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The Forrest Research Foundation works with our five partner universities to provide PhD scholarship opportunities for world-leading researchers from both across Australia and around the world. We provide our Forrest PhD Scholars with generous financial support, mentoring and professional development opportunities to help them accelerate their career and go further than they imagined possible.
At Forrest Hall, we have created a stimulating and inspiring learning environment where Scholars can live, learn and share ideas in a multi-disciplinary academic community.
Forrest Scholars break with convention, push at boundaries, and go further than they imagined possible. They work with their PhD supervisors and research group to be at the forefront of world-leading research in their chosen discipline. Their research has the potential to change the world.
Each Forrest Scholar receives a scholarship package that includes fees, a stipend and accommodation at Forrest Hall in a luxury self-contained studio apartment. This scholarship package is valued at over AU$270,000 over a four-year period including:
A Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend or equivalent university postgraduate research scholarship stipend valued at between $34,315 – $37,500 per annum in 2026 and indexed annually; the final value to be determined by the enrolling university; and
An accommodation allowance valued at $25,740 in 2026 and subject to annual indexation. The allowance is available to cover accommodation costs of a studio apartment at Forrest Hall. If a Forrest Scholar is granted a residency exemption by the Forrest Research Foundation Governors, the accommodation allowance may be used to contribute towards the cost of other residential accommodation. The Forrest Foundation endeavours to provide a 2-bedroom apartment to scholars with resident dependent children (subject to availability); and
A research and travel allowance of up to $12,000, plus a relocation allowance allowing for economy airfare to Perth for Forrest Scholar and immediate dependants. The research and travel allowance are available for approved research-related expenses, overseas research and conference travel.
International Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship or equivalent university international fee scholarship which covers the full international tuition fees and overseas student health cover.
Domestic Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship which provides exemption from the requirement to pay tuition fees for the duration of the scholarship.
Forrest PhD Scholarships are offered to candidates who have exceptional academic profiles, a commitment to engagement and impact, and who have the desire, drive and imagination to undertake doctoral research of the highest standard. Forrest Scholars will be among the top performing students in their undergraduate and graduate cohorts. There are no pre-existing research themes but candidates must undertake research at one of the five Western Australian universities:
To be eligible for a Forrest Scholarship, applicants must also apply for an RTP scholarship (international or domestic) at their chosen university. An equivalent scholarship, which covers fees and annual stipend, is also acceptable.
The University of Western Australia: https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships/hdr-scholarships During the Domestic Round, international students who have studied at UWA during 2025-2026 are also entitled to apply.
RTP dates:
Curtin University: https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/scholarships/research-training-program-rtp-scholarships/
Murdoch University: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/scholarship/research-training-program-stipends-(international-students) https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/scholarship/research-training-program-stipends-(domestic-students)
Edith Cowan University: https://www.ecu.edu.au/scholarships/details/ecu-hdr-scholarship
The University of Notre Dame Australia https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/fees-costs-and-scholarships/scholarships/research-scholarships
*The RTP closing dates above were accurate at the time of publication. Please check the relevant university webpage in case of any changes and to ensure you have time to contact a supervisor and prepare all the relevant documents.*
Forrest Scholarships are open to international and domestic students intending on enrolling in a PhD at a Western Australian university.
Note that we employ a multi-stage selection process drawing on the research officers of our partner universities. The final selection of successful applicants is undertaken by a Selection Committee which comprises eminent people from the research and broader communities drawn from the Forrest Research Foundation Selection Panel.
Please read the Scholarship Conditions before applying.
Click the “Apply” tab on the Forrest PhD Scholarship web page where you will be directed to the applications portal. This link will only be made available when the scholarship round is open.
All applications must be submitted online through the Forrest Research Foundation application portal. If you experience any issues submitting your application through the portal, contact the Forrest Research Foundation here as soon as possible.
Please note that, in addition to submitting your application through the Forrest Research Foundation application portal, you will also need to submit an application for:
Please check the relevant university’s website for specific detail on their closing dates for applications for the Doctor of Philosophy and RTP Scholarship rounds. These often vary between universities.
The Forrest PhD Scholarship round varies annually but it is usually in the last quarter of each year (typically applications open in August/September and close at the end of October).
Applicants are required to provide contact details for three referees (at least two should be academic). Please note that referee reports will most likely be required only if you make the interview stage.
