Linkage Projects supports research and development projects which are collaborative between higher education researchers and other parts of the national innovation and are undertaken to acquire new knowledge, which involve risk or innovation. Visit the Linkage Projects webpage for a full list of objectives.

The Linkage Projects scheme promotes national, and international, collaboration and research partnerships between key stakeholders in research and innovation including higher education providers, government, business, industry and end users. Research and development is undertaken to apply advanced knowledge to problems, acquire new knowledge and as a basis for securing commercial and other benefits of research.

The Linkage Projects scheme provides project funding of $50 000 to $300 000 per year for two to five consecutive years.

Budget items that directly support a research project may be funded, including:

• access to national and international research and infrastructure facilities (including specialist archives, collections and databases)
• access to technical workshop services linked to and justified explicitly against the Project (for example, machine tools and qualified technicians)
• expenditure on Field Research essential to the Project, including technical and logistical support, and travel and accommodation costs, for CIs, PIs, HDR candidates, postdoctoral fellows and research support personnel
• expert services of a third party if the services are deemed to be directly related to and necessary for the proposed Project. Such services include, but are not limited to: 
• language translation services, transcribing services
• purchase of bibliographical or archival material (electronic or hard copy) and
• data collection and analysis services.
• equipment (and its maintenance) and consumables required for the Project. Funding will not be provided for equipment or consumables that are deemed to be for broad general use
• specialised computer equipment and software essential to the Project
• travel costs essential to the Project, including economy travel costs for domestic and/or international travel and accommodation, not exceeding an average of $20 000 per year of the project. Funding is permitted for CIs, PIs, HDR candidates, postdoctoral fellows and research support personnel. Travel costs related to carrying out Field Research are supported separately and are not counted towards the average of $20 000 per year limit
• workshops, focus groups and conferences that are necessary for the conduct of the proposed research (including reasonable hospitality costs such as morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea)
• personnel:
• salary support for research associates and assistants, technicians and laboratory attendants at an appropriate salary level, including 28 per cent on-costs, for the Administering Organisation; and
• stipends for HDR students, in whole or in part, at an appropriate level for the Administering Organisation or the relevant industry sector.
• publication and dissemination of Project outputs and outreach activity costs, and
• teaching relief for CIs up to a total value for the Project of $40 000 per year; and web hosting and web development specific to the project.

Eligibility for Participants
Participant roles are open to international candidates as long as they apply through an eligible Australian organisation and the candidate meets the role specific eligibility criteria as found within the latest Linkage Projects funding rule [6]s.

Eligible Collaborating Organisations
Australian and international organisations (including companies, non-profit, government organisations and international higher education organisations) may be collaborating organisations or Partner Organisations provided they meet the general eligibility criteria for Partner Organisations and additional criteria as found within the latest Linkage Projects funding rules [6].

The Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme fosters collaboration through its support of the cooperative use of national and international research facilities. Visit the LIEF [7] webpage for a full list of objectives.

The LIEF scheme provides funding for large-scale cooperative initiatives so that expensive infrastructure, equipment and facilities can be shared between higher education organisations and also with industry. It provides minimum funding of $150 000 per year and maximum funding of up to 75 per cent of the total direct cost of the infrastructure, equipment and facilities.

Budget items which directly support provision of infrastructure, equipment and facilities for use in research projects may be funded, including:

• purchase, upgrade, construction, transportation of, installation of, maintenance of and/or management of access to the research infrastructure (including animal houses, herbaria, experimental farms), and salaries, including 28 per cent on-costs, directly associated with these activities
• integrated research facilities consisting of multiple components which can be used either simultaneously or serially for research projects (where each of these research projects is integrated by having a single research aim or theme). However multiple components that are not genuinely integrated, cannot be requested solely to reach the minimum level of funding
• coordinated access to international facilities (enabled under a written agreement between the Administering Organisation and the relevant international facility) and major national facilities, for up to five (5) years
• library and research information infrastructure (non-capital aspects only) to support specific research projects/programs which may also include salaries and minor pieces of equipment to build an integrated facility and 
• compilations, catalogues, clearing houses or bibliographies that build on and develop other current or recent competitively funded projects/programs.

Eligibility for Participants
Participant roles are open to international candidates as long as they apply through an eligible Australian organisation and the candidate meets the role specific eligibility criteria as found within the latest LIEF funding rules [6].

Eligible Collaborating Organisations
Australian and international organisations (including companies, non-profit, government organisations and international higher education organisations) are eligible to be collaborating organisations or Partner Organisations provided they meet the general eligibility criteria for Partner Organisations as found within the latest LIEF funding rules [6].

Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP)
ITRP offers two funding schemes attractive to both university-based researchers and industries. The Industrial Transformation Research Priorities [8] are current research areas identified by the ARC, for the two schemes, which are updated each scheme round.

Industrial Transformation Research Hubs (ITRH)
The ITRH encourage Research and Development that could help solve the big problems facing our industries today. In these hubs, managers, researchers and industry workers will work together to address everything from our need to reduce pollution in our manufacturing processes to our struggle to compete locally with a high Australian dollar. Visit the ITRH [9] page for further information.

Industrial Transformation Training Centres (ITTC)
The ITTC scheme fosters close partnerships between university-based researchers and industry to provide innovative training for HDR and postdoctoral fellows. Through these Training Centres, participants gain real-world practical skills and experience through placement in industry. Visit the ITTC [10] page for further information.

Budget items Supported for ITRH including:

• access to national and international research and infrastructure facilities including specialist archives, collections and databases
• access to Technical Workshop Services linked to and justified explicitly against the Project (for example, machine tools and qualified technicians)
• expenditure on Field Research essential to the Project, including technical and logistical support, and travel and accommodation costs, for CIs, PIs, HDR candidates, postdoctoral fellows and research support personnel
• expert services of a third party if the services are deemed to be directly related to and necessary for the proposed Project. Such services include, but are not limited to: 
• language translation services, transcribing services
• purchase of bibliographical or archival material (electronic or hard copy) and
• data collection and analysis services.
• equipment (and its maintenance) and consumables required for the Project. Funding will not be provided for equipment or consumables that are deemed to be for broad general use
• specialised computer equipment and software essential to the Project
• travel costs essential to the Project, including economy travel costs for domestic and/or international travel and accommodation, not exceeding an average of $20 000 per year of the project. Funding is permitted for CIs, PIs, HDR candidates, postdoctoral fellows and research support personnel. Travel costs related to carrying out Field Research are supported separately and are not counted towards the average of $20 000 per year limit
• workshops, focus groups and conferences that are necessary for the conduct of the proposed research (including reasonable hospitality costs such as morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea)
• personnel: 
• salary support for a Hub Manager, research associates and assistants, technicians and laboratory attendants at an appropriate salary level, including 28 per cent on-costs, for the Administering Organisation and
• stipends for HDR students, in whole or in part, at an appropriate level for the Administering Organisation or the relevant industry.
• teaching relief for CIs up to a total value of $50 000 per year where it is demonstrated that it will enhance engagement with the Partner Organisation(s) and
• website development and maintenance for the dissemination of Research Hub outputs.

Budget items Supported for ITTC including:

• access to national and international research and infrastructure facilities including specialist archives, collections and databases
• access to Technical Workshop Services linked to and justified explicitly against the Project (for example, machine tools and qualified technicians)
• expenditure on Field Research essential to the Project, including technical and logistical support, and travel and accommodation costs, for CIs, PIs, HDR candidates, postdoctoral fellows and research support personnel
• expert services of a third party if the services are deemed to be directly related to and necessary for the proposed Project. Such services include, but are not limited to: 
• language translation services, transcribing services
• purchase of bibliographical or archival material (electronic or hard copy) and
• data collection and analysis services.
• equipment (and its maintenance) and consumables required for the Project. Funding will not be provided for equipment or consumables that are deemed to be for broad general use
• specialised computer equipment and software essential to the Project
• travel costs essential to the Project, including economy travel costs for domestic and/or international travel and accommodation, not exceeding an average of $20 000 per year of the project. Funding is permitted for CIs, PIs, HDR candidates, postdoctoral fellows and research support personnel. Travel costs related to carrying out Field Research are supported separately and are not counted towards the average of $20 000 per year limit
• workshops, focus groups and conferences that are necessary for the conduct of the proposed research (including reasonable hospitality costs such as morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea)
• personnel: 
• stipends for HDR candidates enrolled at an Eligible Organisation, at $30 746 (2014$, 1.0 Full Time Equivalent) per year for a three (3) year period, beginning in the first year of the Project. All HDR candidate stipends requested from the ARC must include a request for a pro-rata six (6) month extension in the fourth year of the Proposal budget
• postdoctoral fellows, at $108 810 (2014$, 1.0 Full Time Equivalent) per year for researchers appointed for at least half-time (50 per cent of Full Time Equivalent) at an Eligible Organisation for the duration of the Project and 
• salary support for a Training Centre Manager, research associates and assistants, technicians and laboratory attendants at an appropriate salary level, including 28 per cent on-costs, for the Administering Organisation.
• relocation costs for HDR candidates and postdoctoral fellows subject to the policies of the Administering Organisation and
• website development and maintenance for the dissemination of Training Centre outputs.

