International Grants Accelerator Program (IGAP)

Overview

Driven by the Advancing Research 2030 Excellence for Impact strategy, The International Grants Accelerator Program (IGAP) supports University of Melbourne staff to undertake targeted international activities that strengthen engagement with international research funding opportunities.

The scheme offers two streams:

Academic Stream - supports researchers to develop and submit a competitive international funding application in the 2027 calendar year through undertaking or hosting an international visit.

Professional Stream - supports professional staff to build institutional capability in international research funding through targeted activities that strengthen understanding of international sponsors, funding opportunities, partnerships and research management practices.

Applications focused on Horizon Europe opportunities are strongly encouraged.

Eligibility requirements differ between the Academic and Professional streams. Applicants should refer to the relevant scheme guidelines before applying.

Please note there are two application rounds for this scheme and therefore different due dates apply.

Funding

The program offers two funding streams. The Academic Stream provides travel awards of up to AU$10,000 (funded by Chancellery Research and Enterprise in a 1:1 match with faculties) to support researchers developing competitive international funding applications, while the Professional Stream provides travel awards of up to AU$6,000 to support activities that strengthen institutional capability in international research funding. Applicants should refer to the relevant guidelines for eligibility, funding arrangements and eligible expenses.

How to apply

1. Review the IGAP guidelines

Review the relevant stream guidelines and supporting documentation before commencing your application. The Guidelines can be found under 'Supporting documents' below.

2. Discuss your proposal with RIC International

Applicants for the professional stream should reach out to ric-international@unimelb.edu.au to discuss their proposal and dissemination prior to submitting an application.

3. Complete and submit the application form on SmartyGrants

Complete the application form in SmartyGrants and upload a fully signed Authority to Submit form. The relevant Authority to Submit forms can be found under 'Supporting Documents' below.

Note that applicants are not required to create a Cayuse proposal or award for RIC- RDS opportunities.

Supporting documents

• 2026 IGAP Academic Staff Guidelines
• 2026 IGAP Professional Staff Guidelines
• SmartyGrants Application Form (Round 2)
• Authority to Submit Academic template
• Authority to Submit  Professional template
• Webinar Slides
• Webinar Recording  (Passcode: 4=jw*m1h)

Contacts