Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026
Deakin University has officially launched its call for applications for the 2026 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (DUPRF), a prestigious opportunity designed to support early career researchers across its five core research strengths. With the mission to develop future research leaders, this competitive fellowship invites high-potential scholars from around the world to bring forward innovative research ideas aligned with Deakin’s strategic vision.
What Is the Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship?
Previously known as the Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, DUPRF is a strategic initiative to cultivate research excellence and innovation capacity. It targets emerging scholars who have been awarded a PhD on or after January 1, 2022 (or with equivalent career interruption allowances), providing them with a platform to accelerate their research careers within Deakin’s collaborative and impact-driven research ecosystem.
Fellowship Benefits and Funding
Each fellowship provides up to three years of salary support, ranging from Level A, Step 6 to the top of Level B classification, depending on the fellow’s experience. For international applicants, continuation into the third year is subject to compliance with visa regulations.
Additionally, fellows receive a one-time research support grant of AUD $15,000, which can be used to cover direct project costs such as research consumables, specialized computing needs, equipment, and travel (if allowed).
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must:
- Hold a PhD awarded on or after 1 January 2022 (with career interruption considerations possible).
- Be prepared to work closely with a Deakin supervisor from a relevant faculty, institute, or research centre.
- Be ready to complete and submit a comprehensive application with all required supporting documents before the deadline.
How to Apply
Applicants must follow a structured process, which includes:
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Preparing Application Documents:
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- Top 5 Publications Summary
- Supervisor Support Statement
- Summary of Experience and Contributions
- Full Research Project Proposal (max 5 A4 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae and Full Publication List (max 8 pages)
- Evidence of PhD Conferral or Expected Completion by 31 Dec 2025
- Career Interruption Evidence (if applicable)
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Submitting the Online Application: https://www.deakin.edu.au/research/support-for-researchers/project-funding/deakin-university-funding/duprf
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: Tuesday, 1 July 2025
- Applications Close: Sunday, 10 August 2025 at 11:55 PM (AEST)
- Outcomes Announced: From November 2025.