Eligibility for Participants
Participant roles are open to international candidates as long as they apply through an eligible Australian organisation and the candidate meets the role-specific eligibility criteria as found within the latest ITRH funding rules [6] and ITTC funding rules [6].

Eligible Collaborating Organisations
Australian and international organisations (including companies, non-profit, government organisations and international higher education organisations) may be collaborating organisations or Partner Organisations provided they meet the general eligibility criteria and additional conditions for Partner Organisations as found within the latest ITRH funding rules [6] and ITTC funding rules [6]. 

An ITRH or ITTC proposal must include at least one Australian Partner Organisation.

ARC Centres of Excellence are prestigious foci of expertise through which high-quality researchers maintain and develop Australia's international standing in research areas of national priority. Through ARC Centres of Excellence, a high level of collaboration occurs between universities and other organisations in Australia and overseas. For full details visit the ARC Centres of Excellence [12] webpage.

ARC Centres of Excellence are typically funded over a period of up to seven years, allowing them the flexibility to undertake comprehensive research programs that tackle Australia’s big challenges, as well as short-term projects that answer emerging issues or questions.The minimum level of ARC funding for an ARC Centre of Excellence is $1 million per calendar year and the maximum level of funding is million per calendar year.

Budget items that directly support the research program may be supported, including:

• salaries and up to 30 per cent on-costs for Centre personnel who perform research or activities that support the research, including Research Associates, Research Assistants, a Centre Manager or Chief Operations Officer, technicians and laboratory assistants but excluding the Centre Director, Chief Investigators, and Partner Investigators. Salary support must be requested at an appropriate level for the Administering or Collaborating Organisation(s)
• stipends for postgraduate students, in whole or in part, at an appropriate level for the Administering or Collaborating Organisation(s)
• equipment used for the Centre research program
• maintenance and consumables required for the Centre research program but excluding that deemed to be for broad general use;
• access to workshop services linked to the Centre research program
• publication and dissemination of Centre outputs and outreach activity, including the development and maintenance of the Centre’s website
• general domestic and international travel costs (economy) for Centre personnel where this is related to the research program or to support fieldwork essential to the research program (including research, technical and logistical support, local travel and accommodation costs) and
• domestic and international travel costs (economy) for visitors to the Centre where this is related to the research program or Centre governance.

Eligibility for Participants
Participant roles are open to international candidates as long as they apply through an eligible Australian organisation and the candidate meets the role specific eligibility criteria as found within the latest ARC Centres of Excellence funding rules [6].

Eligible Collaborating Organisations
Both Australian and international organisations are eligible to be partner organisations provided they meet the general eligibility criteria and additional conditions for Partner Organisations as found within the latest ARC Centres of Excellence funding rules [6].

The Discovery Projects scheme provides funding for research projects that can be undertaken by individual researchers or research teams. Visit the Discovery Projects [14] page for a full list of objectives.

The Discovery Projects scheme is an integral part of the Australian Research Council’s Discovery Program which supports high quality research essential to Australia’s innovation system for the development of new ideas, job creation, economic growth, and an enhanced quality of life in Australia.

