Applying for research funding

Research and innovation projects

Wine Australia invests through strategic agreements with research organisations and periodically requests applications for research, development and extension projects addressing specific topics. New opportunities will be published on this page when available.

Applications are expected to demonstrate:

• alignment with grape and wine sector priorities
• clear benefits for the Australian grape and wine sector
• appropriate and achievable research activities and outputs
• credible pathways for sharing knowledge and supporting adoption
• value for money and effective use of available resources.

These principles reflect the assessment considerations described in the supporting funding guides, but applicants should always follow the requirements published for the specific opportunity.

PhD top-up scholarships

Wine Australia's PhD top-up (supplementary) scholarship program supports high-achieving candidates undertaking research in wine science, viticulture, wine business and related fields. The program aims to build research capability and attract researchers whose work can address strategic opportunities and challenges for the Australian grape and wine sector.

Support offered

Wine Australia offers supplementary funding for up to 3.5 years of full-time PhD study. 

The most outstanding eligible applicant may receive the Dr Tony Jordan OAM Award, which provides an additional stipend top-up. The award may not be offered every year.

Applications for PhD top-up scholarships are assessed against:

• academic excellence and research capability
• the feasibility and methodology of the proposed research
• alignment with identified sector priorities
• potential industry benefit and impact
• partnerships and engagement with the grape and wine sector
• pathways for research outputs to reach industry or support adoption
• the expertise and support of the proposed supervisor
• the quality of the applicant’s curriculum vitae
• the applicant’s potential for ongoing involvement in the Australian grape and wine sector.

Funding decisions are subject to the available annual budget.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Wine Australia PhD top-up scholarship, you must:

• be enrolled in, or have applied for, full-time PhD study. Candidates who have already commenced their PhD may apply and should include their PhD start date
• hold, or have applied for, an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship or another equivalent stipend scholarship through your host university
• include a statement confirming your RTP or equivalent scholarship application. If it has already been awarded, include a copy of the letter of offer.

Only supplementary funding can be requested from Wine Australia.

Part-time scholarships may be available in certain circumstances. Part-time candidates are eligible for half the funding available to a full-time candidate and may receive funding for up to six years.

The following candidates are not eligible:

• domestic candidates enrolled at an overseas university
• international candidates who are not based in Australia and are enrolled at an Australian university
• international candidates enrolled at overseas universities

Before you apply

Read the application guide for the relevant opportunity carefully. Check the eligibility criteria, funding conditions, priority topics, assessment criteria, required approvals and supporting documents before beginning your application.

For a PhD top-up scholarship application, supporting material includes:

• a certified undergraduate academic transcript
• a certified postgraduate academic transcript, where applicable
• a current curriculum vitae
• confirmation of support from the proposed supervisor or university
• evidence of the required approval from the host university or administering organisation.

Applicants should allow enough time to obtain institutional approvals before the closing date.