teaching responsibilities may account for up to 20% of your time.
10. Is there a relocation allowance for family?
    Yes — up to AU$10,000, including dependents.

If you are an ambitious postdoctoral researcher seeking a prestigious fellowship in Australia, don’t miss the 2026 Forrest Fellowships. This is your chance to advance your research career, build leadership skills, and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries in Western Australia. APPLY NOW. Visit the Forrest Fellowships official page today and start your application before the deadline!