Australia Awards Fellowships 2026 (Round 21): Fully Funded Professional Development in Australia

The Australia Awards Fellowships program is now open for Round 21, offering an incredible opportunity for professionals from eligible developing countries to participate in fully funded short-term training, research, and capacity-building programs in Australia.

Unlike traditional scholarships, this fellowship is not applied for by individuals — instead, Australian organisations submit project proposals and nominate Fellows from partner countries.

If you are a development professional, NGO staff member, government worker, researcher, or community leader, this program can give you the skills, networks, and international exposure to create long-lasting impact in your home country.

📝 What Are Australia Awards Fellowships?

The Fellowships aim to:

• 🤝 Strengthen partnerships between Australia and developing countries

• 📚 Build skills, knowledge, and leadership capacity

• 🌱 Support development priorities such as climate action, health, digital innovation, and gender equality

• 🌍 Promote collaboration between governments, NGOs, universities, and research institutions

Each fellowship lasts between 2 weeks and 52 weeks, depending on the project.

🏛️ Who Can Apply?

✔️ Eligible Applicants

Applications must be submitted by Australian organisations, such as:

• Universities 🏫

• Government agencies 🏛️

• Registered NGOs 🤲

• Not-for-profit institutions

• Research institutes 🔬

The organisation must have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).

✔️ Eligible Fellows (Participants)

Fellows must:

• Be citizens of eligible developing countries 🌍

• Be mid-career or senior professionals

• Work in areas relevant to development priorities

• Be available to travel to Australia for the program

🎯 Priority Focus Areas for 2026

To be competitive, projects should target areas such as:

• 🌿 Climate change & green energy transition

• 💻 Digital economy, cyber resilience & media innovation

• 👩‍⚕️ Public health & medical systems

• 🚢 Maritime development & blue economy

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Gender equality and social inclusion

• 🏗️ Infrastructure, trade & connectivity

• 📡 Technology, innovation & research capacity

📅 Key Dates for Round 21

• Applications Open: Now available on SmartyGrants

• Deadline: 16 January 2026 (midnight AEDT)

• Fellowship Activities: Must begin in 2026 and conclude by 29 March 2028

🧩 How the Application Works

Although individuals cannot apply directly, here’s how you can participate:

👣 Step 1: Identify an Australian Partner

Your organisation can collaborate with:

• Australian universities

• Registered NGOs

• Technical institutes

• Government bodies

👣 Step 2: Co-Design the Fellowship Program

Both partners agree on:

• Training modules

• Travel plans

• Expected outcomes

• Number of Fellows

👣 Step 3: Submit via SmartyGrants

All applications must go through:

The Australian organisation submits on behalf of the entire consortium.

💰 What the Fellowship Covers

Australian Awards Fellowships usually include:

• ✈️ Return travel to Australia

• 🏨 Accommodation & living allowance

• 🧾 Training or program fees

• 🩺 Medical insurance

• 📚 Professional development resources

• 🤝 Networking opportunities with Australian institutions

⭐ Why You Should Consider This Program

This is one of the most practical, skill-based, and impactful fellowships in the world — ideal for people who want to:

• Gain global expertise

• Improve leadership capacity

• Build international networks

• Strengthen their organisation

• Contribute meaningfully to development in their home country

🔗 Application Portal