The Discovery Projects scheme provides project funding of between $30 000 and $500 000 per year for up to five consecutive years. This scheme may also include a Discovery International Awards to support Australian-based researchers working overseas or overseas researchers working in Australia on a project. For more information on Discovery International Awards, please refer to the next section.

Budget items that may be Supported under Discovery Projects:

• access to national and international research and infrastructure facilities including specialist archives, collections and databases
• access to Workshop Services linked to and justified explicitly against the Project (for example, machine tools and qualified technicians)
• expenditure on Field Research essential to the Project, including technical and logistical support, and travel and accommodation costs
• expert services of a third party if the services are deemed to be directly related to and necessary for the proposed Project. Such services include, but are not limited to:
• language translation services, transcribing services
• purchase of bibliographical or archival material (electronic or hard copy) and
• data collection and analysis services.
• equipment (and its maintenance) and consumables required for the Project. Funding will not be provided for equipment or consumables that are deemed to be for broad general use
• personnel: for example postdoctoral research associates, research assistants, technicians and laboratory attendants. Salary support must be requested at an appropriate salary level for the Administering Organisation, including 28 per cent on-costs
• publication and dissemination of Project outputs and outreach activity costs
• specialised computer equipment and software essential to the Project
• web hosting and web development specific to the Project
• workshops, focus groups and conferences (including reasonable hospitality costs such as morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea) that are necessary for the conduct of the proposed research
• HDR stipends, at a rate of $25 406 (2014$) per year
• teaching relief for CIs up to a total of $40 000 per year per project and
• travel costs essential to the Project, including economy travel costs for domestic and/or international travel, up to $50 000 over the life of the Project. Funding is permitted for CIs, PIs and research support personnel. Travel costs related to carrying out Field Research are not included in this $50 000 limit on travel.

Eligibility for Participants
Participant roles (including CI and PI roles) for Discovery Project proposals are open to international candidates as long as they apply through an eligible Australian organisation and the candidate meets the role specific eligibility criteria as found within the latest Discovery Projects funding rules [6].

Eligible Collaborating Organisations
PIs from Australian and international organisations (including companies, non-profit, government organisations and international higher education organisations) can participate on Discovery projects. For further information please refer to the Discovery Projects funding rules [6].

The Discovery International Awards (DIAs) are available for researchers of exceptional promise to undertake research in Australia of national and international significance. Visit the Discovery Projects [14] page for a full list of objectives.

As part of the Discovery Projects scheme, applicants are able to apply for a DIA. These awards are funded as a Special condition within the Discovery Projects scheme and may be requested for up to two researchers (either CIs or PIs) per proposal to encourage collaborative research.

Budget items that may be Supported under DIAs:

• for up to two researchers (either CIs or PIs) per Proposal
• for a CI to work overseas on the Project with an overseas based PI, and/or a PI based overseas to work in Australia on the Discovery Project. Preference will be given to overseas-based PIs to travel to Australia for collaborative research
• for collaborative research (DIAs do not fund travel to Australia by PIs located at an overseas campus of an Australian Eligible Organisation) and 
• to fund the following items: travel on international return economy class airfares, reasonable local travel, a living allowance and consumables. The living allowance should be based on standard institutional rates for academic visitors.

Eligibility for Participants
DIA applications are open to international candidates as long as they apply through an eligible Australian organisation and the candidate meets the specific eligibility criteria as found within the latest Discovery Projects funding rules [6].

The Discovery Early Career Researcher Award [15] (DECRA) scheme provides more focused support for researchers and create more opportunities for early-career researchers in both teaching and research, and research-only positions. For a full list of objectives visit the Discovery Early Career Researcher Award [15] page.

The DECRA scheme supports, and creates opportunities for, early-career researchers in both teaching and research and research-only positions in Australia.

Up to 200 three-year DECRAs may be awarded each year providing a researcher with up to $134 512 per year of funding: $94 512 in salary including and 28 per cent on-costs and up to $40 000 in project costs.

