Are you guys looking forward to pursuing your PhD degree, and are still in doubt? Now, no more, the Forrest Research Foundation has just opened an application for both domestic and international students. It is also considered a golden chance to chase your degree from five leading institutions in Western Australia.
Apart from the scholarships, which provide exceptional perks that might blow your mind. If you’re not superstitious and pretend, get in touch with this guide, and almost all your doubts are gonna be cleared, and yeah, it might be more prolific.
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Forrest Research Foundation PhD Scholarships Quick Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Australia |
| Host Institutions | Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Notre Dame Australia, and The University of Western Australia |
| Eligible Fields | All disciplines and subject areas |
| Degree Level | PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) |
| Eligible Country | Domestic & International |
| Degree Length | Duration |
| Next Application Round Opens | July 2026 |
| Deadline | October 19 (Annually) |
Scholarship Benefits and Coverage
The Forrest Research Foundation PhD Scholarship is considered fully funded because it covers the major costs associated with doctoral study.
Successful scholars receive:
- Full tuition fee support through an RTP Fees Offset Scholarship or equivalent university scholarship
- Annual living stipend valued between AUD 34,315 and AUD 37,500 in 2026 (indexed annually depending on the university)
- Accommodation allowance valued at AUD 25,740 in 2026 for residence at Forrest Hall
- Research and travel allowance of up to AUD 12,000 for approved academic travel, conferences, and research expenses
- Relocation support, including economy airfare to Perth for the scholar and eligible dependants
- Overseas Student Health Cover for international scholars, where applicable over AUD 270,000 across four years. The scholarship duration is up to four years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Eligibility Requirements
The scholarship is open to both domestic and international students from any country and across all academic disciplines.
To be competitive, applicants should generally meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours or equivalent qualification (such as a Master of Research)
- Typically rank among the top 5% of graduating students
- Demonstrate a strong GPA (many current scholars have GPAs above 3.95/4.00)
- Meet English language admission requirements of the chosen university
- Apply for admission to a PhD program at one eligible Western Australian university
- Apply for an RTP scholarship or equivalent at that university
- Have contacted and secured support from a proposed PhD supervisor before applying
- Be intending to study full-time and usually reside at Forrest Hall (unless exempted)
There are no field restrictions, making the scholarship suitable for candidates in STEM, medicine, social sciences, arts, business, law, and more.
Key Dates and Deadlines
For the 2026 Forrest Scholarships, the official application portal states:
- Applications Open: Available now / current round live
- Application Deadline: 19 October 2025, 11:59 PM AWST
- Shortlisting & Review: Late 2025
- Offers/Notifications: Typically late 2025 to early 2026
- Scholarship Commencement: 2026 academic year
Always confirm dates on the official website before applying, as timelines can change.
How to Apply for Forrest Research Foundation PhD Scholarships in Australia 2026
Adhere to the following steps to apply for the Forrest Research Foundation PhD Scholarship:
- Find a Supervisor: Identify a potential PhD supervisor in your research area and contact them professionally.
- Explore University Requirements: Expect the documents that the university actually needs.
- Prepare Documentation: Make sure that you have complete details as aforementioned, and download the Forrest Scholarship application form.
- Submit the Forrest Scholarship Application Online: Go to the official portal and upload all required files. Official application page: Click here to apply.
- Submit Before Deadline: or the 2026 scholarship round until the Deadline: 19 October 2026 at 11:59 PM AWST.
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Application Tips
This is a scholarship for exceptional candidates, so your application must show more than strong grades.
Focus on these areas:
- Research proposal: Present a clear, original project with real-world relevance.
- Supervisor alignment: Choose a supervisor whose expertise strongly matches your topic.
- Impact: Explain why your research matters to Western Australia and the wider world.
- References: Select referees who know your academic strengths deeply.
- Personal story: Show resilience, curiosity, leadership, and motivation.
Selectors look for candidates who are brilliant academically and likely to become future leaders in research. Make every section specific, thoughtful, and evidence-based.
FAQs
Is the Forrest Research Foundation PhD Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship is considered fully funded because it includes tuition fee support through an RTP or equivalent university scholarship, a generous living stipend, accommodation support at Forrest Hall, relocation assistance, and additional research/travel funding.
Who can apply for the Forrest Research Foundation PhD Scholarships?
It is open for both domestic and international students to apply. The program welcomes applicants from all nationalities who meet the academic and university admission requirements.
Which universities are eligible under this scholarship?
Applicants must pursue their PhD at one of the five participating Western Australian universities:
Curtin University
Edith Cowan University
Murdoch University
The University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle Campus)
The University of Western AustraliaDo I need a supervisor before applying?
Yes. Applicants are generally expected to identify a proposed academic supervisor who has agreed to support their PhD project before submitting the scholarship application.
When is the deadline for the 2026 scholarship round?
For the 2026 intake, the published deadline is 19 October 2025 (AWST). Always recheck the official website before applying, in case dates are updated.
Conclusion
The Forrest Research Foundation PhD Scholarships in Australia 2026 represent far more than funding—they offer a rare chance to pursue world-class doctoral research with financial security, mentorship, and a thriving scholarly community.
If you are an ambitious student with strong academic results and a research idea that can make a difference, this could be the opportunity that changes your life. Many students hesitate because the scholarship is competitive. Apply anyway. Prestigious awards are designed for candidates willing to step forward.