For early-career researchers, securing the right funding can be the key to launching a successful academic career. Australia’s Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) for 2027 is a highly regarded opportunity, especially for African and Asian scholars looking to establish themselves in the global research community. This prestigious scheme offers substantial funding, career stability, and the freedom to lead your own research at a crucial stage.
DECRA is much more than a typical grant; it is a comprehensive career accelerator. Successful applicants receive three years of dedicated salary support, plus up to $50,000 per year in project funding. This strong financial backing allows you to focus on producing world-class research with real impact in Australia and beyond.
What Does the DECRA 2027 Award Offer?
The DECRA scheme provides extensive support for practical, high-impact research. Recipients benefit from:
- Three full years of salary and employment cost support
- Up to $50,000 per year in project funding
- Financial support to hire research assistants, technicians, or postdoctoral staff
- Full access to infrastructure, laboratories, and technical services
- $50,000 over the award period for field research and essential travel
- Funds for equipment, consumables, and specialist software
- Budget for publication costs, outreach, and dissemination activities
- Support for attending conferences, workshops, and collaboration events
- Additional support for researchers with significant caring responsibilities
This generous package makes DECRA one of Australia’s most practical and respected awards for early-career academics.
Who Can Apply for DECRA Funding?
The DECRA 2027 award is aimed at high-potential researchers ready for leadership. Applicants should have a strong record of early career academic achievement and a proven ability to deliver innovative, high-impact research. Leadership and supervision skills are important, as is a commitment to projects that bring economic, environmental, cultural, or social benefits to Australia.
Applicants are usually expected to hold a teaching-and-research or research-only post at an eligible institution, and must be prepared to lead a defined, ambitious project for the full three-year award period.
How to Apply
Apply via the official ARC website:
Click Here to Apply
Key Dates for DECRA 2027 Applications
Take note of these important dates:
- Applications open: 28 January 2026
- “Request Not to Assess” period closes: 25 February 2026
- Final application deadline: 11 March 2026
- Funding announcements: 10 December 2026 to 9 March 2027
Why Apply for a DECRA Award?
Winning a DECRA award offers more than just financial support. It brings immediate academic recognition and acts as a powerful catalyst for your career. Awardees gain excellent opportunities to build national and international collaborations, paving the way for a long-term, influential career in research and innovation within Australia’s world-class academic environment.
For post-PhD researchers from Africa and Asia who are ready to lead, the DECRA 2027 scheme is a strategic next step. Start preparing your application now to turn your research ambitions into reality.
