Applications are now officially open for the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) Fellowship 2027, a prestigious Indigenous and Pacific-centred fellowship programme designed to empower changemakers, strengthen Indigenous-led initiatives, and advance social equity across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations.

Hosted at the University of Melbourne and supported by Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, the fellowship is one of the globally recognised Atlantic Fellows programmes established through the philanthropic vision of the late Charles “Chuck” F. Feeney.

The AFSE Fellowship is specifically designed for emerging and established Indigenous and Pacific leaders, as well as allies committed to Indigenous-led social transformation. Through academic learning, leadership development, community engagement, and collaborative networking, Fellows are equipped to drive long-term systems change grounded in Indigenous and Pacific knowledges, practices, and worldviews.

The programme combines:

A fee-free University of Melbourne Master’s degree or Graduate Certificate
Intensive leadership and social change training
Community-based learning
International networking opportunities
Ongoing lifelong fellowship support
Access to a global network of changemakers

This transformative fellowship supports individuals already working within communities, organisations, governments, businesses, healthcare systems, the arts, and advocacy spaces who are committed to creating a more just and equitable world.

What Is the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE)?

The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity is a transformative fellowship programme focused on advancing Indigenous-led social change and strengthening Indigenous and Pacific leadership.

The programme operates on a powerful principle:

Indigenous and Pacific Peoples already hold deep knowledge, wisdom, and solutions capable of addressing community challenges and contributing to global transformation.

The fellowship therefore aims to:

Centre Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems
Support social equity initiatives
Empower community-focused leaders
Build stronger Indigenous-led systems change movements
Create collaborative leadership networks

AFSE brings together Fellows from diverse sectors and experiences while fostering deep learning, mutual support, and long-term collaboration.

Host Institutions

The fellowship is hosted and supported by leading institutions including:

University of Melbourne
Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland
Atlantic Institute
Rhodes Trust

The Atlantic Institute, hosted at Rhodes House in Oxford, United Kingdom, serves as the global convening and knowledge-sharing hub for Atlantic Fellows worldwide.

A Global Fellowship Community

AFSE is one of seven Atlantic Fellows programmes operating globally.

After completing the Foundation Year, Fellows become part of:

A lifelong Atlantic Fellows network
A community of over 1,100 changemakers
Fellows across more than 70 countries

This global network creates opportunities for:

International collaboration
Cross-cultural learning
Social innovation
Global summits
Shared leadership initiatives

Senior Fellows continue to receive support, learning opportunities, and collaborative engagement long after the completion of the programme.

The Fellowship Journey

The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Fellowship consists of two interconnected phases:

1. Foundation Year

During the Foundation Year:

Up to 20 Indigenous and Pacific leaders and allies are selected
Fellows engage in collaborative learning
Participants develop long-lasting professional and personal relationships
Fellows complete a fee-free academic qualification

The academic component includes:

A Master’s degree in Social Change Leadership
OR
A Graduate Certificate in Social Change Leadership

The programme integrates:

Indigenous and Pacific knowledges
Critical thinking
Systems change approaches
Community-based learning
Experiential development
Academic scholarship

The Foundation Year is intentionally designed to allow Fellows to remain closely connected to their communities while studying.

2. Lifelong Fellowship

Upon completing the Foundation Year, Fellows transition into the lifelong fellowship community as Senior Fellows.

This stage includes:

Continued collaboration opportunities
Global networking
Social change support
Participation in Atlantic Fellows summits
Access to international changemaker communities

The lifelong fellowship strengthens ongoing impact and supports Fellows in expanding their initiatives and leadership work.

Social Change Initiative

One of the central components of the fellowship is the Social Change Initiative.

Each Fellow develops and advances a practical project or body of work focused on addressing real-world community issues.

These initiatives may include:

Public policy advocacy
Community-led programmes
Health equity initiatives
Climate justice solutions
Storytelling and media projects
Educational transformation
Cultural preservation
Systems reform efforts

The initiative is designed to:

Translate knowledge into action
Create long-term community impact
Strengthen Indigenous-led solutions
Advance social equity

Throughout the programme, Fellows receive support in refining and implementing these initiatives.

Programme Delivery and Learning Structure

The programme is delivered over one year and combines:

In-person learning
Online tutorials
Community engagement
Academic assessments
Collaborative learning

Unlike many residential fellowships, AFSE allows Fellows to spend most of the year within their home communities.

In-Person Learning Modules

The Foundation Year includes:

Five intensive in-person modules
5–8 days per module
Approximately 40 days of travel during the year

The modules are held across:

Australia
Aotearoa New Zealand
Pacific Island nations

Some sessions are hosted directly within Indigenous and Pacific communities to deepen cultural learning and exchange.

Online Tutorials and Academic Engagement

Online tutorials take place every second week and involve:

Group discussions
Oral assessments
Collaborative reflection
Interactive learning

Assessment formats throughout the programme may include:

Written assignments
Oral presentations
Group projects
Reflective exercises
Applied project work

Fellows receive:

Academic feedback
Peer support
Leadership development guidance

Fully Funded Fellowship Benefits

The AFSE Fellowship provides substantial support to selected Fellows.

Academic Benefits

Fee-free Master’s degree or Graduate Certificate
Access to University of Melbourne academic resources
Indigenous and Pacific-centred curriculum

Travel and Accommodation Support

AFSE fully covers:

Travel costs
Accommodation
Programme-related expenses for in-person sessions

Leadership and Networking Opportunities

Fellows gain:

Access to international changemaker networks
Long-term collaboration opportunities
Leadership development
Mentorship and peer learning

Global Atlantic Fellows Network

Participants become part of:

A global fellowship network
International summits and convenings
Lifelong professional support structures

Who Should Apply?

The programme seeks:

Mid-career professionals
Community-focused leaders
Indigenous and Pacific changemakers
Allies committed to Indigenous-led equity work

Applicants may come from sectors including:

Community organisations
Government
Healthcare
Education
Business
Media
Arts and culture
Public policy
Advocacy
Environmental work

The fellowship is especially suitable for leaders already working on initiatives aimed at improving social equity and community wellbeing.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Fellowship is more than an academic programme. It is a transformative leadership experience grounded in:

Indigenous wisdom
Community-centred leadership
Systems change
Social justice
Equity-driven action

The fellowship creates space for Indigenous and Pacific leaders to:

Strengthen their impact
Expand their networks
Develop sustainable initiatives
Build collective power
Influence future systems and policies

2027 Fellowship Updates

AFSE has announced that important changes are planned for the 2027 Foundation Year experience to further strengthen:

Indigenous and Pacific on-country learning
Community exchange
Fellowship collaboration

Additional programme information is expected to be released in mid-2026.

Application Information

Applications for the 2027 Fellowship are now open.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to:

Review programme details carefully
Reflect on their social change initiative
Prepare for a collaborative and intensive fellowship experience

Official Fellowship Website

For programme details and application information, visit:

Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Official Website

Final Thoughts

The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Fellowship 2027 represents a remarkable opportunity for Indigenous and Pacific leaders and allies committed to social transformation, systems change, and community empowerment.

By combining academic excellence, Indigenous-centred leadership, community engagement, and global collaboration, the fellowship creates a powerful platform for changemakers seeking to drive meaningful impact within their communities and beyond.

For individuals passionate about Indigenous knowledge systems, social equity, and sustainable community-led change, the AFSE Fellowship offers both the resources and the global network needed to strengthen leadership and create lasting transformation.