Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Fellowship Program

It brings together leaders from diverse identities, expertise, and lived experiences to build a collaborative community of Fellows who catalyse Indigenous-led change alongside Indigenous and Pacific peoples and communities across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific Island nations.

The fellowship program is designed for mid-career, community-focused individuals with a bias for action – those ready to transform bold ideas into real-world initiatives that advance social equity for Indigenous peoples.

Whether you’re working in community organisations, government, business, healthcare, or the arts, AFSE provides the connections, resources, and support to confidently drive the change needed to create a more just and equitable world.

Benefits

• Indigenous-centred: Strengthen your social change leadership by embracing Indigenous knowledges and principles from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and beyond.
• Lifelong Community: Join a dynamic, global community of Atlantic Fellows – leaders who harness diverse perspectives both locally and globally while collaborating to create meaningful individual and collective impact.
• Real-world Change: Apply what you learn by developing your own social change initiative during your studies. After graduation, they’ll provide ongoing support as you implement your initiative.
• Foundation Year (2026):
  • Fee-free University of Melbourne master’s degree in social change leadership
  • All costs covered for your Foundation Year, including travel, accommodation, cultural activities, and program events (dinners, graduations, etc.)
  • Generous stipend allowances to help with your everyday expenses and other needs for participation
  • Personal academic support with one-on-one tutoring, group study sessions, and learning assistance
  • Free mental health services from Indigenous psychologists and counsellors
  • Disability support to ensure equal access
• Lifelong Fellowship (2027 and beyond):
  • Up to $30,000 for your social change initiative and professional development
  • Lifelong membership to the Global Atlantic Fellow network
  • Continued engagement with AFSE through mentoring opportunities, events, and promotion of your work.

Program Specifications

• Foundation Year (2026):
  • At the heart of your first year is the fee-free University of Melbourne Master of Social Change Leadership, where academic rigour meets real-world application.
  • During the Foundation Year, you’ll:
    • Develop leadership capabilities by immersing yourself deeply in Indigenous knowledges and ways of understanding the world
    • Enhance your critical thinking by exploring the intersections between Indigenous knowledges and other approaches to complex problem-solving
    • Learn to integrate different knowledge systems to create more effective, holistic, and culturally-grounded solutions for positive social change
    • Apply theoretical frameworks directly to your own social change initiative
    • Experience a rich blend of academic learning, experiential leadership development, community engagement, and cohort-based collaboration
• Senior Fellowship (2027 and beyond):
  • Upon Foundation Year graduation, your journey continues as an active member of the Global Atlantic Fellows community.
  • As the only Atlantic Fellows program dedicated to Indigenous-led social change, AFSE connects you to this broader ecosystem while honouring your unique perspective and work.
  • As a Lifelong Fellow, you’ll:
    • Participate in gatherings facilitated by the Atlantic Institute in Oxford, connecting you with diverse changemakers worldwide
    • Benefit from continued connection with AFSE through mentoring opportunities, events, and promotion of your work
    • Access ongoing learning opportunities that build on your Foundation Year experiences
    • Collaborate with Fellows across sectors and borders on initiatives that matter to you
    • Draw on collective wisdom to enhance your social change work.

Eligibility Criteria

• Indigenous peoples and allies (non-Indigenous individuals with proven experience collaborating with Indigenous peoples or communities) who meet the following eligibility criteria can apply.
• Citizenship: Citizen or permanent resident of Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, or a Pacific Island nation
• Experience: Undergraduate degree or 5 – 8 years of social change work experience (typically mid-career professionals aged 25-65)
• Education Status: Cannot be enrolled in other educational programs or have a thesis under examination as of January 2026
• Fellowship Status: Not currently participating in any Atlantic Fellowship programs
• Language: Proficient in English
• Travel Requirements:
  • Valid passport (or ability to obtain one)
  • Availability to travel for seven weeks throughout the year (travel destinations include various locations across Australia and New Zealand)
  • Australian student visa required for Pacific Island passport holders

Ineligibility Criteria

• This is not for you if:
  • You’re primarily seeking funding rather than comprehensive leadership development
  • You thrive in independent learning environments and prefer working at your own pace
  • You’re looking for a self-paced online course without in-person commitments
  • You’re interested in pursuing academic research as your primary focus.

Selection Criteria

• What they’re looking for:
  • Your Vision: A compelling idea for positive change in an Indigenous community/communities or organisation/organisations
  • Project Experience: Demonstrated ability to turn ideas into action
  • Community Connection: Evidence of successful collaboration with communities to create meaningful change
  • Teamwork Skills: Strong ability to work effectively with others
  • Core Competencies: Critical thinking, communication, creativity, strategic planning, and interpersonal skills
  • Growth Mindset: Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
  • Fellowship Readiness: Prepared to engage with and benefit from both local and global fellowship opportunities.

For more information, visit Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity.