Applications Open for Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity 2026 Cohort

The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) has opened applications for the 2026 cohort, seeking changemakers from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Pacific Island nations.

The Fellowship is aimed at mid-career Indigenous and Pacific peoples and their allies who have a compelling and actionable idea for positive change in their communities or organisations.

AFSE seeks individuals who show both creative thinking and problem-solving abilities, along with a commitment to driving Indigenous-led solutions to build a fairer, more equitable world.

Executive Director Damien Miller said he anticipates a surge in applications in the face of increasing challenges to equity.

"I'm excited to see the agency, creativity and passion that will undoubtedly be reflected in applications," Mr Miller said.

"During challenging times when social equity and Indigenous rights are increasingly under threat, we often witness the emergence of innovative and powerful ideas – concepts that are needed to create lasting positive change in our communities.”

The program is a partnership between the University of Melbourne and Waipapa Taumata Rau /University of Auckland. Successful applicants begin their journey with a fee-free Master of Social Change Leadership at the University of Melbourne.

The 12-month degree is a blend of academic learning, experiential leadership development, Indigenous community engagement and cohort-based collaboration. It will enable participants to integrate different knowledge systems and approaches to create more effective, holistic and culturally grounded solutions for positive change.

Professor and Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori Te Kawehau Hoskins at Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland said the Fellowship differs from conventional leadership programs by centring Indigenous Australian, Māori and Pacific Peoples' knowledges, experiences and ways of organising and leading.

"AFSE builds its approach on Indigenous knowledge systems and principles to address social inequities," Professor Hoskins said.

"Participants learn directly from Indigenous Elders, knowledge holders, community organisers, academic experts and each other, applying these teachings to strengthen their own social change practices and projects."

After completing the master's degree, the 2026 cohort will be supported to implement social change initiatives developed during their studies. This includes access to up to AUD$30,000 in funding and ongoing professional development.

The cohort will also join a lifelong global community of Atlantic Fellows – a network of more than 940 changemakers from 70 countries across seven Atlantic Fellow programs, united by a shared commitment to creating fairer, more inclusive societies.

AFSE is one of the seven global and interconnected Atlantic Fellows programs to which the foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies, has committed more than $US660 million worldwide.

Established by American/Irish businessman Chuck Feeney, co-founder of the Duty Free Shoppers Group, Atlantic Philanthropies has given away $US8 billion over the course of Mr Feeney’s lifetime, largely anonymously.

Applications close on Monday 28 July 2025, with the fellowship commencing in early 2026.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit the AFSE website.