Your Chance to Join the 2026 Fully Funded Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) Program—an internationally respected, fully funded fellowship created to support leaders committed to advancing justice, equity, and systemic change.
Recognized as one of the most influential leadership programs serving Indigenous and historically marginalized communities across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, AFSE is deeply grounded in Indigenous-led values and knowledge systems. The program exists to support emerging and mid-career leaders who are ready to confront inequality, challenge entrenched systems, and create lasting change within their communities.
Secure admission today
This is not simply a fellowship. It is an invitation to lead with integrity, purpose, and responsibility.
Your Chance to Join the 2026 Fully Funded Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity is hosted in Australia and jointly delivered by the University of Melbourne and Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland). It is part of the global Atlantic Fellows network, which brings together leaders from around the world working toward fairer, healthier, and more inclusive societies.
AFSE blends academic study, leadership development, cultural learning, and community-based practice. Fellows are supported to explore complex social challenges through multiple lenses while developing practical, community-driven solutions. The program builds not only knowledge, but confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of collective responsibility.
This experience goes beyond academic achievement. It is about building meaningful relationships, strengthening cultural leadership, and contributing to a global movement for equity and inclusion.
Who the Fellowship Is Designed For
AFSE is tailored for mid-career professionals who are already engaged in leadership, advocacy, or community-focused work. The program strongly encourages applications from Indigenous leaders, as well as non-Indigenous allies who have demonstrated long-term commitment to Indigenous-led social change.
Participants come from a wide range of sectors, including government, education, healthcare, business, the arts, and community services. Regardless of background, fellows share a common goal: to expand their impact and translate ideas into sustainable, real-world change.
What the Fellowship Provides
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program 2026 offers comprehensive financial, academic, and personal support, allowing fellows to focus fully on learning and community impact.
During the Establishment Year (2026):
- A fully funded Master’s degree in Social Change Leadership at the University of Melbourne
- Complete coverage of tuition, accommodation, travel, cultural activities, and program-related costs
- A living allowance to support daily expenses
- Tailored academic assistance, including peer learning groups, tutoring, and structured guidance
- Access to mental health and wellbeing support from Indigenous psychologists and advisors
- Disability support services to ensure full and inclusive participation
- Full access to university facilities, resources, and student support services
During the Fellowship in Progress (2027 and beyond):
- Up to A$30,000 in funding for professional development or community-led social change initiatives
- Lifetime membership in the global Atlantic Fellows network
- Continued mentorship, leadership workshops, and engagement through AFSE events and partnerships
Together, these elements ensure that fellows graduate prepared to lead transformative work within their communities and across regions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants to the AFSE Program 2026 must meet the following requirements:
- 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 transformation work
- 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 at the same time
- Demonstrate strong proficiency in English
- Be available for approximately seven weeks of travel between Australia and New Zealand during 2026
- Be eligible to obtain the required visa (for Pacific Island applicants)
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by Monday, July 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (AEST).
Applicants are encouraged to begin early, as the selection process includes multiple stages such as written submissions, academic documentation, and interviews for shortlisted candidates.
Why AFSE Matters
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program is about more than education—it is about reshaping systems and strengthening communities. Fellows are supported to center Indigenous knowledge, challenge injustice, and lead with empathy, courage, and accountability.
Graduates leave the program with a deeper understanding of social equity, a stronger leadership voice, and lifelong connections to a global network of changemakers working to dismantle inequality.
Final Reflection
For those committed to equity, justice, and Indigenous-led transformation, the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program 2026 offers a rare and powerful opportunity to expand your influence and deepen your impact.
With full financial support, expert mentorship, and a community of purpose-driven leaders, AFSE is not just a fellowship—it is an investment in your leadership journey and in the future of more just societies.
Prepare your application carefully and submit it before the deadline. The next phase of your leadership path—and the next wave of social change—may begin here.