Budget items for Project costs may be used for items which directly support the research Project, including:

• access to national and international research and infrastructure facilities including specialist archives, collections and databases
• access to Workshop Services linked to and justified explicitly against the Project (for example, machine tools and qualified technicians)
• expert services of a third party if the services are deemed to be directly related to and necessary for the proposed Project. Such services include, but are not limited to: 
• language translation services, transcribing services
• purchase of bibliographical or archival material (electronic or hard copy) and
• data collection and analysis services.
• equipment (and its maintenance) and consumables required for the Project. Funding will not be provided for equipment or consumables that are deemed to be for broad general use
• personnel: for example postdoctoral research associates, research assistants, technicians and laboratory attendants. Salary support must be requested at an appropriate salary level for the Administering Organisation, including 28 per cent on-costs
• publication and dissemination of Project outputs and outreach activity costs
• specialised computer equipment and software essential to the Project
• web hosting and web development specific to the Project
• workshops, focus groups and conferences (including reasonable hospitality costs such as morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea) that are necessary for the conduct of the proposed research
• expenditure on Field Research essential to the Project, including technical and logistical support. Field Research travel and accommodation costs may be funded for the DECRA candidate and support personnel
• HDR stipends, at a rate of $25 406 (2014$) per annum (up to one per Proposal) for students enrolled at Eligible Organisations and
• travel costs essential to the Project, including economy travel costs for domestic and/or international travel not exceeding $50 000 over the life of the Project. Funding for travel is permitted for the DECRA Recipient only. Travel and accommodation costs related to carrying out Field Research are not included in this total.

Eligibility for Participants
Researchers may be eligible to apply for a DECRA if they have been awarded a PhD within five years of the closing time for submission of proposals for the scheme round. Researchers who have had a significant career interruption (maternity or parental leave; carer’s responsibility; illness; relocation due to international postdoctoral studies; unemployment or non-research employment) but have been awarded a PhD within eight years of the closing time for the scheme round may also be eligible to apply. Please refer to the latest Discovery Early Career Researcher Award funding rules [6] for this scheme for eligible periods and types of career interruptions.

The Australian Laureate Fellowships supports excellence in research by attracting world-class researchers and research leaders to key positions, and creating new rewards and incentives for the application of their talents in Australia. The Australian Laureate Fellowships supports excellence in research by attracting and retaining the best and brightest mid-career researchers. For full details visit the Australian Laureate Fellowships [16] page.

The prestigious Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme supports outstanding Australian and international researchers and research leaders to build Australia’s research capacity, undertake innovative research programs and mentor early career researchers.

Up to 17 five-year Australian Laureate Fellowships may be awarded each year, providing a salary supplement of $117 620 plus on costs (2014), in addition to a Level E professorial salary provided by the Administering Organisation; funding for up to two Postdoctoral Research Associates (five years) and two Postgraduate Researchers (four years); and up to $300 000 per annum project funding.

Budget items supported that directly support a research program may be funded, including:

• access to national and international research and infrastructure facilities including specialist archives, collections and databases
• access to Workshop Services linked to and justified explicitly against the Project (for example, machine tools and qualified technicians) 
• expenditure on Field Research essential to the Project, including technical and logistical support, and travel and accommodation costs
• expert services of a third party if the services are deemed to be directly related to and necessary for the proposed Project. Such services include, but are not limited to: 
• language translation services, transcribing services
• purchase of bibliographical or archival material (electronic or hard copy) and
• data collection and analysis services.
• equipment (and its maintenance) and consumables required for the Project. Funding will not be provided for equipment or consumables that are deemed to be for broad general use
• personnel: for example postdoctoral research associates, research assistants, technicians and laboratory attendants. Salary support must be requested at an appropriate salary level for the Administering Organisation, including 28 per cent on-costs
• HDR stipends
• publication and dissemination of Project outputs and outreach activity costs
• specialised computer equipment and software essential to the Project
• web hosting and web development specific to the Project
• workshops, focus groups and conferences (including reasonable hospitality costs such as morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea) that are necessary for the conduct of the proposed research
• personnel (salaries and on-costs), including:
• Australian Laureate Fellow, PDRAs, and PGRs as outlined in section B9
• technicians, laboratory attendants and research assistants; but excluding those items not permitted under subsection A5.3.1. 
• domestic and international economy travel costs, subject to the policies of the Administering Organisation, for the Australian Laureate Fellow, PDRAs, PGRs and research support personnel only. Funding is permitted for domestic and international economy travel associated with the Project, including to foster and strengthen collaborations between researchers in Australia and overseas and
• funding where the candidate has applied for either the Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellowship or Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellowship and intends to use these funds as part of their ambassadorial role to promote women in research.

