Australia hubs

Anjali

Researcher

AustraliaEnglish (English)$ AUD

Anjali is a dedicated academic researcher navigating the Australian higher education and grant landscape while managing her personal finances and residency requirements. This hub covers the federal support systems, tax obligations, and professional tools she encounters daily; state-specific schemes are detailed in the regional sections.

Funding my research

Securing competitive federal grants is the lifeblood of my academic career.

ARC Discovery Projects

national · Australian Research Council

Who qualifies
Researchers at eligible Australian organisations.
What you get
Funding for fundamental research projects over 1-5 years.
What it actually costs you
Extensive proposal writing, institutional support, and rigorous peer review.
Common gotcha
The success rate is extremely low; focus on the 'National Interest Test'.

NHMRC Ideas Grants

national · National Health and Medical Research Council

Who qualifies
Health and medical researchers.
What you get
Funding for innovative, creative research ideas.
What it actually costs you
Detailed budget justification and track record documentation.
Common gotcha
Must demonstrate clear health outcomes.

Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program

national · Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Who qualifies
Consortia of researchers and industry partners.
What you get
Long-term funding for industry-led research collaborations.
What it actually costs you
Significant administrative overhead to manage partner agreements.
Common gotcha
Requires strong industry buy-in before application.

Research Support Program

national · Department of Education

Who qualifies
Universities receiving federal research block grants.
What you get
Indirect costs of research funding.
What it actually costs you
Managed by the university; no direct application.
Common gotcha
Often invisible to individual researchers but funds the lab.

DECRA Fellowships

national · Australian Research Council

Who qualifies
Early career researchers within 5 years of PhD.
What you get
Salary and project funding for 3 years.
What it actually costs you
Lengthy application process and institutional endorsement.
Common gotcha
Strict adherence to the 5-year post-PhD rule.

Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund

national · Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering

Who qualifies
Researchers collaborating with priority international partners.
What you get
Travel and project support.
What it actually costs you
Application through ATSE.
Common gotcha
Must align with specific diplomatic priority regions.

Managing my income and taxes

Navigating ATO requirements and deductions is essential for my financial health.

Work-related self-education expenses

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Employees whose study relates to their current job.
What you get
Tax deduction for course fees, books, and travel.
What it actually costs you
Keeping detailed receipts and a logbook.
Common gotcha
Cannot claim if the study is to get a new job.

Superannuation Guarantee

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Most employees in Australia.
What you get
11.5% employer contribution to retirement fund.
What it actually costs you
Choosing a super fund (default or personal).
Common gotcha
Check your payslip to ensure it's being paid.

HECS-HELP

national · Department of Education

Who qualifies
Domestic students in Commonwealth supported places.
What you get
Government loan for tuition fees.
What it actually costs you
Repayments start automatically via tax once income hits a threshold.
Common gotcha
Indexation applies annually, increasing the debt balance.

Medicare Levy Exemption

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Foreign residents not eligible for Medicare.
What you get
Exemption from the 2% tax levy.
What it actually costs you
Need a Medicare Entitlement Statement.
Common gotcha
Must apply for the statement annually.

Tax-free Threshold

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Australian residents for tax purposes.
What you get
First $18,200 of income is tax-free.
What it actually costs you
TFN declaration form.
Common gotcha
Only claim the threshold from one employer.

Franking Credits

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Shareholders of Australian companies.
What you get
Refund of tax already paid by the company on dividends.
What it actually costs you
Reporting dividends in tax return.
Common gotcha
Must hold shares for at least 45 days.

My status and documents

Keeping my visa and identity documents current is non-negotiable.

VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online)

national · Department of Home Affairs

Who qualifies
Visa holders.
What you get
Proof of work and study rights.
What it actually costs you
Passport details.
Common gotcha
Always check before starting a new contract.

myGov

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
All Australian residents.
What you get
Single portal for ATO, Medicare, and Centrelink.
What it actually costs you
Identity verification (Passport/License).
Common gotcha
Linking services can be finicky.

Tax File Number (TFN)

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Anyone working in Australia.
What you get
Personal tax identifier.
What it actually costs you
Online application via myGov.
Common gotcha
Never share your TFN with anyone but your employer/bank.

