Applications open for New Futures Mobility Fund in Australia

The New Futures Mobility Fund, delivered by the Australian Academy of Science, provides financial support to eligible humanitarian visa holders in Australia to attend STEM conferences, symposia, workshops, and professional development events. The program offers grants of up to A$5,000 to reduce financial barriers and strengthen research careers, networks, and visibility. Funding covers travel, accommodation, and registration costs for approved STEM-related events between 1 October 2026 and 30 September 2027.

New Futures Mobility Fund Overview

The New Futures Mobility Fund is an Australian funding program designed to support researchers and students with humanitarian visas. It enables participation in STEM-focused scientific conferences and professional events across Australia. The program is managed by the Australian Academy of Science and aims to strengthen inclusion in Australia’s scientific research ecosystem.

Purpose of the Program

The fund is designed to remove financial barriers that limit participation in scientific engagement opportunities. It supports career development, research visibility, and professional networking for early- and mid-career researchers and students. It also promotes research translation and collaboration between academia and industry.

Eligible STEM Activities

Funding supports participation in:

• Scientific conferences and symposia
• Research workshops and masterclasses
• Specialist training courses
• Professional development programs
• Research translation forums
• Industry engagement events
• Other approved STEM-related professional activities

These activities must contribute to research capability, networking, or career advancement.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: up to A$5,000 (GST exclusive)
• Funding coverage:
  • Event registration fees
  • Return economy airfare within Australia
  • Accommodation directly related to event dates
• Eligible travel period:
  • Start: after 1 October 2026
  • End: by 30 September 2027

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

• Living in Australia
• Hold an eligible humanitarian visa subclass
• Be engaged in research training or active research in Australia
• Be employed by an eligible Australian research organisation
• Be attending a recognised STEM event in Australia

Eligible applicant categories include:

• Master’s students
• PhD candidates
• Early-career researchers
• Mid-career researchers (PhD or Master’s awarded within the last 15 years, with allowances for career interruptions)

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit applications through the Good Grants online portal. Required documents include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of humanitarian visa grant notice
• Letter of support from supervisor or institute delegate
• Event registration confirmation or invitation
• Indicative budget showing planned use of funds

Incomplete applications or missing documents are not considered.

How the Program Works

• Applicant identifies eligible STEM event in Australia
• Supervisor or institute provides support letter
• Applicant prepares required documents and budget
• Application submitted via Good Grants portal
• Applications are reviewed by the Australian Academy of Science
• Successful applicants receive funding up to A$5,000
• Funds are used for approved travel, registration, and accommodation
• Participation must occur within the program timeframe

Key Benefits of the Program

• Improves access to STEM conferences for humanitarian visa holders
• Strengthens professional research networks in Australia
• Enhances career development and academic visibility
• Supports integration into Australia’s scientific community
• Encourages research collaboration and knowledge exchange

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete documentation
• Applying for non-STEM or unrecognised events
• Including travel outside eligible dates
• Missing supervisor/institute support letter
• Budget not aligned with eligible cost categories
• Applying without eligible visa or research affiliation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the New Futures Mobility Fund?
  • It is a funding program supporting humanitarian visa holders in Australia to attend STEM conferences and professional scientific events.
• Who can apply for this grant?
  • Master’s students, PhD candidates, and early- to mid-career researchers with eligible humanitarian visas working in Australia.
• How much funding is available?
  • Up to A$5,000 (GST exclusive) per successful applicant.
• What costs are covered?
  • Event registration fees
  • Return economy airfare within Australia
  • Accommodation linked to event dates
• What is the eligible travel period?
  • Travel must begin after 1 October 2026 and end by 30 September 2027.
• Where do applicants submit their applications?
  • Applications must be submitted via the Good Grants online portal.
• What documents are required?
  • CV
  • Humanitarian visa proof
  • Supervisor/institute support letter
  • Event details
  • Budget outline

Conclusion

The New Futures Mobility Fund is a targeted Australian initiative supporting humanitarian visa holders in STEM fields by funding access to conferences and professional events. It strengthens research careers, expands academic networks, and improves participation in Australia’s scientific community by removing key financial barriers.