Forrest PhD Scholarship — PhD Scholarship

The Forrest PhD Scholarship supports outstanding researchers to begin a full-time PhD at one of five partner universities in Western Australia. The Forrest Research Foundation runs the award with the enrolling university.

Scholars conduct research in any discipline, work with an approved supervisor and join the multidisciplinary community at Forrest Hall. The 2027 round is open to applicants from any country.

Benefits & funding

The total package is valued at more than AU$270,000 over four years.
A university RTP stipend or equivalent provides AU$34,315–AU$37,500 per year in 2026, indexed annually.
An accommodation allowance of AU$25,740 in 2026 supports a studio apartment at Forrest Hall and is indexed annually.
The package includes up to AU$12,000 for approved research and travel, plus economy airfare relocation support to Perth for the scholar and immediate dependants.
International scholars receive full international tuition and overseas student health cover; domestic scholars receive a tuition-fee exemption.

Eligibility

Applicants may be of any nationality and may propose research in any discipline.
Applicants must apply for full-time internal PhD enrolment at Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, the University of Notre Dame Australia at Fremantle, or the University of Western Australia.
Applicants must not have started the proposed PhD or previously undertaken research toward a PhD or another research doctorate.
A bachelor’s degree at First Class Honours standard or an equivalent qualification, such as a Master of Research, is required, although the application form allows candidates below the usual GPA benchmark to explain why they should still be considered.
Applicants must meet their chosen university’s English-language admission standard and obtain agreement from a proposed supervisor before applying.
Awardees must secure an RTP stipend or equivalent university scholarship and normally reside at Forrest Hall; the Foundation may approve a residence exemption.

Can you apply?

Here's who can apply

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Residence required
Australia
Education required
Bachelor · Master

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Application process

1
Identify a suitable supervisor at one of the five partner universities and secure their agreement to supervise the proposed research.
2
Check the chosen university’s separate PhD and RTP scholarship processes and deadlines.
3
Complete the Forrest application form, including the research proposal and responses on Western Australian impact and community contribution.
4
Prepare a curriculum vitae of no more than four pages, academic transcripts, a passport-style photograph and details for three referees, including at least two academic referees.
5
Submit the Forrest application online by 30 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. AWST and submit the separate university PhD and RTP applications by that university’s deadlines.

Program timeline

Forrest Scholarship applications close.
30 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. AWST
The scholarship round is intended to commence.
2027