Citizenship by Conferral

national · Department of Home Affairs

Who qualifies
Permanent residents meeting residency requirements.
What you get
Australian passport and voting rights.
What it actually costs you
Application fee and citizenship test.
Common gotcha
Processing times can be over 12 months.

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

national · Department of Education

Who qualifies
Anyone undertaking nationally recognised training.
What you get
Lifetime record of training.
What it actually costs you
Online registration.
Common gotcha
Required for all university enrolments.

ORCID

national · Australian Research Data Commons

Who qualifies
All researchers.
What you get
Unique researcher identifier.
What it actually costs you
Free registration.
Common gotcha
Keep your profile updated for grant applications.

Staying healthy

Accessing healthcare efficiently keeps me productive and balanced.

Medicare

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Citizens and permanent residents.
What you get
Subsidised medical services and prescription drugs.
What it actually costs you
Medicare levy in taxes.
Common gotcha
Bulk-billing is becoming harder to find.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

national · Department of Health and Aged Care

Who qualifies
Medicare card holders.
What you get
Subsidised prescription medication costs.
What it actually costs you
Co-payment at the pharmacy.
Common gotcha
Not all medications are on the PBS list.

Medicare Safety Net

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Medicare card holders with high out-of-pocket costs.
What you get
Higher rebates once threshold is reached.
What it actually costs you
Automatic tracking via Medicare.
Common gotcha
Must register as a family to pool costs.

Private Health Insurance Rebate

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
People with private hospital cover.
What you get
Income-tested rebate on premiums.
What it actually costs you
Claimed via tax return or premium reduction.
Common gotcha
Income thresholds change annually.

Better Access Initiative

national · Department of Health and Aged Care

Who qualifies
People with a GP referral.
What you get
10 subsidised psychology sessions per year.
What it actually costs you
Gap fee varies by psychologist.
Common gotcha
Requires a Mental Health Treatment Plan from GP.

Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
All residents.
What you get
Centralised record of vaccinations.
What it actually costs you
Accessed via myGov.
Common gotcha
Essential for visa and employment checks.

State-level schemes

8states & territories — open one to see what it offers.

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra offers unique research-focused grants and cost-of-living concessions tailored for academics and professionals living in the nation's capital.

Boosting my research and career

Innovation Connect (ICON) Grant

state · ACT Government

Who qualifies
ACT-based researchers or small businesses developing innovative products or services.
What you get
Matched funding grants between $10,000 and $30,000 for project development.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 1:1 cash co-contribution and a detailed project plan.
Common gotcha
The application process is highly competitive and requires a clear commercialization path.

ACT Research Fellowship

state · Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

Who qualifies
Post-doctoral researchers partnering with local ACT industry.
What you get
Salary support and project funding to conduct research within the territory.
What it actually costs you
Requires an institutional partner and a formal research proposal.
Common gotcha
Must demonstrate direct economic or social benefit to the Canberra region.

Managing the cost of living

ACT Utilities Concession

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Holders of a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
An annual rebate on electricity, gas, water, and sewerage bills.
What it actually costs you
Need your card details and account numbers; processed automatically once registered.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply if you change your energy provider or move house.

MyWay Concession Card

state · Transport Canberra

Who qualifies
Full-time students and eligible concession card holders.
What you get
Discounted fares on all ACTION buses and light rail services.
What it actually costs you
Small fee for the physical card; proof of status required.
Common gotcha
Failing to tap off results in the maximum fare being charged.

Rental Bond Help

state · Housing ACT

Who qualifies
Low-income earners struggling to pay the initial bond for a private rental.
What you get
An interest-free loan to cover the rental bond.
What it actually costs you
Must be repaid in installments; requires income verification.
Common gotcha
You must meet specific income thresholds which are adjusted periodically.
New South Wales

As a researcher in New South Wales, Anjali navigates a landscape of state-funded research grants, specialized transit concessions for tertiary students, and regional cost-of-living rebates that supplement her federal income.

Funding my research and career

NSW Early-Career Researcher Grants

state · Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer

Who qualifies
Researchers within 5 years of PhD completion working in NSW-based institutions.
What you get
Project funding typically ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for specific research outputs.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, institutional endorsement, and rigorous financial reporting.
Common gotcha
The application window is very narrow; check the portal quarterly for specific rounds.

