If you’re a professional from a developing country looking to enhance your leadership and collaboration skills with leading Australian institutions, the Australia Awards Fellowships 2026–2028 (Round 21) offer an exceptional, fully funded opportunity. Funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), this prestigious fellowship connects Australian organizations with overseas counterparts to deliver professional development programs in key global priority areas such as climate change, digital economy, health, and governance. This program empowers mid-career and senior professionals to strengthen institutional partnerships and advance sustainable development outcomes in their home countries.

Australia Awards Fellowships 2026 – Overview

Host Country: Australia
Host Institutions: Australian Organizations partnered with Overseas Counterpart Organizations (OCOs)
Program Duration: 2 – 52 weeks (including in-Australia and partner country activities)
Application Deadline: 16 January 2026 (11:59 pm AEDT)

Priority Areas (Development Themes)

Fellowships must align with one of DFAT’s six key priority development themes:

Climate Change, Adaptation & Green Energy Transition
Health and Well-being
Gender Equality, Disability Inclusion & Social Development
Digital Economy, Cyber Resilience & Media Engagement
Maritime and Blue Economy
Infrastructure and Connectivity

Eligible Regions & Countries for fellowships in Australia

Fellowships are available for professionals from eligible developing countries in the following regions:

Pacific: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Kiribati, Palau, Marshall Islands, Wallis & Futuna
Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
South Asia & Middle East: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Jordan, State of Palestine
Africa: Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and more
Caribbean: Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Suriname
Europe: Ukraine

Eligibility Criteria for Australia Fellowships

Only Australian Organizations can submit applications, in partnership with an Overseas Counterpart Organization (OCO) in an eligible developing country.

Eligible Australian Organizations

Universities, research institutes, and training providers
Government departments (federal, state, or local)
NGOs, media, and industry associations
Private sector companies and chambers of commerce

Eligible Fellows (Participants)

Nominated fellows must:

Be aged 18 years or older
Be a citizen of and residing in an eligible country
Be mid-career or senior professionals working in relevant sectors
Not hold or apply for Australian citizenship/permanent residency
Not be current military personnel
Have sufficient English proficiency for program participation
Be able to travel without family members (program covers individual fellows only)

Click Here for Detailed Requirements and Eligibility for Development Fellowships in Australia

How to Apply for DFAT Australia Fellowships for Developing Countries?

Follow these steps to apply for the Australia Awards Fellowships 2026–2028:

Step 1: Visit the Fully Funded Australia Awards Fellowships 2026 call and read its descriptions carefully.

Click Here to Visit Australian Government fellowship program 2026

Step 2: Submit Australia Awards Fellowships Applications online via the SmartyGrants Portal.

Click Here to Apply Online for DFAT Australia Fellowships with Stipend

Fellowship Benefits & Financial Coverage

Australia Awards Fellowships are fully funded by the Australian Government (DFAT) and include:

Full program fees for in-Australia and in-country training
Return air travel for all fellows
Accommodation and living allowance during stay in Australia
Health insurance coverage
Professional networking and mentoring opportunities
Post-fellowship engagement and alumni support

Apply Now- Study in Australia with Scholarship

The Australia Awards Fellowships 2026–2028 (Round 21) represent one of the most impactful professional exchange initiatives in the world, connecting Australia’s expertise with global partners to address shared challenges. If you are part of an eligible organization in a developing country, this is your opportunity to collaborate with Australian institutions, enhance your skills, and contribute to sustainable development.

Click Here to Explore Official Australia Awards Fellowships 2026–2028

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Australia Awards Fellowships 2026–2028?
Only Australian organizations can apply, in collaboration with eligible Overseas Counterpart Organizations (OCOs). Individuals cannot apply directly.

2. What is the deadline for Round 21 applications?
Applications close on 16 January 2026 (11:59 pm AEDT).

3. Can Fellows bring family members?
No, DFAT provides funding and visa support only for individual fellows.

4. How long does the Fellowship last?
Programs can run between 2 and 52 weeks, combining in-Australia and in-partner country components.

5. What areas of study or training are supported?
Projects must relate to priority areas such as climate change, health, gender equality, digital transformation, maritime, or infrastructure.

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