Applying for an Australia Awards Fellowship

Who can apply?

Australian organisations such as government institutions, business and non-government organisations are eligible to apply. Organisations must be legal entities with an Australian Business Number and must be able to demonstrate links with partner organisations in participating countries and provide in-kind or financial contributions to support Fellowships. Individuals cannot apply.

Fellow eligibility

Australian organisations must ensure that all nominated Fellows meet the following general eligibility requirements:

be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of commencing the Fellowship
not be a permanent resident or be applying for permanent residency in Australia or partner of someone who is
be a citizen of an eligible country
not be current serving military personnel
be able to satisfy all requirements of the Department of Home Affairs for (DFAT sponsored) student visas subclass 500
be able to participate in the Fellowship.
be able to travel without family members as DFAT will only fund and provide visa support letters for individual Fellows, not their family members
Fellows with a disability that requires assistance must travel with a carer

Participating countries

Southeast Asia

Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam

South Asia and Middle East

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iraq, Jordan, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Occupied Palestinian Territories and Sri Lanka

Pacific

Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and 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

Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname

Europe

Ukraine

Priority areas

Fellowship programs must align with the following six development priority areas:

Climate change, adaptation, resilience and green energy transition (include critical mineral mining)
Gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion
Health
Digital Economy, cyber resilience, and media engagement
Maritime and the Blue Economy
Infrastructure and connectivity

How to apply

Round 21 will open in the second half of 2025.

Key dates

From May 2025 - Round 20 outcome – successful and unsuccessful notifications made. Please note: Feedback on unsuccessful proposals will not be provided.
From May 2025 – First batch of Round 20 grant payments made
From 21 July 2025 - Remaining Round 20 grant payments made
From 30 June 2025 - Nominated and Reserve Fellow supplementary form opens.
Six (6) months prior to Fellow's mobilisation to Australia/ start date in Australia - Nominated and Reserve Fellow supplementary form closes

Countries, economies and regions

Stakeholder engagement

Development

Travel advice

International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

Passports

24-hour consular emergency helpline

Visas