NSW Government PhD Top-Up

state · Department of Education

Who qualifies
PhD students enrolled in NSW universities working on state-priority research areas.
What you get
An additional $5,000 to $10,000 annual stipend on top of existing scholarships.
What it actually costs you
Proof of current scholarship and a letter of support from the university supervisor.
Common gotcha
Must align with the NSW Government's current strategic research priorities.

NSW Innovation Voucher Scheme

state · Investment NSW

Who qualifies
Researchers collaborating with NSW-based SMEs to solve industry problems.
What you get
Vouchers up to $50,000 to cover research and development costs.
What it actually costs you
Co-contribution from the industry partner is mandatory.
Common gotcha
The industry partner must be a registered NSW business.

Managing Sydney living costs

NSW Tertiary Student Opal Concession

state · Transport for NSW

Who qualifies
Full-time domestic students at eligible NSW tertiary institutions.
What you get
50% discount on all public transport fares across the Opal network.
What it actually costs you
Valid student ID and online application via the university portal.
Common gotcha
You must re-verify your student status every semester to keep the card active.

NSW Family Energy Rebate

state · Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Who qualifies
Low-income households who are primary account holders for electricity.
What you get
Up to $180 per year credited directly to your electricity bill.
What it actually costs you
Annual application; requires your Centrelink CRN and electricity bill details.
Common gotcha
It does not automatically renew; you must re-apply every financial year.

Active Kids Voucher

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children in NSW.
What you get
$50 voucher per child per year for sports and fitness activities.
What it actually costs you
Simple online application via Service NSW account.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire at the end of the calendar year; use them early.
Northern Territory

The Northern Territory offers unique remote-area research grants and cost-of-living subsidies that are essential for academics working in Australia's Top End.

Funding my field research

Northern Territory Research and Innovation Fund

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
Researchers collaborating with NT-based businesses or organizations.
What you get
Grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for collaborative projects.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed project proposal, budget breakdown, and proof of local partnership.
Common gotcha
The project must demonstrate a direct economic or social benefit to the Northern Territory.

Heritage Grants Program

state · Heritage Branch, Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
Researchers documenting or preserving NT heritage sites.
What you get
Funding to cover costs of conservation, research, and documentation.
What it actually costs you
Detailed application including heritage significance assessment.
Common gotcha
Funding is highly competitive and restricted to sites listed on the NT Heritage Register.

Arts NT Project Grants

state · Arts NT

Who qualifies
Researchers working on creative or cultural projects within the NT.
What you get
Grants up to $20,000 for project development and research.
What it actually costs you
Requires a clear project timeline and evidence of artistic merit.
Common gotcha
Must be an NT resident to apply for the primary funding rounds.

Northern Territory Government Scholarship Scheme

state · Department of Education

Who qualifies
Postgraduate students conducting research relevant to the Territory.
What you get
Financial assistance for research-related travel and living expenses.
What it actually costs you
Academic transcripts and a letter of support from your university supervisor.
Common gotcha
Preference is given to research that addresses regional workforce shortages.

Making life in the Territory affordable

NT Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme

state · Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
NT residents receiving specific Centrelink payments.
What you get
Subsidies on electricity, water, sewerage, and public transport.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residency and Centrelink card.
Common gotcha
You must re-verify your status annually to avoid payment interruptions.

First Home Owner Discount

state · Territory Revenue Office

Who qualifies
First-time buyers purchasing a home in the NT.
What you get
Stamp duty concessions on properties up to a certain value.
What it actually costs you
Must occupy the home as a principal place of residence for at least 6 months.
Common gotcha
The property must be a new build or substantially renovated.

Sport Voucher Scheme

state · Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
Children of NT residents for sports and cultural activities.
What you get
$100 voucher per child, twice a year.
What it actually costs you
Online registration via the NT government portal.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire at the end of each semester; they do not roll over.

NT Remote Area Allowance (State Top-up)

state · Department of Treasury and Finance

Who qualifies
Researchers working in designated remote zones of the NT.
What you get
Additional cost-of-living allowance for public sector researchers.
What it actually costs you
Employment contract verification.
Common gotcha
Often confused with the federal zone tax offset; this is a separate employer-provided benefit.
Queensland

Queensland offers unique research-focused grants and cost-of-living concessions that help academics manage the high cost of housing and regional travel.

