Round 21 Awards Fellowship in australia: If you’re looking to travel to Australia for short-term study, research, or professional development, here’s an exciting opportunity for you! Applications are now open for Round 21 of the Australia Awards Fellowship 2026, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
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This fully funded fellowship program is designed for mid-career professionals from developing countries who want to enhance their professional skills, gain global exposure, and contribute to the development of their home countries upon return.
Fellows will participate in study and research activities hosted by Australian universities, research centers, and other institutions. The fellowship duration ranges from 2 weeks to 52 weeks, depending on the nature of the program.
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Details About Australia Awards Fellowship 2026
| Host Country | Australia |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 to 52 weeks |
| Who Can Apply | Mid-career professionals |
| Program Type | Professional Development (Not an Academic Program) |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Application Deadline | 16th January 2026 |
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Financial Benefits
The Australia Awards Fellowship 2026 provides full financial support to all selected fellows, covering the following:
- Return airfare to and from Australia
- Domestic transportation within Australia
- Training and program costs
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Medical insurance while in Australia
- Special assistance for fellows with disabilities
- Program management and overhead fees
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Features of the Fellowship
Purpose: The Australia Awards Fellowship helps Australian organizations—including government institutions, private companies, and NGOs—connect with talented and emerging leaders from developing nations.
Aim: It aims to build leadership, management, policy, and research capacity among mid-career and senior professionals, empowering them to make meaningful contributions in their home countries after the fellowship.
Priority Areas of the Fellowship
The program focuses on six key development areas:
- Climate Change, Adaptation, and Green Energy Transition (including 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
Duration and Structure
- Fellowships can last a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 52 weeks.
- At least two weeks of activities must take place in Australia.
- Any follow-up activities in the partner country must start within four months after completing the in-Australia program.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To be eligible for the Australia Awards Fellowship 2026, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the start of the program
- Not be a permanent resident of Australia or applying for permanent residency
- Not be the spouse or partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Be a citizen of an eligible country (see the list below)
- Not be currently serving in the military
- Meet visa requirements for a DFAT-sponsored student visa (subclass 500)
- Be able to fully participate in all program activities
- Travel alone, as the fellowship does not cover dependents or family members
- Fellows with disabilities may travel with a carer, if required
Eligible Regions and Countries
Southeast Asia:
Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
South Asia & Middle East:
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iraq, Jordan, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Sri Lanka
Pacific Region:
Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, 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
How to Apply for the Australia Awards Fellowship 2026
Applicants must submit their applications online via SmartyGrants, the official application portal for DFAT-funded programs.
Make sure to complete your application before the deadline of 16th January 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
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