Now Open: Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 For Early-Career Researchers -

About the Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026

Are you an early-career researcher looking to lead bold, innovative research in a supportive, globally respected academic environment? The Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 (DUPRF) is now accepting applications. This fully funded fellowship offers a transformative three-year opportunity to conduct impactful, independent research across a range of disciplines in Australia.

Formerly known as the Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, the Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 is a flagship program created to attract outstanding early-career researchers from around the world. This prestigious fellowship provides three years of full-time support, access to a collaborative academic environment, and the resources necessary to accelerate your research career.

The fellowship is designed to align with Deakin University’s strategic research priorities, encouraging proposals that will create real-world impact, promote innovation, and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration.

Eligible Fields

The DUPRF 2026 welcomes applicants from all academic disciplines, provided the research proposal fits within Deakin’s research strengths. These may include:

Social Sciences
Humanities

Environmental Studies
Health and Medical Sciences
Engineering and Technology

Education
Business and Law

Applicants are encouraged to review Deakin’s research strategy and identify relevant faculties, institutes, or research centres that align with their project.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Must hold a PhD awarded on or after 1 January 2022, with allowance made for career interruptions such as parental leave or health-related gaps.
Should be an early-career researcher aiming to build or strengthen an independent research profile.

Must propose a project aligned with the research priorities of Deakin University.
Open to both Australian citizens, permanent residents, and international researchers from any country.

Selection Criteria

The selection process for the DUPRF 2026 is rigorous and highly competitive. Applications will be evaluated based on:

Quality, clarity, and originality of the proposed research.
Relevance to Deakin’s strategic research goals.
Research track record, assessed relative to opportunity and taking into account any career interruptions.

Potential for real-world or policy impact from the research.
Strength of the proposed supervisory team or mentor at Deakin University.

Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessment or interviews.

Eligible Countries

The Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 is open to applicants worldwide. Both Australian and international researchers are encouraged to apply.

Required Documents

Applicants will need to prepare the following for submission:

A detailed research proposal aligned with Deakin’s strategic priorities.

CV and academic track record, including publication list.
Documentation of PhD conferral or expected conferral date.
Evidence of career interruptions (if applicable).

Letter of support from a proposed Deakin supervisor.
Any additional documents as outlined in the official 2026 DUPRF Guidelines.

Benefits of the Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026

The fellowship provides an outstanding package of financial and professional benefits, including:

Up to 3 years of full-time salary support, ranging from Level A, Step 6 to the top of Level B under Australian academic salary standards.
A one-time research support grant of AUD $15,000.
Access to world-class facilities, research infrastructure, and collaboration opportunities.

Mentorship from leading scholars across Deakin’s faculties and institutes.
Engagement in interdisciplinary projects that can contribute to global and policy-level impact.
Career development support to prepare recipients for future academic leadership roles.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026:

Review the DUPRF 2026 Guidelines thoroughly to understand eligibility, research alignment, and document requirements.
Identify and contact a potential Deakin supervisor whose expertise aligns with your research interests.

Collaborate with the supervisor to develop a compelling research proposal.
Prepare all required documents, ensuring they are complete and formatted correctly.
Submit your application through Deakin’s online portal before the stated deadline.

Note: The application deadline for the DUPRF 2026 open on Tuesday, 1 July 2025 and will close on Sunday, 10 August 2025 at 11:55 PM (AEST). Late submissions will not be accepted, so early preparation is highly recommended.