Funding my research and career

Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships

state · Department of State Development and Infrastructure

Who qualifies
Early to mid-career researchers working on projects with industry partners.
What you get
Up to $300,000 in funding over three years for research projects.
What it actually costs you
Requires a formal industry partnership agreement and a detailed project plan.
Common gotcha
The industry partner must provide a cash or in-kind contribution to be eligible.

Queensland Science Excellence Awards

state · Office of the Chief Scientist

Who qualifies
Researchers contributing significantly to Queensland's scientific reputation.
What you get
Cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 for excellence in research.
What it actually costs you
Requires a nomination process, often by a peer or institution.
Common gotcha
Self-nominations are generally not accepted; you need a strong advocate.

Smart State Research Facilities Fund

state · Department of Environment and Science

Who qualifies
Research institutions and universities based in Queensland.
What you get
Capital funding to upgrade research infrastructure and labs.
What it actually costs you
Extensive grant writing and institutional financial matching.
Common gotcha
Focuses heavily on projects that align with state priority industries like bio-tech.

Queensland-Smithsonian Fellowships

state · Queensland Museum Network

Who qualifies
Queensland-based researchers in natural and cultural history.
What you get
Funding for a research placement at the Smithsonian Institution in the US.
What it actually costs you
Competitive application process including a research proposal.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; requires a clear link between your work and the Smithsonian's collections.

Managing living costs in Brisbane

Queensland Cost of Living Rebate

state · Queensland Government

Who qualifies
All Queensland households, including renters and homeowners.
What you get
A one-off rebate on electricity bills (typically $550 to $1000 depending on the year).
What it actually costs you
Automatic application via electricity providers; no forms needed.
Common gotcha
If you are in a share house, the rebate goes to the person whose name is on the bill.

Translink Tertiary Concession

state · Translink

Who qualifies
Full-time students at accredited Queensland universities.
What you get
50% discount on all public transport fares across Brisbane and Queensland.
What it actually costs you
Requires a valid student ID and registration on the Translink portal.
Common gotcha
You must renew your concession status every semester or it expires.

Rental Grant

state · Department of Housing

Who qualifies
People experiencing a short-term financial crisis affecting rent payments.
What you get
One-off assistance to cover rent arrears or bond costs.
What it actually costs you
Proof of financial hardship and rental agreement documents.
Common gotcha
Not a recurring payment; it is strictly for one-off emergency relief.

Queensland Health Concession Card

state · Queensland Health

Who qualifies
Low-income earners or those on specific government benefits.
What you get
Subsidised dental care and prescription medications at public hospitals.
What it actually costs you
Application through the Queensland Health website with income verification.
Common gotcha
Wait times for non-urgent dental care can be very long.
South Australia

South Australia offers specific research-focused grants and cost-of-living concessions that help early-career researchers manage the high cost of urban living in Adelaide.

Funding my research and career

South Australian Science Excellence Awards

state · Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

Who qualifies
Researchers contributing to SA's scientific and innovation profile.
What you get
Cash prizes and professional recognition to boost research profile.
What it actually costs you
Detailed nomination package, CV, and impact statement.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; requires significant evidence of local impact.

Research and Innovation Voucher Program

state · Government of South Australia

Who qualifies
Small businesses and researchers collaborating on R&D projects.
What you get
Vouchers to offset the cost of research services at universities.
What it actually costs you
Application process, proof of industry partnership.
Common gotcha
Must have a commercial partner; cannot be used for pure academic research.

Public Sector Graduate Program

state · Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment

Who qualifies
Recent graduates with a research-heavy degree.
What you get
Fixed-term employment in government policy or research units.
What it actually costs you
Rigorous multi-stage interview and assessment process.
Common gotcha
Applications open only once a year; timing is critical.

South Australian Early Commercialisation Fund

state · South Australian Venture Capital Fund

Who qualifies
Researchers looking to spin out their work into a startup.
What you get
Grant funding to bridge the gap between lab and market.
What it actually costs you
Business plan, IP strategy, and matching funds.
Common gotcha
Requires clear evidence of commercial viability, not just scientific merit.

