Applications Window Open for Fellowship Opportunity 2026 for Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity, Strengthen your leadership journey as a changemaker through a fellowship designed to elevate Indigenous knowledge systems, perspectives, and scholarship. The program empowers participants to lead Indigenous-driven initiatives rooted in the traditions, wisdom, and practices that have guided and sustained communities across generations, fostering meaningful and lasting social impact.
If you’re interested in this prestigious fellowship program, we encourage you to read the article carefully and follow the application guidelines closely. Make sure to review all eligibility criteria and submit your application within the specified timeline.
Last Date of Application: 27th July 2026
Overview of Applications Window Open for Fellowship Opportunity 2026 for Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity
What is the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE)?
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) is a leadership fellowship program that places Indigenous and Pacific perspectives at the centre of social change. Based at the University of Melbourne and supported by University of Auckland, the program brings together Indigenous leaders, Pacific leaders, and allies who are committed to advancing social equity and Indigenous-led development across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations.
AFSE is founded on the belief that Indigenous and Pacific communities possess the knowledge, experience, and solutions needed to address the challenges facing their communities and contribute to a better future for society as a whole. The fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals and community-focused changemakers who are passionate about creating meaningful impact and turning innovative ideas into action.
The program welcomes leaders from a wide range of sectors, including community development, government, business, healthcare, education, research, and the arts. Through the fellowship, participants gain access to mentorship, learning opportunities, funding support, and a powerful network of peers who are working to promote social justice and equity.
AFSE aims to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous and Pacific leaders to drive systemic change and lead initiatives that create more inclusive, fair, and sustainable communities. By fostering collaboration and leadership development, the fellowship supports participants in expanding the reach and effectiveness of their work.
AFSE is one of seven global Atlantic Fellows programs established through the philanthropic vision of Charles F. Feeney. After completing the fellowship’s foundation year, participants become part of a lifelong international network of Atlantic Fellows. This global community is connected through the Atlantic Institute, which serves as a platform for collaboration, learning, and knowledge sharing among fellows worldwide. The Institute is based at Rhodes House and is hosted by the Rhodes Trust.
The fellowship provides an opportunity for leaders to deepen their impact, build lasting partnerships, and contribute to a growing movement focused on advancing Indigenous rights, social equity, and community-led change.
Who Should Apply for Applications Window Open for Fellowship Opportunity 2026 for Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity?
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) is looking for Indigenous and Pacific leaders, as well as allies, who believe in the transformative power of Indigenous and Pacific knowledge, innovation, and leadership to create lasting social change.
Applicants should have a strong vision for improving the lives of Indigenous or Pacific communities through a social change initiative. The proposed idea does not need to be fully developed or entirely new. It may be an existing project, community effort, or organizational initiative that could benefit from additional support, learning, and collaboration. What matters most is demonstrating why a different or enhanced approach is needed and how it can contribute to positive outcomes for Indigenous and Pacific peoples.
Successful candidates typically have at least five years of leadership or social impact experience, with many fellows bringing more than a decade of professional and community-based work. They are action-oriented individuals who have a proven track record of creating change, understand the complexities of systems transformation, and are committed to exploring and applying Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems in their work.
AFSE values individuals who thrive in collaborative environments, embrace diverse perspectives, and are eager to learn from and contribute to a supportive network of changemakers. Fellows are expected to engage actively with their cohort and participate in long-term collaboration within the wider Atlantic Fellows community.
Eligibility Criteria for Applications Window Open for Fellowship Opportunity 2026 for Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
Citizenship and Residency
Candidates must be citizens or permanent residents of:
- Australia
- Aotearoa New Zealand
- Eligible Pacific Island nations
Professional Experience
Applicants should have:
- An undergraduate degree, or
- Approximately 5–8 years of experience in social change, community development, leadership, or related fields.
The fellowship is generally aimed at mid-career professionals with demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to social impact.
Education Status
Applicants must not:
- Be enrolled in another educational program as of January 2027.
- Have a thesis under examination during the fellowship period.
Fellowship Participation
Candidates must not be currently participating in any other Atlantic Fellowship program.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must be proficient in English and meet the English language requirements of the University of Melbourne.
Travel Requirements
Selected fellows must:
- Hold a valid passport or be able to obtain one.
- Be available to travel for approximately 40 days throughout the fellowship year.
- Participate in learning experiences across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations.
- Obtain an Australian student visa if applying with a Pacific Island passport and required for travel.
