Open Call: Humanities Travelling Fellowships Program (Australia)

The Humanities Travelling Fellowships Program provides funding of up to AUD 4,000 to support early career researchers in the humanities for overseas research essential to their projects and professional development. Fellowships cover travel, accommodation, research expenses, and living costs, with special opportunities under the David Philips Travelling Fellowship for research on racial, religious, or ethnic prejudice. Applications are open to Australian citizens or permanent residents, PhD students, or researchers within five years of PhD conferral.

Overview

The Humanities Travelling Fellowships aim to:

• Advance knowledge and research in the humanities

• Support career development of early career researchers

• Foster international collaboration between Australian and overseas researchers and institutions

The fellowships provide funding for overseas travel to access archives, research materials, and engage with global networks.

Funding Details

• Maximum Funding: AUD 4,000 per fellowship

• Eligible Costs:

  • Economy travel and accommodation

  • Research expenses (archives, materials, data access)

  • Living expenses, including childcare and other caring responsibilities

• Exclusions: Conference attendance is not supported unless incidental to the research

The David Philips Travelling Fellowship also provides AUD 4,000, prioritizing research that advances understanding of racial, religious, or ethnic prejudice, with particular encouragement for projects focusing on South African history.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants

• Australian citizens or permanent residents residing in Australia

• PhD students or early career researchers (normally within five years of PhD conferral)

• Researchers with PhDs older than five years may qualify if they demonstrate significant career interruptions, including COVID-19 disruptions

Fields of Research

Eligible disciplines include:

• Archaeology, History, Philosophy, Religion, Linguistics

• Indigenous Studies, Cultural and Communication Studies, Arts

• Interdisciplinary research with a substantial humanities component

Institutional Affiliation

• Based in recognized research institutions or independent scholars

• Projects must require overseas travel for completion or substantial advancement

Restrictions

• Previous recipients of related Australian Academy of the Humanities fellowships are ineligible

• Applicants may resubmit previously unsuccessful proposals if eligibility requirements are still met

Fellowship Duration and Requirements

• Minimum Research Duration: Two weeks overseas

• Fund Usage: Must be expended by the end of the calendar year following the award

• Ethical Compliance: Research must meet professional, legal, and ethical standards

• Insurance: Recipients must obtain travel insurance and comply with health and safety requirements

• Reporting: Submit a concise research report and acquittal budget within one month of returning to Australia

• Acknowledgment: Academy’s support must be cited in any resulting publications

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Rigor and significance of the proposed research

• Potential impact within the specialist field

• Ability to engage or benefit the wider community

• Relevance to the applicant’s academic career development

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure citizenship/residency, PhD status, and research field meet fellowship requirements

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

• Research proposal outlining objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• Certified academic records

• Two referee reports from eminent scholars familiar with recent work

Step 3: Submit Application

• Applications must be submitted electronically in English via the official submission portal

• Include all supporting documentation in the required format

Step 4: Await Evaluation

• Fellowships awarded annually (Humanities Travelling Fellowships) or biennially (David Philips Travelling Fellowship)

• Evaluation based on research merit, potential impact, and career relevance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or unsupported applications

• Failing to demonstrate eligibility or career stage

• Proposals not requiring overseas travel for significant research advancement

• Ignoring ethical, legal, or health and safety requirements

• Overlooking the need for referee reports or certified academic records

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible for these fellowships?

Australian citizens or permanent residents, PhD students or early career researchers within five years of PhD conferral.

2. What is the maximum funding?

Up to AUD 4,000 for both standard Humanities Travelling Fellowships and the David Philips Travelling Fellowship.

3. Can the funding be used for conference attendance?

Not unless attendance is incidental to overseas research activities.

4. Are independent scholars eligible?

Yes, provided the project requires overseas travel and meets research criteria.

5. What fields of research are accepted?

Humanities disciplines, including archaeology, history, philosophy, religion, linguistics, Indigenous studies, arts, and cultural studies. Interdisciplinary projects with a strong humanities component are encouraged.

6. How long must research travel last?

A minimum of two weeks overseas.

7. What reporting is required after the fellowship?

A concise research report and an acquittal budget must be submitted within one month of returning, and publications must acknowledge the Academy’s support.

Conclusion

The Humanities Travelling Fellowships Program empowers early career researchers to advance their projects and build international collaborations in the humanities. With funding for travel, research expenses, and living costs, the program supports impactful research, career development, and cross-border academic networking. Eligible applicants should submit complete applications with supporting documentation to maximize their chances of receiving funding for overseas research.