Organizer Information
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) is a prestigious international fellowship program based at the University of Melbourne in Australia and supported by Waipapa Taumata Rau – University of Auckland in New Zealand. Established as one of the seven global Atlantic Fellows programs funded through the philanthropic vision of Charles "Chuck" F. Feeney, AFSE supports Indigenous and Pacific leaders committed to advancing social equity, community empowerment, and systems change. The program is deeply rooted in Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems, bringing together leaders from diverse sectors—including community organizations, government, healthcare, education, business, and the arts—to develop innovative, community-led solutions for complex social challenges.
Participants become part of both the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity network and the broader Atlantic Institute, a global community of more than 1,100 Fellows from over 70 countries. Beyond the Foundation Year, Fellows continue to benefit from lifelong networking opportunities, international collaboration, leadership development, and access to global summits hosted through the Atlantic Institute at Rhodes House, Oxford.
Title & Description
Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Fellowship Program 2027
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) Fellowship Program is a fully funded, one-year leadership fellowship designed for Indigenous and Pacific leaders and allies working to create lasting social change within their communities. Through an innovative combination of academic study, Indigenous knowledge systems, collaborative learning, and practical leadership development, the program equips participants to transform their social change initiatives into sustainable, community-led action.
Each year, up to 20 Fellows are selected to participate in the Foundation Year, where they undertake either a fee-free Master of Social Change Leadership or a Graduate Certificate in Social Change Leadership at the University of Melbourne. Rather than relocating full-time, Fellows remain primarily within their own communities while participating in five intensive in-person modules held across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations, complemented by online tutorials every two weeks.
A defining feature of the fellowship is the development of each Fellow's Social Change Initiative—a practical project addressing a real issue within their community, organization, or sector. Throughout the year, Fellows refine and strengthen their initiatives using Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems, critical thinking, systems leadership, and collaborative learning. Projects may focus on public policy, community development, environmental sustainability, healthcare, education, cultural preservation, media, storytelling, the arts, or other initiatives that contribute to long-term Indigenous-led social transformation.
The fellowship emphasizes lifelong engagement. Upon completing the Foundation Year, participants become Senior Fellows and join an international network of Atlantic Fellows, gaining continued access to mentorship, leadership opportunities, collaborative projects, global conferences, and funding opportunities that help expand the impact of their work.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Performing Arts
- Community Arts
- Indigenous Arts
- Cultural Leadership
- Social Practice
- Public Policy
- Education
- Health
- Environmental Leadership
- Media and Storytelling
- Journalism
- Research
- Film and Documentary
- Creative Industries
- Community Development
- Social Innovation
- Business
- Government
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Cultural Heritage
- Interdisciplinary Practice
Eligibility
- Be Indigenous or Pacific leaders, or allies committed to Indigenous and Pacific-led social change.
- Be citizens or permanent residents of Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, or an eligible Pacific Island nation.
- Hold an undergraduate degree or possess approximately 5–8 years (or more) of relevant social change leadership experience.
- Demonstrate an existing or emerging Social Change Initiative benefiting Indigenous or Pacific communities.
- Have at least five years of leadership or community-based professional experience (many Fellows have ten or more years).
- Be proficient in English and satisfy the University of Melbourne's English language requirements.
- Not be enrolled in another degree program by January 2027.
- Not currently participate in another Atlantic Fellowship.
- Be willing to travel approximately 40 days during the Foundation Year.
- Hold, or be able to obtain, a valid passport.
- Be prepared to engage in full-time academic study alongside fellowship activities.
The selection committee also values diversity across professional backgrounds, disciplines, gender, age, geography, and lived experiences.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected Fellows receive a comprehensive package of academic, financial, and professional support, including:
Academic Benefits
- Full tuition for either:
- Master of Social Change Leadership
- Graduate Certificate in Social Change Leadership
- University of Melbourne enrollment
- Academic supervision and mentorship
- Interdisciplinary learning grounded in Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems
Fellowship Benefits
- Membership in the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity community
- Lifelong access to the global Atlantic Fellows network
- Opportunities to attend international Atlantic Institute summits
- Ongoing collaboration and professional development after graduation
Financial Support
- Tuition fully covered
- All travel expenses for required in-person modules
- Accommodation during fellowship modules
- Program-related learning resources
Professional Development
- Leadership development
- Systems change education
- Community-based learning
- Collaborative projects
- Peer mentoring
- Indigenous and Pacific knowledge exchange
- Practical project development
- International networking opportunities
Social Change Initiative Support
Throughout the fellowship, participants receive guidance and support to develop and strengthen their own Social Change Initiative, enabling them to apply academic learning directly to community impact.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Five-page application questionnaire
- CV or résumé (maximum two pages)
- Current headshot photograph
- Two-minute introductory video
- Information about their Social Change Initiative
- Leadership journey statement
- Educational and professional background
- Two professional or community references
- General eligibility information
- Recommended (optional) community or organizational endorsement form
The introductory video should explain:
- Why the fellowship will benefit the applicant and their community.
- Why this is the right time to participate.
- Their motivation for creating social change.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 27 July 2026
Notification of Results: 2 November 2026
Induction Sessions: November 2026 – January 2027
Foundation Year Begins: February 2027
Program Duration: One year
2027 Module Schedule (subject to confirmation):
- Module 1 – Melbourne (February 2027)
- Module 2 – Aotearoa New Zealand (April 2027)
- Module 3 – Australia & Online (June 2027)
- Module 4 – Pacific Islands (August 2027)
- Module 5 – Melbourne (October 2027)
Attendance at every module is mandatory.
Location
The fellowship is delivered across multiple locations, including:
- Melbourne, Australia
- Aotearoa New Zealand
- Pacific Island nations
- Online tutorials throughout the year
Participants remain based within their home communities for much of the program while traveling to intensive learning modules.
Additional Details
- Fellows typically dedicate approximately 15 hours per week to independent study in addition to tutorials and module participation.
- Five intensive in-person modules require approximately 40 days of travel during the year.
- Pacific Island passport holders may require an Australian student visa.
- Fellows are encouraged to reduce work commitments during the Foundation Year due to the program's academic workload.
- The fellowship promotes Indigenous-led systems change, collaborative leadership, and community-based innovation.
- Successful Fellows become lifelong members of the Atlantic Fellows global network, providing ongoing opportunities for collaboration, leadership, learning, and international engagement long after graduation.
- The exact dates and locations of the 2027 modules will be confirmed before the program begins.