UNSW Green Fellowship Program 2025 | Fully Funded Fellowship in Australia
In a world facing climate uncertainty, the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) come forward with an ambitious and timely initiative namely the UNSW Green Fellowship Program 2025. Designed to attract the most dynamic and visionary researchers globally, this fully funded fellowship empowers early- to mid-career researchers to focus on tackling some of the world’s most urgent climate and sustainability challenges.
Backed by UNSW’s world-class infrastructure, the program nurtures interdisciplinary collaboration across science, engineering, law, business, and design, all within one of Australia’s leading research ecosystems.
Fellowship Purpose: Supporting Bold Climate Solutions
The Green Fellowships are research-focused positions that give exceptional scholars the space and resources to pursue groundbreaking, high-impact projects aligned with UNSW’s “Climate, Environment and Sustainability” priority.
The program serves as a catalyst for building a talent pipeline for long-term academic appointments while also advancing the university’s goal to become a global sustainability leader.
Who Should Apply?
This program is tailor-made for:
Postdoctoral researchers
Early-career academics (5–8 years post-PhD)
Mid-career researchers building cross-disciplinary portfolios
It’s particularly ideal for candidates looking after to build or lead collaborative research groups in climate-related areas with real-world applications and policy influence.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
Hold a PhD (or equivalent) at the time of application
Demonstrate a track record of independent research in environment-related topics
Showed strong vision aligned with UNSW’s Climate and Sustainability Research Strategy
Be willing to relocate to Sydney, Australia for the duration of the entire fellowship
Meet all relevant pre-visa and employment eligibility conditions under Australian law
What Makes UNSW’s Green Fellowship Unique?
Unlike many traditional research fellowships, this program offers:
Full salary (competitive academic appointment)
A generous research support package
Dedicated mentoring from UNSW senior researchers
Strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration
Clear pathways toward tenure-track academic appointments
Long-term engagement with UNSW’s Sustainability Research & Innovation Hub
It is not just a fellowship — it is a career-launching platform.
Key Benefits
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 5 years total (3 years fellowship + 2 years review) |
| Salary Package | Equivalent to academic Level B or C (commensurate with experience) |
| Relocation Support | Available for international applicants |
| Research Funding | Seed funding provided directly to fellows |
| Mentorship | Strategic academic mentorship across faculties |
Priority Research Themes
UNSW has identified several key research areas under this fellowship, including:
Climate risk and resilience
Decarbonisation and clean energy
Circular economy and sustainable design
Water security and biodiversity
Climate justice and equitable transitions
Climate finance and economics
Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with these interdisciplinary themes that will meet university requirenment and more chances of success.
Timeline and Application Deadlines
| Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | July 2025 |
| Deadline | October 10, 2025 |
| Review Period | Oct–Nov 2025 |
| Final Offers | By December 2025 |
| Fellowship Commences | Between March–July 2026 |
Early applications are strongly encouraged. Late applications may not be reviewed.
Application Process
Expression of Interest (EOI): Required to initiate your application and match you with a host school or faculty.
Host Confirmation: Faculty endorsement of your proposal and potential impact.
Full Application: Submission of a detailed proposal, CV, statement of alignment, and references.
Panel Review: Competitive review by a cross-disciplinary UNSW selection committee.
Applications are assessed based on:
Academic excellence
Impact potential
Fit with UNSW’s priorities
Collaborative potential
2 Expert Tips for Applicants
Tip #1: Craft a Cross-Cutting Research Vision
Concepts that combine several faculties (e.g., engineering + law, or business + environment) are highly valued. Try to link climate research to industry or public policy for optimal use.
Tip #2: Obtain Early Faculty Buy-In
Before you begin applying, make initial contact with your preferred research center or school within UNSW. Early contact will greatly enhance your likelihood of gaining internal sponsorship.
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Other SCholarship Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the UNSW Green Fellowship open to non-Australian citizens?
Yes, the fellowship opportunity is open to both domestic and international researchers. Visa support and relocation packages are also covered in this.
2. Do I need to secure a supervisor before applying?
Its not a requirement; however, it’s highly recommended to engage with a relevant UNSW faculty early. This will definitely strengthen your application during the internal review.
3. Can I apply with a team or co-lead a project?
No. The fellowship is awarded to individual researchers only. Approval or rejection will be finalized on the basis of individual cases. i.e, his experience, education and other merits.
4. Will this lead to a permanent academic role at UNSW?
Yes. Successful fellows who meet performance benchmarks may transition to a continuing academic role following the fellowship period.
Final Thoughts
The UNSW Green Fellowship Program 2025 is not just a research scholarship — it‘s a bold chance to influence the future of innovation and sustainability science from a world–leading university.
If you‘re prepared to lead actual change and drive climate solutions in an open-world collaborative environment, this is your time.
For more information, please click the official website or email [email protected].
