Advanced Research Training for Australian public servants

By APS Academy

 

Australian public servants play a crucial role in shaping and implementing policies that affect the nation. To ensure they remain at the forefront of their fields and contribute effectively to evidence-based policymaking, various advanced research training opportunities are available. These programs aim to enhance the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of public servants, enabling them to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation within the Australian Public Service (APS).

Over 3,000 APS employees have completed some form of advanced research training, many through the programs listed featured in this article. These opportunities provide individuals with advanced research skills, international networks of experts, and exposure to innovative campuses and academics around Australia and the world.

An AI generated illustrative image that features a stack of books with images of the world, syringes, pipettes, graphs and other scientific shapes surrounding the books.

The APSC offers several research-focused programs for public servants:

  1. Policy Research Program: This program provides public servants with the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on policy issues relevant to their department. Participants develop advanced research skills and contribute to evidence-based policymaking.
  2. Data Analytics Program: Focusing on enhancing data literacy and analytical skills, this program equips public servants with the tools to interpret and utilise complex datasets for informed decision-making.

Contact: APSC Learning and Development Team

Email: learninganddevelopment@apsc.gov.au

Application deadline: Varies by program, typically in March and September each year

The Sir Roland Wilson Foundation, in partnership with the Australian National University (ANU), offers PhD scholarships to high-performing APS employees. These scholarships are an opportunity for public servants to undertake rigorous academic research while maintaining their connection to the APS.

Contact: Sir Roland Wilson Foundation

Email: srw.foundation@anu.edu.au

Application deadline: Usually in April each year

These fellowships, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), offer short-term study and professional development opportunities in Australia for mid-career professionals from partner countries. While primarily aimed at international participants, Australian public servants can benefit from networking and knowledge exchange during these programs.

Contact: Australia Awards Information Centre

Email: australiaawards@dfat.gov.au

Application deadline: Varies by country and program

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) offers postgraduate scholarships in various scientific fields. While not exclusively for public servants, these scholarships can be valuable for those working in science-related policy areas.

Contact: CSIRO Education and Outreach

Email: education@csiro.au

Application deadline: Typically in September each year

Many individual government departments offer their own research training programs tailored to their specific needs. For example:

  1. Department of Defence: Defence Science Cadetship Program
  2. Department of Health: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Postgraduate Scholarships
  3. Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

Public servants should check with their respective departments for specific opportunities and deadlines.

While not specifically designed for public servants, ARC Linkage Projects encourage collaboration between higher education researchers and other parts of the national innovation system, including government agencies. Public servants can participate in these projects to enhance their research skills and contribute to policy-relevant research.

Contact: ARC National Office

Email: arc-ncgp@arc.gov.au

Application deadline: Ongoing, with multiple rounds throughout the year

These advanced research training opportunities serve various purposes, including:

  1. Enhancing evidence-based policymaking capabilities
  2. Developing specialized skills in data analysis and interpretation
  3. Fostering innovation and creative problem-solving
  4. Building national and international networks
  5. Promoting knowledge transfer between academia and the public sector
  6. Addressing complex policy challenges through rigorous research.

Public servants interested in these opportunities should consult their department's learning and development team for guidance on application processes and any internal approval requirements. Additionally, they should consider how the research training aligns with their career goals and departmental priorities. Your agency can help you to maintain your engagement with the APS during your study and reintegration upon your return.

By investing in advanced research training, the Australian government aims to create a highly skilled and adaptable public service capable of addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century. These programs not only benefit individual public servants but also contribute to the overall effectiveness and innovation of the Australian Public Service.

A range of research scholarships are available to the public. This is not an exhaustive list.

 

Name Use it for... Deadline
Fullbright Scholarship Postgraduate, postdoctoral, mid-career and professorial education and research at a US-based institution. July 2025
Rhodes Scholarship Postrgraduate study/research at the University of Oxford, for applicants aged 18-24. 12 August 2025
Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Postgraduate study/research at an Australian university 31 October 2025*
(*Some local variation according to different universities)
Churchill Scholarship Four to eight week to learn more about a topic or issue that they are passionate about. No academic or tertiary qualifications are required. Aged 18 and above. 1 May each year
John Monash Scholarship Postgraduate study/research in any field, at any international university. No age limit. 30 June 2026

Finally to learn more, come and listen at a free MasterCraft Series event to hear how a scholarship works for one of the many on offer to Australian residents. Dayle Stanley, Director in International Policy at the Department of Defence and Alex Maclaurin, Communication and Marketing Manager at Fulbright Australia will share what a Fulbright Scholarship is and how it worked in practice. 

Register for this event on Tuesday 22 July 2025 

Topics
Scholarship
Program
Categories
Working in Government
Your APS Career
Last updated
Was this page helpful?

Explore more

MasterCraft Series – The Fulbright Program