* The Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellowship and Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellowship aim to encourage applications from female research leaders of international repute. These two fellowships involve the provision of additional funding of up to $20 000 per annum (for five years), for successful recipients to undertake an ambassadorial role to promote women in research and to mentor early career researchers, particularly women, to encourage them to enter and establish careers in research in Australia. For specific eligibility criteria, please refer to the latest Australian Laureate Fellowships funding rules.

Eligibility for Participants
Open to applications from outstanding researchers of international repute, the Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme particularly encourages proposals involving Australian and non-Australian researchers currently working overseas by providing eligible Australian Laureate Fellows with Project Funding in addition to a salary supplement and salary-related (on-cost) support.

An Australian Laureate Fellowship candidate may hold a continuing or non-continuing appointment in Australia or overseas at the time the Proposal is submitted.

More information can be found within the latest Australian Laureate Fellowships funding rules [6].

The Future Fellowships scheme aims to attract and retain the best and brightest mid-career researchers working in areas of national priority. The scheme supports excellence in research by giving outstanding researchers incentives to conduct their research in Australia and building collaborations across industry and/or research organisations, as well as across disciplines.

The Future Fellowships scheme supports research in areas of critical national importance that will result in economic, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits for Australia. Up to 100 four-year awards will be offered each year. For full details visit the Future Fellowships [17] page.

Budget items supported that directly support a research program may be funded, including:

• access to national and international research and infrastructure facilities including specialist archives, collections and databases
• access to Workshop Services linked to and justified explicitly against the Project (for example, machine tools and qualified technicians)
• expenditure on Field Research essential to the Project, including technical and logistical support, and travel and accommodation costs
• expert services of a third party if the services are deemed to be directly related to and necessary for the proposed Project
• equipment (and its maintenance) and consumables required for the Project (funding will not be provided for equipment or consumables that are deemed to be for broad general use)
• personnel: for example postdoctoral research associates, research assistants, technicians and laboratory attendants
• publication and dissemination of Project outputs and outreach activity costs
• specialised computer equipment and software essential to the Project
• travel costs essential to the Project, including economy travel costs for domestic and/or international travel associated with the Project, including to foster and to strengthen collaborations between researchers in Australia and overseas
• web hosting and web development specific to the Project
• workshops, focus groups and conferences (including reasonable hospitality costs such as morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea) that are necessary for the conduct of the proposed research.

In addition to budget items supported, budget items which directly support the Future Fellowship Candidate’s research may be funded, including:

• expenditure on Field Research essential to the Project, including technical and logistical support. Field Research travel and accommodation costs may be funded for the Future Fellowship candidate and support personnel
• higher degree by research stipends, at a rate of $25,861 (2015$) per annum (up to one per Proposal) for students enrolled at Eligible Organisations
• relocation costs subject to the policies of the Administering Organisation
• travel costs essential to the Project, including economy travel costs for domestic and/or international travel and accommodation (excluding relocation costs).

Eligibility for Participants

Participant roles are open to international candidates as long as application is made through an eligible Australian organisation and the candidate meets the role specific eligibility criteria as found within the latest funding rules. Please note that preference will be given to Australian researchers. More information can be found within the latest Future Fellowships funding rules [6].

The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.

The New Colombo Plan involves a scholarships program for study of up to one year and internships or mentorships, and a flexible mobility grants program for both short and longer-term study, internships, mentorships, practicums and research. More information can be found on the New Colombo plan website [18].

The Australian Government Department of Education administers the Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships. The Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships program builds Australia's reputation for excellence in the provision of education and supports the internationalisation of Australia's tertiary education and research sectors by offering highly-competitive scholarships, bringing top students from Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas to study at Australian institutions and supporting Australians to undertake study, research overseas and internships. More information can be found on the Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships website [19].