Maitri Fellowships 2026 in Australia
Imagine a dynamic environment where Australian and international scholars collaborate seamlessly on groundbreaking policy research that shapes the future of the Indo-Pacific region. The Maitri Fellowships 2026 are designed to bring this vision to life — a forward-thinking initiative that strengthens academic, cultural, and strategic ties between Australia and India while advancing regional understanding.
Funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), this prestigious fellowship program supports researchers, policy experts, and thought leaders committed to developing innovative ideas that address shared challenges in economics, sustainability, technology, and governance.
Fellows will have the opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary projects, participate in high-level dialogues, and collaborate with leading institutions in both nations. Through these efforts, the Maitri Fellowships aim to nurture a new generation of globally minded researchers and strengthen the long-term partnership between Australia and India — one founded on mutual respect, shared knowledge, and innovation for a sustainable future.
About the Maitri Fellowships 2026
The Maitri Fellowships, created by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, enable premier policy researchers to engage in secondments with prominent organizations in Australia and India. This initiative promotes stronger institutional connections, improves academic cooperation, and deepens public discussion on vital economic, geostrategic, and diplomatic issues.
What the Program Provides?
The Maitri Fellowship Program for 2025–26 offers complete financial support for Australian entities to bring in or dispatch policy specialists internationally through three primary avenues:
- Inward Fellowships: Available for a duration of up to 12 months for Indian research professionals to collaborate with Australian organizations.
- Outward Fellowships: Up to 12 months for Australian fellows to partner with Indian organizations.
- Bi-directional Fellowships: A maximum of 2 years of collaborative research interchange between an Australian fellow and an Indian fellow.
- This initiative not only enhances capacity but also fosters a global perspective, spurs innovation, and cultivates mutual understanding between two of the world’s fastest-growing democracies.
Eligibility Requirements
Applications are solely available to Australian entities with demonstrated expertise in the Australia-India bilateral space and the capability to satisfy DFAT’s due diligence requirements.
- Inbound Associates (from India)
- Must be citizens of India (not permanent residents in Australia).
- Must possess a Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) throughout their fellowship in Australia.
- Must engage actively in events organized by DFAT, the Centre, or the hosting entity.
- Fellows from Australia traveling abroad
- Must be citizens of Australia (not permanent residents of India).
- Must obtain a legitimate visa for the fellowship duration in India.
- Must participate in pertinent public events and academic activities throughout the term.
How to Apply
Organizations that are interested may send applications through SmartyGrants. Applicants should thoroughly examine the complete Grant Guidelines for comprehensive eligibility and submission processes before applying.
Application Schedule
The Maitri Fellowships 2026 application period begins on 16 September 2025, closing on 14 January 2026 (5:00 PM AEDT). The contracting and shortlisting process will take place from January to February 2026, with implementation starting in May 2026
RECOMMENDED
- Firstly, Study in UK | University of Cambridge Research Fellowships 2026
- Secondly, Study in Germany | Heidelberg University Scholarships 2025-2026
- Thirdly, Study in Sweden | Dalarna University Scholarships 2026
- Then, Study in Canada | Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025
- Also, Netherlands Fully Funded NL Scholarship 2026
- Moreover, France Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for October 2026
- Furthermore, Taylor University Undergraduate Scholarship 2025
- Afterwards, Study in Canada | Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025
- Additionally, Netherlands Fully Funded NL Scholarship 2026
- More so, France Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for October 2026
- Finally, Tokyo City University Fully-funded Scholarship 2026
