Grants and Scholarships - Apply now!
Grants and Scholarships - Apply now!
Grants and Scholarships - Apply now!
Grants and Scholarships - Apply now!
Grants and Scholarships - Apply now!
Grants and Scholarships - Apply now!
Grant round for 2026 opens 1 April
Open to All Members
AOA Research Foundation research grants are open to all AOA members (including affiliate, associate and trainee members). Research projects may cover a broad range of clinical and laboratory investigations that are relevant to the field of orthopaedics. Other types of research such as data linkage studies, observational studies, registry-based research and surgical education research will also be considered. Research projects must be well-defined with a testable hypothesis in order to be considered for funding. Regular grants are generally capped at $30,000.
The AOARF also offers Early Career Researcher (ECR) grants of up to $10,000. ERG grants are restricted to AOA trainees or Fellows who have been awarded FRACS no more than seven years prior. These grants are intended to support pilot projects and other small research studies.
Please note: there have been significant updates made to the Grant Guidelines, Eligibility requirements, Application Form and associated documents in 2026.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to download and read the guidelines below prior to submitting an application.
2026 AOARF Grant Application Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria
Key Dates for the 2026 Grant Round
1 April 2026
Grant and scholarship applications open
30 April 2026 5pm AEST
Grant and scholarship applications close
May – July 2026
Research Advisory Committee assess and rank applications
August 2026
Research Foundation Board meet to decide on successful applications
By 31 August 2026
Grant and scholarship outcomes released
Please note that these dates are subject to change.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the AOARF online application portal during the specified application period dates. Applicants will be required to register in the system using their name, email address and a password. Registration allows applicants to track their application and make changes (up to the application deadline). Applications may create an account at any time.
PhD scholarships: Prospective researchers should review the relevant PhD Scholarship Guidelines available here for more information about eligibility and assessment criteria.
Want to access the online grant system?
A template of the online application form for Regular and Early Career Researcher Grants are available to download below. This is to assist applicants in preparing their application only.
All applications must be submitted via the online grant application portal, as linked above.
Regular grant application form (template only)
Early career researcher grant application form (template only)
Want to make a difference?
Donate to help fund our research today!
Donate to help fund our research today!
Subscribe for all the latest news!
Research Grants and Scholarships
AOA is the peak professional organisation for orthopaedic surgery in Australia. AOA provides education, training and CPD for orthopaedic surgeons, and is the leading authority in the provision of orthopaedic information to the community.
The mission of the Australian Orthopaedic Association Research Foundation is to promote and support research into musculoskeletal disorders. Since the establishment of the AOA Research Fund in 1970, more than $1.65 million has been given to support over 130 research projects.
AOA Research Foundation is registered with the Australian Taxation Office as an Income Tax Exempt Charitable Entity: Charitable Fundraising Authority No 13585
© AOA Research Foundation 2026 All Rights Reserved