Managing life in Adelaide

Cost of Living Concession

state · Department of Human Services

Who qualifies
Low-to-middle income earners, including PhD students on stipends.
What you get
Annual payment to help with council rates or energy bills.
What it actually costs you
Online application with tax assessment notice.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply or confirm eligibility every financial year.

Tertiary Student MetroCard Concession

state · Adelaide Metro

Who qualifies
Full-time university students enrolled in SA institutions.
What you get
Discounted public transport fares on buses, trains, and trams.
What it actually costs you
Student ID card and application fee for the card.
Common gotcha
Must carry your student ID at all times; inspectors are strict.

Energy Bill Relief

state · Government of South Australia

Who qualifies
Households receiving specific government benefits.
What you get
Direct credit applied to your electricity bill.
What it actually costs you
Automatic if you are on Centrelink, otherwise manual application.
Common gotcha
Often confused with the national energy rebate; they are separate but stack.

Libraries SA Membership

state · Public Library Service of SA

Who qualifies
Any resident of South Australia.
What you get
Free access to academic databases, journals, and quiet research spaces.
What it actually costs you
Proof of address and ID.
Common gotcha
Many researchers forget that state libraries provide access to databases not available at home.
Tasmania

Tasmania offers unique regional migration pathways, specific research grants for island-based innovation, and cost-of-living support tailored to its isolated geography.

Funding my research and innovation

Tasmanian Research and Development Grant

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Researchers working on projects with direct economic benefit to Tasmania.
What you get
Co-funding for research projects, typically up to $50,000.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal and evidence of matching industry funding.
Common gotcha
The project must demonstrate clear commercial application within the state.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Research Grant

state · TMAG

Who qualifies
Researchers focusing on Tasmanian history, culture, or natural sciences.
What you get
Access to collections and small stipends for research dissemination.
What it actually costs you
Application via TMAG portal and ethics approval if handling artifacts.
Common gotcha
Limited to specific research themes published annually.

Tasmanian Innovation Voucher

state · Business Tasmania

Who qualifies
Researchers collaborating with local SMEs to solve technical problems.
What you get
Vouchers worth up to $10,000 to buy research services.
What it actually costs you
Must have a signed partnership agreement with a Tasmanian business.
Common gotcha
The voucher is paid to the service provider, not the researcher directly.

National Science Week Tasmania Grants

state · Inspiring Tasmania

Who qualifies
Researchers looking to engage the public with their work.
What you get
Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for public outreach events.
What it actually costs you
Event plan and budget breakdown.
Common gotcha
Must be held during National Science Week in August.

Living and settling in the Apple Isle

Tasmanian Energy Cost Concession

state · Aurora Energy

Who qualifies
Low-income earners or those holding a Pensioner Concession Card.
What you get
Daily discount on electricity bills to offset heating costs.
What it actually costs you
Proof of concession status provided to the utility provider.
Common gotcha
Does not apply automatically; you must register your card with Aurora.

Skilled Regional Visa Nomination (Subclass 491)

state · Migration Tasmania

Who qualifies
Researchers with a job offer in Tasmania or those studying in the state.
What you get
State nomination for permanent residency pathways.
What it actually costs you
Application fee and evidence of regional employment.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; requires meeting specific 'Tasmanian Skilled Occupation List' criteria.

Tasmanian Student/Concession Bus Pass

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Full-time students or low-income residents.
What you get
Significant discount on Metro Tasmania bus fares.
What it actually costs you
Student ID card or concession card.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed annually at the start of the academic year.

Private Rental Assistance Program

state · Housing Tasmania

Who qualifies
People struggling to afford private rentals in the tight Hobart market.
What you get
Bond assistance or help with initial rent payments.
What it actually costs you
Means-tested application requiring proof of income and rental search.
Common gotcha
Funds are limited and subject to strict eligibility caps.
Victoria

Victoria offers a unique ecosystem of research grants, academic mobility support, and cost-of-living concessions that make Melbourne a globally competitive hub for early-career researchers.

Funding my research and career growth

veski innovation fellowships

state · Victorian Government

Who qualifies
Outstanding international researchers moving to Victoria to work in priority sectors.
What you get
Up to $150,000 in funding to support research projects and relocation.
What it actually costs you
Highly competitive application process; requires institutional endorsement.
Common gotcha
The focus is strictly on 'priority sectors' like medtech and advanced manufacturing.

