John Allwright Fellowship 2026 in Australia | Fully Funded

John Allwright Fellowship 2026 is a competitive, merit-based scholarship program offered by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). It provides fully funded opportunities for scientists or economists from partner countries involved in ACIAR research projects to obtain postgraduate qualifications at Australian tertiary institutions.

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is the Australian Government’s specialist agricultural research-for-development agency. ACIAR works with partners in developing countries to reduce poverty and improve food security through sustainable agricultural research.

Benefits of John Allwright Fellowship 2026

• Full tuition fees
• Return air travel – payment of a single return, economy class airfare to and from Australia, via the most direct route
• Establishment allowance – a once only payment as a contribution towards accommodation expenses, textbooks, study materials
• Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) – a fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses paid at a rate determined by the department.
• Introductory Academic Program (IAP)–a compulsory program prior to the commencement of formal academic studies covering information on living and studying in Australia
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award (for award holder only) – provided to cover the scholar’s basic medical costs (with the exception of pre-existing conditions)
• Pre-course English (PCE) fees–if deemed necessary PCE may be available for students for in-country and/or in-Australia training
• Supplementary academic support may be available to ensure a scholar’s academic success or enhance their academic experience
• Fieldwork may be available for eligible research students for one return economy class airfare via the most direct route to their country of citizenship or within Australia.

Eligibility Criteria for the John Allwright Fellowship 2026

• You must not be a citizen of Australia, hold permanent residency in Australia or be applying for a visa to live in Australia permanently
• You must be a citizen of the country in which you are working
• You are endorsed by your current employer, ACIAR Project Leaders (Commissioned Organisations and Country Collaborators) and your primary supervisor
• You are currently employed on a permanent or long-term contract basis
• You are a scientist or economist who is actively involved in an ACIAR research project or small research activity within the last 24 months. ACIAR may consider supporting researchers from “advanced pipeline” projects
• Your Research Proposal addresses the gender equity and social inclusion, climate change and project contribution to the development priority of your country
• You hold qualifications, equivalent to at least an Australian Bachelor degree, in a discipline that is relevant to the proposed area of postgraduate study
• You have recently undertaken an English language testing program, i.e. IELTs, TOEFL, PTE or are prepared to take the test on receipt of application outcome

How to Apply for John Allwright Fellowship 2026?

• Applications for the 2027 intake open on 1 February 2026 and close on 30 April 2026.
• Applications for the John Allwright Fellowship are submitted through the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS). You must register an account in OASIS, which will enable you to logon, create and complete an application form. When starting an application you will need to select the ACIAR John Allwright Fellowships award program.
• For instructions on how to register and create an application in OASIS refer to the OASIS Applicant User Guide.
• Please review the Frequently Asked Questions for further information. If you are still unsure, contact the ACIAR office in your region or email [email protected]
• The following supporting documents are mandatory and must be uploaded with your application. Not providing these documents may impact your eligibility.
• Proof of citizenship (Birth certificate)
• An identity document (passport must have an expiry date more than 6 months from the application date)
• Certified copies of degree certificates
• Certified copies of academic transcripts
• Research proposal (consider how the proposed research will address gender equity and social inclusion, climate change, as well as the project contribution to the development priority of your country).
• Employer endorsement letter (Template available)
• Australian Project Leader referee report (Template available)
• Collaborating Country Project Leader referee report (Template available)
• Primary Supervisor endorsement letter (This can be a formal letter or copy of email correspondence)
• In addition, we highly recommend you provide the following additional documents to strengthen your application:
• Current curriculum vitae (CV)
• English Language Details (if applicable, IELTs/TOEFL/PTE official report)
• Statement from university that English is the language of instruction
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Any other relevant documents in support of your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the John Allwright Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.