The IEIF ASEAN Research Collaboration Project aims to support high-achieving international post-PhD ECRs to participate in commercially focused research in Australia, reflecting areas of mutual interest with the ASEAN region.

The initiative will support the hosting of researchers by an Australian institution for a period of one to three months to build and deepen institutional linkages, create professional networks, support professional development, and exchange expertise with Australian researchers.

• Coverage:
  • Up to AU$20,000 per internship (up to 3-month duration)
  • Establishment allowance: AU$3,500 (paid once to cover for travel, visa and insurance costs)
  • Monthly stipend: AU$4,000 (paid up to the maximum program duration on a pro-rata basis)
  • Monthly family allowance: AU$1,500* (paid up to the maximum program duration on a pro-rata basis)
    • *if applicable for recipients who are travelling with a dependent family member/s
    • A person is considered dependent if they are wholly or substantially reliant on the recipient for financial, psychological or physical support. Dependants must travel with the internship recipient for the entire duration of their program
  • Eligibility:
    • Be a citizen and/or permanent resident of an ASEAN member state or Timor Leste
    • Not be an Australian citizen and/or permanent resident
    • Have completed a PhD degree or equivalent within the eight years prior to applying to participate in this project (i.e., PhD was conferred from October 2017 onwards)
    • Be available to commence their proposed program in Australia after 2 February 2026 and complete the internship by 24 April 2026
    • Provide a research proposal which falls under one of the eligible research focus areas
    • Provide all relevant supporting documentation in English
    • Obtain a placement offer from an approved host Australian research organisation (list provided in the IEIF – ASEAN Research Collaboration Project 2025 Guidelines (PDF 913 KB))
    • Meet the eligibility requirements to apply for and hold the relevant visa issued by the Department of Home Affairs
  • Eligible Countries:
    • Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Viet Nam
  • Eligible Research Focus Areas
    • Agriculture and Food
    • Resources and Energy
    • Infrastructure
    • The Green Economy
    • Another priority area that will bolster Australia’s competitiveness and drive commercialisation outcomes.

Application details and more info here.