Core Competencies
AFSE seeks candidates who demonstrate:
- Project Leadership: Ability to turn ideas into practical action.
- Community Engagement: Experience working collaboratively with communities to achieve meaningful outcomes.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Learning Capacity: Critical thinking, strategic planning, creativity, communication, and adaptability.
- Growth Mindset: A commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
- Fellowship Readiness: Willingness to engage fully in local and global fellowship opportunities and networks.
Participants are also expected to attend all fellowship activities, including intensive learning weeks and regular tutorials between program modules.
Selection Process for Applications Window Open for Fellowship Opportunity 2026 for Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity
The selection committee carefully assembles each fellowship cohort to ensure a diverse mix of experiences, professional sectors, disciplines, age groups, and gender representation. This diversity helps foster rich learning experiences and meaningful collaboration among fellows.
Eligible Pacific Island Nations
Applications are welcomed from citizens or permanent residents of the following locations:
- American Samoa
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Cook Islands
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- French Polynesia
- Guam
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- New Caledonia
- Niue
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tokelau
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Wallis and Futuna
The fellowship is ideal for experienced changemakers seeking to expand their leadership capabilities, strengthen Indigenous and Pacific-led initiatives, and join a lifelong network committed to advancing social equity.
Fellowship Benefits
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) provides a comprehensive package of financial, academic, and professional support to help Fellows fully engage in the program and maximize their impact as social change leaders.
Financial Support
AFSE offers generous stipends to help offset the financial costs associated with participating in the fellowship. This support recognizes that many Fellows may need to reduce work commitments or forgo income-generating opportunities while taking part in the program. By providing financial assistance, AFSE aims to ensure that participants can focus on their learning, leadership development, and social change initiatives without undue financial pressure.
Academic Support
Fellows receive extensive academic assistance throughout their studies, helping them successfully complete either a Master of Social Change Leadership or a Graduate Certificate in Social Change Leadership. Support services include:
- Fortnightly study groups and peer-learning sessions.
- Mandatory tutorials designed to strengthen understanding of course materials.
- Academic writing workshops and skills-development sessions.
- Access to academic advisors and mentoring support.
- Guidance to help Fellows balance study commitments with their professional and community responsibilities.
Leadership and Professional Development
AFSE equips Fellows with the knowledge, networks, and resources needed to advance Indigenous-led and Pacific-led social change initiatives. Participants benefit from:
- Leadership development opportunities grounded in Indigenous and Pacific perspectives.
- Access to a diverse network of changemakers, community leaders, and social innovators.
- Opportunities for collaboration across sectors, disciplines, and regions.
- Exposure to new ideas, practices, and approaches for creating systemic change.
- Lifelong membership in the global Atlantic Fellows network after completing the fellowship.
How AFSE Supports Fellows
Through a combination of financial assistance, academic guidance, leadership training, and global networking opportunities, AFSE creates an environment where Fellows can strengthen their skills, refine their social change initiatives, and build meaningful partnerships. The program is designed to empower leaders to drive positive change in Indigenous and Pacific communities while becoming part of a supportive international community committed to advancing social equity.
How to apply?
Applications close 11:59 PM AEST on Monday 27 July 2026
Learn more about the Fellowship Program
FAQs – Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE)
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Who is eligible to apply for the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) program?
AFSE is open to Indigenous and Pacific leaders, as well as allies, who are citizens or permanent residents of Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, or eligible Pacific Island nations. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree or significant social change experience and a commitment to advancing Indigenous and Pacific-led initiatives.
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What kind of projects or ideas does AFSE support?
Applicants should propose a social change initiative that aims to improve outcomes for Indigenous or Pacific communities. The idea does not need to be fully developed and may be a new concept or an existing project that can be expanded through the fellowship.
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What financial support do Fellows receive?
AFSE provides generous stipends to help Fellows manage the financial impact of participating in the program. This support enables participants to dedicate time to their studies, leadership development, and social change initiatives.
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What academic support is available during the fellowship?
Fellows receive extensive academic assistance, including study groups, tutorials, academic writing workshops, skills-development sessions, and access to academic advisors to support successful completion of their qualification.
- What happens after completing the fellowship?
Upon completing the foundation year, Fellows become part of a lifelong global Atlantic Fellows network. This international community offers ongoing opportunities for collaboration, learning, mentorship, and knowledge sharing with changemakers from around the world.
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