Your Opportunity to Become a Fully Funded Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity in 2026.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) Program, a globally recognized, fully funded fellowship designed to support leaders dedicated to promoting justice, equity, and systemic transformation.
Celebrated as one of the most impactful leadership programs for Indigenous and historically marginalized communities across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, AFSE is rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems and values.
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The fellowship supports emerging and mid-career leaders prepared to confront social inequities, challenge entrenched structures, and drive sustainable change within their communities.
Your Opportunity to Become a Fully Funded Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity in 2026
Hosted in Australia and jointly delivered by the University of Melbourne and Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland), the AFSE Program forms part of the global Atlantic Fellows network. This network brings together leaders from across the world committed to building fairer, healthier, and more inclusive societies.
The program combines rigorous academic study with leadership development, cultural learning, and hands-on community engagement. Fellows are encouraged to examine complex social challenges from multiple perspectives while developing practical solutions that are grounded in community needs. AFSE emphasizes not only intellectual growth but also the cultivation of confidence, clarity of purpose, and a strong sense of collective responsibility.
This fellowship extends beyond traditional academic achievement. It fosters meaningful relationships, strengthens cultural leadership, and equips participants to contribute to a broader movement for equity and inclusion.
Who the Program Targets
The AFSE fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals actively engaged in leadership, advocacy, or community-focused initiatives. Applications from Indigenous leaders are particularly encouraged, though non-Indigenous allies with a sustained commitment to Indigenous-led social change are also welcome.
Participants represent diverse sectors including government, education, healthcare, business, arts, and community services. Despite differing backgrounds, all fellows share a common objective: to amplify their impact and transform ideas into sustainable, real-world outcomes.
Fellowship Benefits
The 2026 AFSE Program provides comprehensive financial, academic, and personal support, allowing fellows to dedicate themselves fully to learning and community engagement.
During the Establishment Year (2026):
- Fully funded Master’s degree in Social Change Leadership at the University of Melbourne
- Coverage of tuition, accommodation, travel, cultural activities, and all program-related expenses
- Living allowance for daily needs
- Tailored academic support including peer learning groups, tutoring, and structured guidance
- Access to mental health and wellbeing resources provided by Indigenous psychologists and advisors
- Disability support to ensure inclusive participation
- Full access to university facilities, resources, and student services
During the Fellowship in Progress (2027 and beyond):
- Up to A$30,000 in funding for professional development or community-led social change projects
- Lifetime membership in the Atlantic Fellows global network
- Ongoing mentorship, leadership workshops, and engagement opportunities through AFSE events and partnerships
These components collectively prepare fellows to lead meaningful transformation in their communities and across regions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the 2026 AFSE Program must:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, or a Pacific Island nation
- Have approximately five to eight years of experience in community leadership or social change initiatives
- Hold an undergraduate degree or demonstrate equivalent leadership experience
- Not be enrolled in another academic program or awaiting thesis results as of January 2026
- Not be participating in another Atlantic Fellowship concurrently
- Demonstrate proficiency in English
- Be available for roughly seven weeks of travel between Australia and New Zealand in 2026
- Be eligible for the required visa (for applicants from Pacific Island nations)
The application deadline is Monday, July 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (AEST). Applicants are advised to start early, as the selection process includes multiple stages, including written submissions, academic documentation, and interviews for shortlisted candidates.
Why AFSE Matters
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program is more than an academic opportunity—it is a platform for reshaping systems and strengthening communities. Fellows are encouraged to center Indigenous perspectives, address injustice, and exercise leadership with empathy, courage, and accountability.
Graduates emerge with a deeper understanding of social equity, an enhanced leadership voice, and lasting connections to a global network of changemakers committed to dismantling inequality.
Conclusion
For individuals dedicated to justice, equity, and Indigenous-led transformation, the 2026 AFSE Program offers an unparalleled opportunity to expand influence and deepen impact. With full financial support, mentorship from experienced leaders, and a network of purpose-driven peers, the fellowship serves as both an investment in personal leadership growth and in the future of more just societies.
Careful preparation of your application is essential. By applying, you may embark on the next chapter of your leadership journey and contribute to a new wave of meaningful social change.
