The NSW Institute for Educational Research has established Student Research Grants as one part of its role in encouraging study, research and service in education. The Institute recognises that it is very difficult for these students, whether young or mature aged, to obtain any kind of financial assistance before they are established educational researchers.
These grants should facilitate the undertaking of good quality educational research by students who are usually enrolled at universities in New South Wales. Assistance from the Institute is by way of a seeding grant towards the cost of undertaking the research project and the maximum amount for a grant is $2000. |
Hear from our recipients

Sally Larsen, recipient, 2023
My research focuses on the development of reading comprehension and mathematics from early childhood through to middle secondary school. I focus on the insights that can be gained by analysing standardized assessment data using longitudinal structural equation models. I used the NSWIER grant to complete training in educational measurement and statistical modelling. This training allowed me to have a better knowledge of the development of standardised assessments, including NAPLAN and PISA tests, and enabled me to develop skills in the statistical analysis required for longitudinal studies. READ MORE HERE
My research focuses on the development of reading comprehension and mathematics from early childhood through to middle secondary school. I focus on the insights that can be gained by analysing standardized assessment data using longitudinal structural equation models. I used the NSWIER grant to complete training in educational measurement and statistical modelling. This training allowed me to have a better knowledge of the development of standardised assessments, including NAPLAN and PISA tests, and enabled me to develop skills in the statistical analysis required for longitudinal studies. READ MORE HERE
Tatik Hasan Basyori
The grant was really beneficial in increasing my experiences in researching and supporting community, which increased my profile and career. I was in my third year of my PhD when I received the grant. My PhD research focused on teacher learning and mentoring. Using the grant, I developed a mentoring program for new doctoral students during Covid-19 pandemic and conducted a study on the impact of the program to doctoral students' personal, academic, and social aspects. The success of conducting the project opened up new opportunities for me to get other funding to do bigger projects on the topic and collaborate with more colleagues from some different countries after I graduated.
Applying for Research Grants
Distinguished Student Researcher Grant.
Students at any level of studies; honours, masters or doctoral, may apply.
These grants facilitate the undertaking of good quality educational research by students who are usually enrolled at universities in New South Wales. The Institute recognizes that it is very difficult for students, whether young or mature-aged, to obtain any kind of financial assistance before they are established educational researchers. Assistance from the Institute is by way of a grant towards the cost of undertaking the research project and the maximum amount for a grant is $2,000.
More information about Distinguished Student Researcher Grant
Application for Distinguished Student Researcher Grant
Students at any level of studies; honours, masters or doctoral, may apply.
These grants facilitate the undertaking of good quality educational research by students who are usually enrolled at universities in New South Wales. The Institute recognizes that it is very difficult for students, whether young or mature-aged, to obtain any kind of financial assistance before they are established educational researchers. Assistance from the Institute is by way of a grant towards the cost of undertaking the research project and the maximum amount for a grant is $2,000.
More information about Distinguished Student Researcher Grant
Application for Distinguished Student Researcher Grant
Maria Lock Research Grants
Maria Lock was an Indigenous girl who, at the age of 14, came first in an examination across the Colony of New South Wales. More information about Maria can be found at the Australian Dictionary of Biography http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/AS10292b.htm In order to support ongoing research by Indigenous Australians, the IER is proud to host the Maria Lock Research Grants. Applications will be received annually from Indigenous people undertaking a research degree at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and these applications will be judged on their merit. While the Institute is eager to support research into Indigenous education, the award is not limited to research involving Indigenous participants or themes. Therefore, the grant is for an Indigenous researcher, regardless of the nature of their educational research. More information about Maria Lock Indigenous Research Grant Application for Maria Lock Indigenous Research Grant |
Eligibility for all categories of grants
Applicants must be members (or must have applied for membership) of the New South Wales Institute for Educational Research.
Application for Membership is online via the member registration page of this website.
Applicants for Research Grants must be undertaking educational research in a program of studies at a university or other institution in New South Wales. No-one who holds or has previously held an educational research grant will normally be eligible.
Applicants must have their applications endorsed by their research supervisor and by the Head of Unit, Department or School of their institution as shown in the last part of the Application Form and Explanatory statement.
Submission
Completed Application Forms and brief Supporting Statements must be emailed to Convener, Associate Professor Alan Watson by December 4, 2023. Applications must be clearly labelled with the applicants’ names and must be sent as a single document (no further attachments).
Enquiries
NSW IER Research Grants Committee
Associate Professor Alan Watson, Convener
School of Education, University of new South Wales
Email: a.watson@unsw.edu.au
Phone: 0422 225 556
Dr Christine Grima-Farrell, Convenor
c.grima-farrell@unsw.edu.au
Applicants must be members (or must have applied for membership) of the New South Wales Institute for Educational Research.
Application for Membership is online via the member registration page of this website.
Applicants for Research Grants must be undertaking educational research in a program of studies at a university or other institution in New South Wales. No-one who holds or has previously held an educational research grant will normally be eligible.
Applicants must have their applications endorsed by their research supervisor and by the Head of Unit, Department or School of their institution as shown in the last part of the Application Form and Explanatory statement.
Submission
Completed Application Forms and brief Supporting Statements must be emailed to Convener, Associate Professor Alan Watson by December 4, 2023. Applications must be clearly labelled with the applicants’ names and must be sent as a single document (no further attachments).
Enquiries
NSW IER Research Grants Committee
Associate Professor Alan Watson, Convener
School of Education, University of new South Wales
Email: a.watson@unsw.edu.au
Phone: 0422 225 556
Dr Christine Grima-Farrell, Convenor
c.grima-farrell@unsw.edu.au