Changes to the ARC Open Access Policy: what you need to know

Changes to the ARC Open Access Policy: what you need to know

The Australian Research Council (ARC) recently updated its Open Access Policy, which came into effect on 1 July 2026. The updated policy impacts how research outcomes funded by the ARC are to be published and shared.

If you are planning to seek funding from the ARC or will be publishing research as an outcome of ARC-funded research after 1 July 2026, we have summarised the major changes.

Changes from 1 July 2026

  • Journal articles and peer-reviewed conference papers must be made openly accessible immediately upon publication.
  • Monographs, edited volumes, book chapters and research reports must be made openly accessible as soon as possible within 12 months of publication.
  • Other research outputs, such as Creative Works, are strongly encouraged to be made open access where possible.
  • Metadata for all research outputs resulting from ARC-funded research must be made openly accessible in an institutional repository as soon as possible – and no later than three months from the publication date.
  • A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) must be provided for all outputs.

We strongly encourage you to consider the updated open access requirements early, ahead of submitting your manuscripts – including publisher options, repository deposit requirements and any publication costs.

The Library Research Services team is here to help. We can support you in understanding and complying with the ARC’s Open Access Policy.

Our suggested next steps

  • Read our guide to Open Access Publishing, which includes a specific section on the ARC Open Access Policy.
  • Read the full Open Access Policy on the ARC website.
  • Reach out to the Library Research Services team via our contact form (login required) for tailored, individual advice.
  • Keep an eye on our Library Events page for an ARC Open Access information session, coming up in August.
10 July 2026

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures