Deadline: 12-Apr-2026
The Nature Foundation offers research grants for Honours, Masters, and PhD students in Australia to support conservation-focused projects that protect ecosystems and wildlife. Funding ranges from $2,000 to $12,000 per year, supporting one- to three-year projects aligned with the Foundation’s scientific strategy. Grants promote actionable research, knowledge generation, and biodiversity conservation outcomes.
Overview of the Grants
The Nature Foundation provides student research grants to support projects that advance knowledge, conservation, and restoration of Australian ecosystems and wildlife. The grants aim to:
- Fund high-quality research aligned with the Foundation’s scientific priorities
- Support studies that contribute to conservation, restoration, and biodiversity protection
- Enable students to generate actionable knowledge to inform environmental management
Grant Types and Funding Levels
Honours-Level Grants:
- Grand Start Grant: $2,000
- Scientific Expedition Foundation RL & GK Willing Grant: $2,000
- Australian Sealion Research Grant (biennial): $2,000
Postgraduate Grants (Masters/PhD):
- Masters/PhD Grand Start Grant: $3,000
- Lynette Aplin ‘Knowledge in Science’ Research Grant: $5,000
- Roy & Marjory Edwards Scholarship: Up to $12,000 per year for a maximum of three years
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled at an Australian university
- Conduct research aligned with Nature Foundation’s scientific priorities
- Provide a detailed methodology covering all research methods
- Ensure all required insurance, ethics approvals, and permits are in place at submission
- Have no outstanding obligations or acquittal reports from previous Nature Foundation funding
How to Apply
- Prepare your research proposal including clear objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes
- Provide a comprehensive budget, detailing annual expenditures and quotes for equipment purchases ≥ $5,000
- Confirm compliance with all necessary insurance, ethics, and permits
- Submit the completed application before the specified closing date, ensuring all supporting documents are included
Why This Programme Matters
These grants empower the next generation of conservation researchers by:
- Promoting practical, actionable research for ecosystem and wildlife protection
- Supporting innovative scientific projects that address biodiversity challenges
- Facilitating knowledge transfer to inform environmental policy and management
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting applications without detailed methodology
- Omitting required insurance, ethics approvals, or permits
- Failing to include a comprehensive budget with accurate quotes
- Applying with outstanding obligations from previous Nature Foundation funding
FAQs
1. Who can apply? Honours, Masters, and PhD students enrolled at Australian universities.
2. What projects are supported? Research aligned with Nature Foundation’s scientific strategy in conservation and restoration.
3. How much funding is available? $2,000–$12,000 per year depending on the grant type.
4. How long can the research last? Typically one year, except for the Roy & Marjory Edwards Scholarship (up to three years).
5. Are international students eligible? Only if enrolled at an Australian university.
6. What documents are required? Proposal, methodology, budget, insurance/ethics/permits confirmation.
7. Can I apply if I previously received a Nature Foundation grant? No, applicants must have no outstanding obligations or acquittal reports.
Conclusion
The Nature Foundation Student Research Grants provide vital support for emerging conservation researchers, enabling projects that protect Australia’s ecosystems and wildlife. By funding well-planned, impactful research, the Foundation fosters scientific knowledge, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable environmental management outcomes.
For more information, visit Nature Foundation.