Imagine a world where Australia and international students collaborate seamlessly on groundbreaking policy research shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific region. That’s exactly what the Maitri Fellowships 2026 aim to achieve — a transformative program that invites researchers, academics, and thought leaders to strengthen ties between these two dynamic nations.
About the Maitri Fellowships 2026
The Maitri Fellowships, initiated by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, empower top-tier policy researchers to undertake secondments with leading organizations in Australia and India. Through this initiative, the program fosters deeper institutional linkages, enhances academic collaboration, and enriches the public discourse on crucial economic, geostrategic, and diplomatic challenges.
What the Program Offers?
The 2025–26 Maitri Fellowship Program provides full funding for Australian organizations to host or send policy experts across borders under three major streams:
- Inward Fellowships – Up to 12 months for Indian research professionals to work with Australian organisations.
- Outward Fellowships – Up to 12 months for Australian fellows to collaborate with Indian institutions.
- Two-way Fellowships – Up to 2 years of joint research exchange between an Australian and an Indian fellow.
This initiative doesn’t just build capacity — it nurtures a global mindset, encourages innovation, and promotes mutual understanding between two of the fastest-growing democracies in the world.
Eligibility Requirements
Applications are open exclusively to Australian organisations that have proven expertise in the Australia–India bilateral space and can meet DFAT’s due diligence standards.
Inbound Fellows (from India)
-
- Must be Indian citizens (not permanent residents of Australia).
- Must hold a Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) during their fellowship in Australia.
- Should actively participate in events by DFAT, the Centre, or the hosting organisation.
Outbound Fellows (from Australia)
-
- Must be Australian citizens (not permanent residents of India).
- Must secure a valid visa for the fellowship period in India.
- Should engage in relevant public events and academic functions during the tenure.
How to Apply?
Interested organizations can submit applications via SmartyGrants. Applicants must review the full Grant Guidelines for detailed eligibility and submission procedures before applying.
Application Timeline
Applications for the Maitri Fellowships 2026 open on 16 September 2025, with the deadline set for 14 January 2026 (5:00 PM AEDT). The shortlisting and contracting process will occur between January and February 2026, while implementation begins in May 2026.