The WA Agricultural Research Collaboration (WAARC) has opened round three of its Postgraduate Research Scholarship Program, adding six new top‑up scholarships to strengthen WA’s pipeline of agricultural research talent.
Backed by the State Government, the program is designed to build research capacity and develop future leaders who will drive innovation across Western Australia’s agricultural industries.
The new scholars will join WAARC’s current cohort of 30 PhD scholarship recipients, increasing the total number to 36 across three years (2024-2026).
In partnership with WAARC’s university members Curtin University, Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia, successful applicants will receive more than $25,700 in top‑up funding annually for up to 3.5 years while completing their PhDs.
Central to the program, students will also gain invaluable professional development, mentoring and industry engagement, including with WAARC’s non-university members Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), CSIRO and Grower Group Alliance (GGA).
Round three applicants must demonstrate their research project aligns with one of five priority areas of capacity need for the WA agricultural sector:
- Data and Digital
- Extension and Communication
- Climate and Sustainability
- Agronomy and Production Systems
- Systems/Interdisciplinary Capacity.
WAARC Director Kelly Pearce said the program continued to invest in the people who would drive the sector forward and play an essential role in building Western Australia’s long-term research capability.
“Rapid change across WA agriculture is creating exciting opportunities for skilled researchers to help the industry adapt, innovate and thrive,” Dr Pearce said.
“We’re seeking postgraduate researchers who can integrate digital technologies, climate science, agronomy and communication to shape the future of WA’s agricultural research workforce.”
The PhD program is part of WAARC’s broader commitment to capacity building and extension, including its recently announced Honours Partnership Program with GGA and sponsorship of a 2026 Churchill Fellowship.
“WAARC scholars receive much more than funding – they become part of a cross-sector network that connects universities, government, growers and national research agencies,” Dr Pearce said.
“Our collaborative model develops the practical skills and real-world experience that modern agricultural research requires – opportunities that go well beyond a traditional scholarship.”
Applications close Wednesday, 29 April 2026 at 5pm (AWST).
Domestic students are strongly preferred; however international students may apply and will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
For more information and to apply, visit SmartyGrants.
Guidelines for applicants are available via SmartyGrants and the WAARC website.
