Apply for the AFSE Fellowship Program

Deadline: 5 August 2024

The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) is a life-changing fellowship for Indigenous social equity in Australia, Aotearoa and Pacific Island nations.

Based at the University of Melbourne, the AFSE program represents a 20+ year investment into Indigenous-led social change through a powerful network of Fellows.

It has two features:

An intensive foundation year where Fellows undertake a Master of Social Change Leadership at the University of Melbourne (fee-free), attend six in-person modules and develop a social change project to deliver upon completion.
Following the foundation year, Fellows graduate and become members of the global Atlantic Fellows community, made up of change-makers from across seven hubs coordinated and led by the Atlantic Institute in Oxford. As of May 2024, there are 902 Atlantic Fellows who are active in over 80 countries.

Project Ideas

They are looking for ideas that are:
- innovative, including improving existing approaches or ideas;
- community-based, offering ways for community members to engage and participate;
- have a high potential for impact towards a more fair and just society; and
- offer a vision and a sustainable strategy for driving change.
For 2025, they welcome applications that strive for Indigenous-led social change in any field, sector or community. They are especially pleased to receive applications that might focus on either (1) Indigenous language and education, or (2) land, water, environment or climate related issues.

What you will get?

AFSE meets the full cost of all course fees for the postgraduate study (Master’s or Graduate Certificate of Social Change Leadership) at the University of Melbourne, and all associated Student Services and Amenities Fees. This applies to all Fellows.
In addition to tuition fees, every Fellow receives:
- a basic stipend of $10,000 (to remove barriers to participation, which can be used to purchase laptops, childcare, to cover incidental expenses, etc.)
- access to a professional development fund of AUD$3,500 in total (available for up to three years)
- eligibility to apply for up to AUD$25,000 in project development funds (available for up to three years) post-foundation year, once you have a project plan ready to go
The cost of participation in the foundation year will be met by AFSE, including:
- travel and accommodation expenses
- special events relating to the program (e.g. dinners, graduations, guest speakers, etc.)
- special activities associated with the program (e.g. theatre, art exhibitions, etc.)
In addition, an equity stipend of up to $42,000 is available. The equity stipend is allocated as needed to support participation in the Fellowship. Eligibility for or need for the stipend has no bearing on your selection into the Fellowship.
Important notes:
- For applicants from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, the basic stipend and equity stipend are treated as non-taxable income, but AFSE recommends that you confirm your personal circumstances independently. In Australia, the stipend may affect ABSTUDY or social security payments.
- For applicants from outside Australia: An Australian bank account is required for payment of all stipends and any other funds. AFSE will support Fellows from Aotearoa New Zealand and Pacific Island nations to open an Australian bank account if needed during their first trip to Australia.

Time Commitment

Fellows are required to attend all intensive weeks. In addition, Fellows need to dedicate additional time to independent study and assessment writing. This is a full-time course load, equivalent to 40 hours per week. AFSE also facilitates fortnightly online study groups to connect with Fellows and focus on completion of assessment and project development work.
Many Fellows are engaged in full-time work, have caring responsibilities and hold important roles in their community, at the same time as working through the full-time study components of the Fellowship. If this sounds like you, please note that making space for study during the year is essential. The key is excellent planning and execution. Commitment to the foundation year is significant, and AFSE provides extensive resources to support Fellows to enable successful completion.

Support

AFSE provides a range of additional support to all Fellows for the foundation year. This support includes:
- one-on-one tutors and learning support for study
- free mental health support provided by Indigenous psychologists and counsellors, contracted to AFSE for use by Fellows
- disability access and support
All Fellows have access to the full range of support services provided to all University of Melbourne students.
AFSE is committed to continuing Fellow intakes and delivering the program should public health challenges arise. Contingency plans are in place to continue the Fellowship in the event of public health restrictions and will include online learning as required.

Eligibility Criteria

The AFSE Fellowship is designed for people who are established in their careers and have a track record of engagement with Indigenous communities.
They welcome applications from Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples from Australia, Aotearoa and most Pacific Island nations.
Indigenous applicants must have Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori or Pacific Islander heritage.
Non-Indigenous applicants must have a strong track record of working on Indigenous-focused projects/initiatives and be well-regarded in their own communities for their dedication to creating positive change for Indigenous peoples.
Before applying, please make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand or a Pacific Island nation.
- Educational/professional experience: You must have an undergraduate degree OR between five to eight years of work experience in social change. The program generally selects individuals who are in the middle of their careers between the ages of 25 and 65.
- Current studies: You cannot be enrolled in any other study/educational programs or have a thesis under examination as of January 2025.
- Atlantic Fellowship eligibility: You must not be a current Global/Senior Atlantic Fellow or participating in any Atlantic Fellowship programs.
- Study commitment: You must be able to:
  - Attend six in-person modules throughout the year.
  - Study approximately ten hours per week.
  - Complete six 5000-word assessments.
- Language proficiency: You must be proficient in English.
- Passport requirement: You must have a valid passport or the ability to obtain one.
- Ability to travel: You must be able to travel for seven weeks throughout the year (program modules are delivered in various locations across Australia and Aotearoa).
- Employer support: If you are employed, you must have your employer’s support to participate in this full-year, non-residential program. This includes taking approximately seven weeks away from work and dedicating additional study time as needed.