How to apply
End-of-year closure for SERAP Expression of Interest submissions
The final date for submitting a SERAP Expression of Interest (EOI) in 2026 is Monday, 16 November 2026.
The EOI submission process will reopen on Monday, 18 January 2027.
The temporary closure applies only to new EOI submissions. The SERAP team will continue to assess existing EOIs and applications during this time, excluding the department’s Christmas and New Year closedown period (Friday, 25 December 2026 – Friday, 8 January 2027).
Researchers planning to undertake research in NSW public schools in 2027 are encouraged to factor this closure and the time required to complete the SERAP authorisation process into their project planning.
If you have any questions, please contact the Research and Partnerships team at research.partnerships@det.nsw.edu.au
How to apply for SERAP
To commence a SERAP application, please submit a SERAP Expression of Interest (EOI) for review and feedback from the Research and Partnerships team before completing and submitting the full application.
The SERAP EOI form requests brief information about the proposed research, including:
- a short abstract including potential benefits of the research
- the project’s alignment with Our Plan for NSW Public Education
- the participant groups proposed to take part in the project and the activities they will be asked to do
- plans to use data available through Data.NSW or plans to request access to non-published data from the department
- potential sensitivities or contentious issues
- whether the project is part of a collaboration, partnership or funding arrangement with the department.
Following the department’s decision on the EOI, applicants may be invited to submit a full SERAP application. The SERAP Application Guidelines (PDF 1050 KB) outline the details required for the full SERAP application and the additional documentation required.
Application timeframes
EOI timeframe
The Research and Partnerships team will aim to respond to the Lead Researcher within 2 weeks of receiving a completed EOI, pending staff capacity to provide initial feedback.
Full SERAP application
Researchers will be informed of the outcome decision usually within 12 weeks of submitting a full SERAP application.
The department reserves the right to decline and close applications with no appeal process.
Refer to SERAP application process flow chart (PDF 103 KB) for an overview of the application process.
SERAP Outcomes Committee (OC) meeting dates
The SERAP OC is responsible for reviewing research applications and making final decisions regarding their authorisation.
The OC ensures that each proposal meets departmental requirements and aligns with relevant guidelines before any research can proceed.
The OC meets every 6 weeks.
| 2026 Outcome Committee Meeting Dates |
|---|
25 March 2026 |
6 May 2026 |
17 June 2026 |
5 August 2026 |
16 September 2026 |
28 October 2026 |
9 December 2026 |
Contact us
For any questions, contact the Research and Partnerships team at Research.Partnerships@det.nsw.edu.au
Last modified date
02/11/2026
Business unit contact email
Executive director
Jacqueline Hodges, Silva Hiendra
Executive director’s business unit
Education and Skills Reform