Your Chance to Join the 2026 Fully Funded Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) Program, a highly respected and fully funded fellowship created to support bold leaders committed to advancing justice, fairness, and equity in their societies.
Recognized as one of the most influential leadership initiatives for Indigenous peoples and historically underrepresented communities across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, AFSE is deeply grounded in Indigenous leadership, values, and knowledge systems. The program empowers individuals who are prepared to confront systemic injustice and create lasting, community-centered change.
Your Chance to Join the 2026 Fully Funded Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program
About the Fellowship
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity program is based in Australia and jointly delivered by the University of Melbourne and Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland). It is a key member of the global Atlantic Fellows network, which brings together leaders worldwide who are working to build healthier, fairer, and more inclusive societies.
AFSE offers a unique blend of academic study, cultural immersion, leadership training, and real-world community engagement. Fellows explore complex social challenges through a multidisciplinary lens, gaining the insight, confidence, and global connections needed to design sustainable solutions rooted in community needs.
This is more than a study program. It is a purposeful leadership journey that fosters lifelong relationships and places fellows within a global movement for equity and social transformation.
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Who Should Apply
The fellowship is tailored for mid-career professionals who are already contributing to social change through leadership, advocacy, innovation, or community work. AFSE strongly encourages applications from Indigenous leaders, as well as non-Indigenous allies who have demonstrated genuine commitment to Indigenous-led change.
Applicants come from diverse fields, including business, public service, education, health, the arts, and community development. Regardless of sector, AFSE provides the mentorship, structure, and resources needed to expand impact and turn strong ideas into scalable, long-term initiatives.
What the Program Provides
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program 2026 removes financial barriers so participants can focus fully on learning, leadership growth, and meaningful community impact.
During the Establishment Year (2026), fellows receive:
- A fully funded Master’s degree in Social Change Leadership at the University of Melbourne
- Comprehensive coverage of tuition, accommodation, travel, cultural activities, and all program-related costs
- A living stipend to support daily expenses
- Tailored academic assistance, including study groups, tutoring, and ongoing guidance
- Access to mental health and wellbeing services delivered by Indigenous psychologists and advisors
- Disability support services to ensure full and inclusive participation
- Complete access to the University of Melbourne’s student facilities and support systems
During the Fellowship Phase (2027 and beyond), fellows benefit from:
- Up to A$30,000 in funding to support professional development or community-led social impact projects
- Lifetime membership in the global Atlantic Fellows network, connecting fellows with leaders around the world
- Continued mentorship, leadership training, and learning opportunities through AFSE programs and partnerships
This integrated academic, cultural, and practical experience ensures fellows graduate ready to lead meaningful change in their home communities and beyond.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the AFSE Program 2026 must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship or residency in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, or a Pacific Island nation
- Approximately five to eight years of relevant professional experience in community work or social change (mid-career level, typically ages 25–65)
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent experience demonstrating leadership and innovation
- Not enrolled in another academic program, nor awaiting thesis results, as of January 2026
- Not participating in another Atlantic Fellowship at the same time
- Demonstrated English language proficiency
- Ability to travel, including availability for around seven weeks of travel between Australia and New Zealand during 2026
- Eligibility to obtain an Australian student visa (for applicants from Pacific Island countries)
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted no later than Monday, July 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (AEST).
Applicants are advised to begin early, as the selection process includes multiple stages such as written submissions, academic documentation, and interviews for shortlisted candidates.
Why the AFSE Fellowship Is Important
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program goes far beyond academic qualifications. It is about shifting systems, strengthening Indigenous leadership, and equipping fellows to confront injustice with clarity, compassion, and resilience.
Participants develop the ability to lead at both local and global levels, grounded in cultural knowledge and community accountability. AFSE graduates become part of a powerful international network of leaders committed to dismantling inequality and building inclusive futures.
Final Reflection
If you are driven by a commitment to equity, social justice, and Indigenous-led transformation, the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program 2026 offers a rare and powerful opportunity to deepen your impact.
With comprehensive funding, expert mentorship, and a community of dedicated changemakers, this fellowship is not simply financial support—it is an investment in your leadership and in the future of more just societies.
Prepare your application carefully and submit it before the deadline. Your next step as a leader—and your contribution to lasting social change—may begin here.
