ARC Future Fellowships 2026 – Australian Research Council

The Australian Research Council is now accepting applications for its ARC Future Fellowships 2026. This program gives mid-career researchers a big chance to lead new projects in STEM and HASS fields. The funding is between AUD $766,904 and AUD $132,9808 over four years. This fellowship supports top research worldwide teamwork and leadership growth. It is open to researchers in all Australian states and territories. The program aims to make Australia’s research stronger and create wide benefits for society.

Quick Key Points

• Host Country: Australia
• Organizer: Australian Research Council (ARC)
• Funding Amount: AUD $766,904 to $1,329,808
• Duration: 4 years full time or up to 8 years part time.
• Fields: STEM and HASS (Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences)
• Deadline: 5 November 2026
• Mode of Application: Through ARC’s Research Management System (RMS)

Also See: Ahaki Africa Fellowship 2026 (Apply Now)

Fellowship Sponsorship Package

The ARC Future Fellowships 2026 provide:

• 4 years of funding (or 8 years part-time).
• Salary support for fellows.
• Money for research project costs staff support and materials.
• Flexible funding to help international teamwork and research leadership.

The goal is to strengthen Australia’s innovation capacity and deliver economic, cultural, and environmental benefits.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be in any Australian state or territory like VIC, SA, ACT, NSW, WA, QLD, NT, TAS.
• Have a PhD given between 1 March 2011 and 1 March 2021 career breaks may extend this.
• Apply through the Research Office of an eligible Australian university or institution.
• Be mid-career researchers with a proven record in research leadership, mentoring, and training.
• Follow ARC’s project limit rules, which may require giving up other roles if selected.
• Not have applied/been nominated for a Future Fellowship more than three times.

Application Timeline

• Deadline: 5 November 2026 (5:00 PM ACT Local Time).
• Internal Review: Each university runs its own early internal deadline before final RMS submission.
• Assessment: Based on research excellence, leadership, and alignment with national priorities.

How to Apply? Future Fellowships 2026

• Submit via RMS before the final deadline.
• Coordinate with Research Office at your university/institution.
• Register with ARC’s RMS portal (request an account if new).
• Prepare:
  • Research proposal (detailed, ready for peer review).
  • Track record (publications, grants, leadership roles).
  • Budget and project justification.