You should ask people who will best support your application. Where possible this should include your academic supervisors, colleagues, and key contacts who can provide relevant information about your academic achievements and professional attributes, especially in relation to the selection criteria. You are encouraged to provide referees that are not all from the same organisation, school or faculty. If you choose to nominate personal referees, they should be able to comment on personal characteristics and strengths as displayed, for example, in your extra-curricular activities at university, or in your previous employment. Personal referees should not be related to you.
Your proposed supervisor will also be contacted for a reference if you make the interview stage.
Referees, including your proposed supervisor, may be contacted directly by the Forrest Research Foundation once the application round is closed. Please note that referee reports will most likely be required only if you make the interview stage.
A Forrest PhD Scholarship may not usually be deferred. The Governors of the Forrest Research Foundation may consider a request for deferral by a successful applicant in extenuating circumstances. You will need to write a letter requesting any deferral directly to the Director of the Forrest Research Foundation, which outlines your specific circumstances, who will then discuss your formal request with the Governors.
There is no “formula” for a successful application. Each application should be about the particular candidate and the proposed research, while ensuring you also address the selection criteria and submit all formal requirements including uploading the documentation. Applications that are incomplete or don’t include an application form will not be considered. You should also ensure that you have obtained the approval of your proposed supervisor before submitting your application.
Remember: we are looking for candidates who are academically excellent, want to be part of our vibrant intellectual community, be curious and have a desire to engage with the public.
It is a requirement that each applicant contact their proposed supervisor to discuss their Forrest PhD Scholarship application and ensure they are willing to supervise you. It is recommended that you undertake this in advance of the application period (i.e., prior to August-October), to ensure that you have sufficient time to secure a potential supervisor and have discussed your planned research project. Applicants who do not have a supervisor will not be considered.
You will also need to apply separately to enrol in the PhD program of your chosen university, as well as applying for an RTP Scholarship at this same university (or equivalent scholarship that covers your fees and a stipend). This may also require you to identify a supervisor. Please see university websites for further details.
Please note that some universities require that you have more than one supervisor for your enrolment in the Doctor of Philosophy. Be sure to check the conditions carefully of your enrolling university. You may list more than one supervisor on your Forrest Scholarship application form.
The Selection Committee will seek the views of proposed supervisors prior to interviewing shortlisted candidates.
Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree of First-Class Honours or equivalent (such as a Master of Research). You will also need a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.8/4.0 (weighted average mark of 95%). Our applicants are typically in the top 5% of their graduating class, and you are encouraged to bring to the attention of the Selection Committee evidence of your academic achievement. The average GPA of current Forrest Scholars is greater than 3.95/4.00.
If you do not meet this eligibility criterion, you may still apply – there is space in the application form to state why you think you should still be considered.
The Forrest Scholarship is open to domestic and international students. Successful international students will be offered an International Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship or equivalent university international fee scholarship awarded by the nominated university.
You will also need to apply separately to enrol in the PhD program of your chosen university, as well as applying for an RTP Scholarship at this same university (or equivalent scholarship that covers your fees and a stipend).
The Forrest Research Foundation does not require specific evidence of your English language proficiency. This will be assessed by your chosen university, according to their guidelines, when you apply for your PhD.
Please check each partner university website as follows:
Curtin University https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/applying/english-language-requirements/
Edith Cowan University https://www.ecu.edu.au/future-students/course-entry/english-competency
Murdoch University https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-proficiency-tests
The University of Notre Dame Australia https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/applications-and-admissions/admission-requirements/english-language-requirements
The University of Western Australia https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements
If you have already commenced your PhD, you won’t be eligible for a Forrest Scholarship.
The Forrest Scholarship Conditions stipulate that, to be eligible, applicants must have applied for PhD enrolment as an internal student based at a Western Australian campus of one of the five specified Western Australian universities and not have been enrolled in the proposed PhD or previously undertaken research towards a PhD or other research doctorate.
No. Forrest PhD Scholarships are open to applicants from all disciplines.
No. Forrest Scholarships applications are a separate scholarship and therefore a separate application needs to be completed for each. Applicants need to ensure they also apply for a PhD. Details of each university’s PhD application process can be found here:
Curtin University
Edith Cowan University
Murdoch University
The University of Notre Dame Australia
The University of Western Australia
Your success will not be determined based on your choice of supervisor or university. It is recommended that you nominate your proposed university and supervisor based on the research environment and facilities that are most relevant to your proposed PhD.
Please note that multiple applications will not be considered.
