GO8053: National Intelligence Postdoctoral Grants
The National Intelligence Postdoctoral Grant (NIPG) program sponsors unclassified academic research designed to achieve Australian Government objectives for research and innovation in national intelligence and security.
The program offers funding for Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions for early-mid career researchers to undertake academic research in relation to Research Topics – specific areas of interest and relevance to the National Intelligence Community (NIC).
This round of the program has 18 Research Topics (see documents).
Each fellowship is funded full time for a period of two (2) years or part time where approved by ONI for a period of up to four (4) years.
The Grant will be paid in a single instalment (up to $365,000 GST Exclusive) by ONI before the end of the 2025-2026 Financial Year.
Applications must address one (only one) defined Research Topic.
Applications must be submitted by an eligible Postdoctoral Candidate on behalf of and sponsored by an accredited Australian university (the sponsoring Accredited Australian University must complete a Commitment for Sponsored Research Form).
Postdoctoral Candidate requirements:
- be an individual who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand Special Category Visa holder (passport/visa evidence required)
- hold a PhD in a relevant field conferred within ten years of the application closing date (career interruptions considered) or have submitted the PhD thesis by the application closing date with a Faculty Dean letter vouching anticipated conferral
- the PhD must be conferred before 2026-06-30
Sponsoring organisation requirements: be an accredited Australian university (list of eligible universities provided).
Research Advisor requirements: employed (full-time or contractor subject to flexible arrangements) by the sponsoring accredited Australian university and be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand Special Category Visa holder (Confirmation of Commitment Form required).
Applications must include required attachments (CVs, publication lists, signed forms, passport/visa scans, Acknowledgement/Confirmation/Certification form) and be submitted via the SmartyGrants portal by the closing date.
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Last updated: 12 February 2026