ARC Discovery Projects

Funding available

Typically $30,000–$500,000 per year for up to 5 years

Deadlines

Annual round, typically opening late in the year and closing early the following year. Confirm dates on the ARC website.

Who it's for

Australian university researchers seeking funding for fundamental and applied research across all disciplines.

Overview

Discovery Projects is the Australian Research Council's flagship scheme for funding excellent fundamental and applied research by individual researchers and teams. It supports research across all disciplines except clinical medicine and dentistry.

The scheme is highly competitive and assessed primarily on the quality of the research, the investigator team's track record, and the project's significance and innovation. Funding is awarded to the administering university, not directly to individuals.

Eligibility

• Chief Investigators must hold an eligible position at an Australian university
• Applications are submitted through the administering research office
• Project must be primarily research (not infrastructure or teaching)
• Limits apply on the number of concurrent ARC projects an investigator can hold

How to apply

Applications are prepared in the ARC's RMS (Research Management System) and must be submitted through your university's research office, which sets internal deadlines well ahead of the ARC closing date.

A competitive proposal presents a compelling research question, a rigorous and feasible methodology, and a team with a demonstrated track record. Engage your research office early — their review and the university's internal ranking significantly affect outcomes.

Official source & application portal: https://www.arc.gov.au/grants/discovery-program/discovery-projects
Content last verified 2026-09-01. Always confirm current details, amounts and dates with the funding body before applying.