Victorian Fellowship Program

state · Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

Who qualifies
Early to mid-career researchers based in Victoria.
What you get
Grants to support international travel for research collaboration.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal and budget breakdown required.
Common gotcha
Funding is for travel and collaboration costs, not personal salary.

SIEF STEM+ Business Fellowships

state · CSIRO/Victorian Government partnership

Who qualifies
Researchers partnering with a Victorian SME for a specific project.
What you get
Co-funding for the researcher's salary to work within the business.
What it actually costs you
Requires a formal partnership agreement with a local business.
Common gotcha
The business must be a Victorian SME, not a large multinational.

Creative Victoria Grants

state · Creative Victoria

Who qualifies
Researchers in humanities, arts, or social sciences.
What you get
Project funding ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.
What it actually costs you
Requires an ABN and a comprehensive project acquittal report.
Common gotcha
Must demonstrate significant public or cultural impact in Victoria.

Making Melbourne life affordable

Victorian Public Transport Concession

state · Public Transport Victoria

Who qualifies
Full-time students and eligible healthcare card holders.
What you get
50% discount on daily and monthly Myki fares.
What it actually costs you
Must carry a valid PTV concession card at all times.
Common gotcha
International students often forget to apply for their specific PTV student ID.

Rental Assistance and Support

state · Consumer Affairs Victoria

Who qualifies
Renters facing hardship or disputes with landlords.
What you get
Legal advice, mediation services, and bond assistance schemes.
What it actually costs you
Free service; requires evidence of tenancy agreement.
Common gotcha
Bond loans must be repaid; they are not a grant.

Victorian Energy Compare

state · Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Who qualifies
All Victorian households.
What you get
A one-off $250 payment for comparing energy plans.
What it actually costs you
15 minutes to upload your latest energy bill.
Common gotcha
The bonus is only available during specific promotional windows.

State Library Victoria Membership

state · State Library Victoria

Who qualifies
Any Victorian resident.
What you get
Free access to massive digital databases, journals, and physical archives.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires proof of address.
Common gotcha
Some specialized databases are only accessible on-site at the Swanston St building.
Western Australia

Western Australia offers unique research grants and cost-of-living support specifically for academics and researchers living in one of the world's most isolated capital cities.

Funding my research projects

Western Australia Fellowship Program

state · Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation

Who qualifies
Researchers with a PhD looking to conduct high-impact research in WA.
What you get
Salary support and project funding up to AUD 200,000.
What it actually costs you
Competitive application process; requires institutional sponsorship.
Common gotcha
The funding is highly competitive and requires a strong industry partnership component.

Science Impact Grant

state · Office of the Chief Scientist

Who qualifies
Early-career researchers working on STEM projects relevant to WA's economy.
What you get
Grants between AUD 10,000 and AUD 50,000.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal and budget breakdown.
Common gotcha
Must demonstrate direct benefit to the WA state economy.

WA Innovation Vouchers Program

state · Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation

Who qualifies
Small businesses and researchers collaborating on commercialization.
What you get
Vouchers up to AUD 20,000 for research services.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 20% co-contribution from the applicant.
Common gotcha
The voucher is paid to the service provider, not the applicant.

Making life in Perth affordable

SmartRider Tertiary Concession

state · Transperth

Who qualifies
Full-time students and researchers enrolled in WA universities.
What you get
50% discount on all public transport fares.
What it actually costs you
Must have a valid student ID and apply for a concession SmartRider card.
Common gotcha
You must renew your concession status every academic year.

WA Cost of Living Rebate

state · Synergy

Who qualifies
WA households holding a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
What you get
Annual credit on electricity bills.
What it actually costs you
Automatic if you are a registered concession holder with Synergy.
Common gotcha
Only applies to the primary residence electricity account.

WA Student Rental Support

state · Department of Communities

Who qualifies
Low-income researchers/students facing housing stress.
What you get
Short-term financial assistance for rental arrears.
What it actually costs you
Evidence of financial hardship and rental agreement.
Common gotcha
It is a one-off assistance, not a recurring subsidy.