External research grant applications

If you apply for funding through an organisation outside Metro South Health, you must follow their rules. If you want us to administer the funding for your research project, we'll need to be part of the application process.

The information below is general and is about applying to external organisations for research grants. Start by reading Research grants administration.

To learn about research grants funded by Metro South Health, see the Metro South Health Research Support Scheme.

Before you start writing

Grant rounds are open for a limited number of weeks, but you don’t have to wait for a grant round to open to start preparing.

Make sure you read the grant guidelines carefully. Your research idea must fit the objectives of the funding program. If the guidelines haven't been released yet, read the previous year's guidelines.

Before you start writing an application:

  • consult with a department head to discuss the feasibility of your research idea
  • check the list of previous grant recipients to see what was funded
  • email MSH-Grants@health.qld.gov.au and tell us you're planning to submit an application so we can make sure we have the resources and time to help you.

Visit Training and education for researchers for recorded videos on ethics, site-specific assessment, and grants.

Plan your time

Start planning early so you're not doing everything at the last minute.

  • Check the closing date for applications
  • Make a list of the application submission requirements
  • Research the literature
  • Talk to your research collaborators
  • Develop you research plan
  • Talk to your business team about a project budget
  • Find out how to get supporting documents, like a letter of support.

With enough notice our research support coordinator can help you to prepare your submission.

Write your application

You need to make a strong case for why your project should get funding. A competitive application will clearly explain why the research is significant and how you will deliver the project.

  • Consider writing and editing your draft application in MS Word
  • Remember that application reviewers will read a lot of applications so write clearly about your research aims and methods, project timeline, and expected outcomes
  • Demonstrate that you and your research team have the skills, time, experience and resources to deliver the project
  • Explain how your project meets the priorities of the funding organisation and will be a good use of their funds
  • Proofread your application and make sure you've addressed the all of the assessment criteria.

Review your application

Always ask someone else to read your application and give their feedback. It's best to do this before you ask for letters of support or submit it to the funding body.

Metro South Health letters of support

If your grant application requires a letter of support from Metro South Health, you must allow at least 2 weeks for us to help you with that. Read our letters of support work instruction or email us at MSH-Grants@health.qld.gov.au for help.

Where to apply for grants external to Metro South Health

Funding is available from federal and state government as well as other Australian and international organisations.

Australian Government grants

The Australian Government's website for federal grants and funding programs is GrantConnect.

Queensland Government grants

Australian funding organisations

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be notified of upcoming and open grant opportunities.

Contact us

If you've got any questions, you can contact us by:

Last updated:   May 2026

Back to top