Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program 2026
📖 About the Program
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) is a transformative, Indigenous-centered fellowship program based at the University of Melbourne and supported by Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland.
This program aims to build a dynamic network of Indigenous leaders and allies committed to driving Indigenous-led social change across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations.
The fellowship is designed for mid-career, community-focused individuals with a bias for action—those ready to transform bold ideas into real-world initiatives that advance social equity for Indigenous peoples.
Whether you're working in community organizations, government, business, healthcare, or the arts, AFSE provides the connections, resources, and support to confidently drive the change needed to create a more just and equitable world.
🎁 Benefits
Foundation Year (2026)
- Fee-free University of Melbourne master's degree in social change leadership.
- All costs covered for your Foundation Year, including:
- Travel, accommodation, cultural activities, and program events (e.g., dinners, graduations).
- Generous stipend allowances to help with everyday expenses and participation needs.
- Personal academic support, including:
- One-on-one tutoring, group study sessions, and learning assistance.
- Free mental health services from Indigenous psychologists and counselors.
- Disability support to ensure equal access.
- Access to the full range of support services available to all University of Melbourne students.
Lifelong Fellowship (2027 and Beyond)
- Up to $30,000 for your social change initiative and professional development.
- Lifelong membership to the Global Atlantic Fellow network.
- Continued engagement with AFSE through:
- Mentoring opportunities, events, and promotion of your work.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Indigenous peoples and allies (non-Indigenous individuals with proven experience collaborating with Indigenous peoples or communities) who meet the following criteria can apply:
- Citizenship:
- Citizen or permanent resident of Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, or a Pacific Island nation.
- Experience:
- Undergraduate degree OR 5–8 years of social change work experience (typically mid-career professionals aged 25–65).
- Education Status:
- Cannot be enrolled in other educational programs or have a thesis under examination as of January 2026.
- Fellowship Status:
- Not currently participating in any Atlantic Fellowship programs.
- Language:
- Proficient in English.
Travel Requirements
- Valid passport (or ability to obtain one).
- Availability to travel for seven weeks throughout the year (destinations include various locations across Australia and New Zealand).
- Australian student visa required for Pacific Island passport holders.
📅 Application Date and Process
- Application Deadline: 28 July 2025
- Visit the official Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program application portal to apply.
🌟 Sponsor Organization
The program is supported by the Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity.
For more details, visit the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program.
- Fee-free University of Melbourne master's degree in social change leadership
- All costs covered for your Foundation Year, including travel, accommodation, cultural activities, and program events (dinners, graduations, etc.)
- Generous stipend allowances to help with your everyday expenses and other needs for participation
- Personal academic support with one-on-one tutoring, group study sessions, and learning assistance
- Free mental health services from Indigenous psychologists and counsellors
- Disability support to ensure equal access
- Plus access to the full range of support services available to all University of Melbourne students.
Lifelong Fellowship (2027 and beyond)
- Up to $30,000 for your social change initiative and professional development
- Lifelong membership to the Global Atlantic Fellow network
- Continued engagement with AFSE through mentoring opportunities, events, and promotion of your work
