Australia Awards Fellowships 2026 | Fully Funded

The Australia Awards Fellowships 2026 offer fully funded, short-term professional development programs in Australia. These fellowships are a key initiative of the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The program targets current and emerging leaders from eligible countries who seek to advance their skills and knowledge in specific fields. Unlike academic scholarships, these fellowships focus on practical experience through a combination of professional attachments, research, and targeted training sessions hosted by Australian organizations.

The program’s ultimate goal is to help partner countries achieve their development objectives. It achieves this by building institutional capacity and strengthening partnerships with Australia. Fellows are brilliant minds who participate in activities like customized training, collaborative research, and professional networking. These activities provide them with advanced professional skills and a deeper understanding of international best practices. This fully funded fellowship allows eligible Australian organizations from all sectors, including government bodies, private enterprises, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to strengthen their connections with global professionals.

This fellowship provides a unique opportunity for high-quality training and knowledge exchange. Fellows learn from talented Australian professionals, investigate new solutions to complex problems, and understand how to apply newly acquired abilities in their home countries. The program strengthens communications on issues of mutual interest, such as climate resilience, economic development, and social inclusion. Individuals who are highly motivated and possess a strong desire to drive change are strongly encouraged to pursue this opportunity. This guide contains all the necessary information to prepare your application.

Australia Awards Fellowships 2026: Key Details

• Host Country: Australia
• Administering Body: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
• Fellowship Duration: Between 2 weeks and 52 weeks
• In-Australia Component: A minimum of 2 weeks of fellowship activities must take place in Australia.
• Partner Country Component: Follow-up activities in the partner country must start within 4 months of completing the in-Australia component.

Fellowship Areas for 2026

The Australia Awards Fellowships focus on six key priority areas aligned with Australia’s foreign policy and development goals. Australian organizations must design programs that address one of these fields.

1. Climate Change, Adaptation, Resilience, and Green Energy Transition: This includes programs focused on renewable energy systems, climate adaptation strategies, and the sustainable mining of critical minerals.
2. Gender Equality, Disability Equity, and Social Inclusion: This area supports projects that empower women, promote the rights of people with disabilities, and create more inclusive social structures.
3. Health: Fellowships in this sector focus on strengthening public health systems, disease prevention, and improving healthcare delivery in partner countries.
4. Digital Economy, Cyber Resilience, and Media Engagement: This includes professional development in areas like e-governance, cybersecurity protocols, and fostering a free and independent media.
5. Maritime and the Blue Economy: This area covers topics such as sustainable marine resource management, maritime security, and the economic development of coastal communities.
6. Infrastructure and Connectivity: This focuses on the planning, financing, and management of sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects to improve regional connectivity.

Financial Benefits of Australia Awards Fellowships

The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support with a maximum funding of $34,500 AUD per Fellow. This funding covers all essential costs associated with the program.

The award covers six main categories of expenses:

1. Travel Costs: This includes return economy-class international airfare to Australia and necessary in-country travel for program activities.
2. Accommodation and Living Allowance: Fellows receive a daily stipend to cover accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses.
3. Program and Tuition Fees: The fellowship pays for all mandatory training, course, and conference fees.
4. Health and Insurance: All fellows receive Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of their stay in Australia.
5. Visa and Residency Fees: The cost to apply for and process the necessary Australian visa is fully covered.
6. Program Overhead Fee: DFAT provides an overhead fee of up to 10% to the Australian host organization to cover administration costs.

Fellows with disabilities can also receive additional funding for necessary assistance. You must retain receipts for all expenses, if your host organization requires them for acquittal.

Eligibility Criteria for Australia Awards Fellowships 2026

Candidates must meet eight specific requirements to be considered for this fellowship. The Australian host organization is responsible for ensuring all their nominated fellows meet these criteria.

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of commencing the fellowship.
• Citizenship: You must be a citizen and resident of an eligible participating country.
• Australian Residency: You must not be a permanent resident or citizen of Australia.
• Visa Requirements: You must meet all requirements of the Department of Home Affairs for the Student visa (subclass 500). This includes demonstrating you are a genuine temporary entrant.
• English Language Proficiency: You must have a level of English proficiency that allows you to fully participate in the fellowship program.
• Military Status: You must not be a currently serving member of the military.
• Travel Status: You must be able to travel without family members, as DFAT only provides visa support and funding for individual fellows.
• Health: You must be physically and mentally capable of participating in the full fellowship program.

Eligible Countries for Australia Awards 2026

The fellowship is open to candidates from five global regions.

• Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam.
• South Asia and Middle East: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iraq, Jordan, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Sri Lanka.
• Pacific: Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.
• Africa: Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
• Caribbean & Europe: Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Ukraine.

How to Apply for the Australia Awards Fellowship

To apply for the Australia Awards Fellowship, you must be nominated by an eligible Australian organization, as individuals cannot apply directly. The Australian organization submits the application online.

1. Find a Host: You must first connect with an Australian organization in your field, such as a university, research centre, or private company.
2. Develop a Proposal: The Australian organization designs the fellowship program and develops a strong proposal.
3. Register Online: The organization registers an account on the official DFAT application portal.
4. Complete the Application: The host organization fills in all relevant information about the program and the nominated fellows.
5. Upload Documents: They upload all required documents carefully, including your CV, a letter of support from your home organization, and the detailed program proposal.
6. Submit Application: The application is submitted through the online portal before the deadline.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. You must provide all requested documents to your host organization promptly, if you wish to be part of their nomination.

Australia Awards Fellowship Deadline

The application window for the 2026 round of Australia Awards Fellowships is expected to open in late 2025. The deadline is typically in the first quarter of 2026. Australian organizations should monitor the official DFAT Australia Awards website for the exact dates.

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