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Published: 17 Jun 2024 667 views
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) is a life-changing fellowship for Indigenous social equity in Australia, Aotearoa and Pacific Island nations. Based at the University of Melbourne, the AFSE program represents a 20+ year investment into Indigenous-led social change through a powerful network of Fellows.
It has two features:
Social change project
A key part of the Fellowship is the social change project. Throughout the foundation year Fellows refine and develop a social change project, drawing on the most current and impactful critical Indigenous scholarship from Australia, Aotearoa and around the world.
As part of the application process, you are asked to write about a social change project you will undertake as part of your fellowship and beyond. While there are different ways to effect change, we are looking for people who have experience in and an ability to come up with an Indigenous social change idea. It does not have to be fully formed as it is early stages.
What kind of social change project should I propose?
We are looking for ideas that are:
• Innovative, including improving existing approaches or ideas;
• Community-based, offering ways for community members to engage and participate;
• Have a high potential for impact towards a more fair and just society; and
• Ofer a vision and a sustainable strategy for driving change.
For 2025, we welcome applications that strive for Indigenous-led social change in any field, sector or community. We are especially pleased to receive applications that might focus on either (1) Indigenous language and education, or (2) land, water, environment or climate related issues.
See our application guidance blog for more information on project proposals.
The Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity programme is a transformative experience that emphasises learning, connection and reflection. For both our Residential Fellows and our Non-Residential Fellows, the fellowship journey begins with an immersive year at the London School of Economics and Political Science, centred around four key learning Modules. It is an intense and demanding year that requires full commitment from Fellows as they join a community that helps to support, challenge and deepen their learning and practice. Fellowship is also a lifelong journey. At the end of ... continue reading
| Application Deadline | 05 Aug 2024 |
| Country to study | Australia |
| School to study | University of Melbourne |
| Type | Fellowship |
| Sponsor | Atlantic Fellows |
| Gender | Men and Women |
AFSE meets the full cost of all course fees for the postgraduate study (Master’s or Graduate Certificate of Social Change Leadership) at the University of Melbourne, and all associated Student Services and Amenities Fees. This applies to all Fellows.
In addition to tuition fees, every Fellow receives:
The cost of participation in the foundation year will be met by AFSE, including:
In addition, an equity stipend of up to $42,000 is available. The equity stipend is allocated as needed to support participation in the Fellowship. Eligibility for or need for the stipend has no bearing on your selection into the Fellowship. Some examples of previous Fellows receiving the equity stipend include:
There are equity stipend check-ins throughout the year, so if your circumstances change, we can respond to those changes. The stipend payments are intended to facilitate participation during the foundation year, and are not a salary replacement.
Important notes:
AFSE provides a range of additional support to all Fellows for the foundation year. This support includes:
All Fellows have access to the full range of support services provided to all University of Melbourne students.
AFSE is committed to continuing Fellow intakes and delivering the program should public health challenges arise. Contingency plans are in place to continue the Fellowship in the event of public health restrictions and will include online learning as required.
The AFSE Fellowship is designed for people who are established in their careers and have a track record of engagement with Indigenous communities.
We welcome applications from Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples from Australia, Aotearoa and most Pacific Island nations.
Indigenous applicants must have Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, M?ori or Pacific Islander heritage.
Non-Indigenous applicants must have a strong track record of working on Indigenous-focused projects/initiatives and be well-regarded in their own communities for their dedication to creating positive change for Indigenous peoples.
Before applying, please make sure you meet the following requirements:
Citizenship: You must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand or a Pacific Island nation.
Educational/professional experience: You must have an undergraduate degree OR between five to eight years of work experience in social change. The program generally selects individuals who are in the middle of their careers between the ages of 25 and 65.
Current studies: You cannot be enrolled in any other study/educational programs or have a thesis under examination as of January 2025.
Atlantic Fellowship eligibility: You must not be a current Global/Senior Atlantic Fellow or participating in any Atlantic Fellowship programs.
Study commitment: You must be able to:
Attend six in-person modules throughout the year.
Study approximately ten hours per week.
Complete six 5000-word assessments.
Language proficiency: You must be proficient in English.
Passport requirement: You must have a valid passport or the ability to obtain one.
Ability to travel: You must be able to travel for seven weeks throughout the year (program modules are delivered in various locations across Australia and Aotearoa).
Employer support: If you are employed, you must have your employer's support to participate in this full-year, non-residential program. This includes taking approximately seven weeks away from work and dedicating additional study time as needed.
Your application will be evaluated based on these factors:
Your idea for making positive change for Indigenous communities/peoples (it doesn't have to be fully thought out).
Your proven ability to develop a project based on your idea.
Examples of how you have successfully collaborated with relevant communities to bring about change.
Your ability to work collaboratively.
Your critical thinking, communication, creativity, strategic planning and people skills.
Proof of your ongoing commitment to learning and improving your skills.
Your readiness to take part in and gain from local and global fellowship opportunities.
In addition to these factors, the selection committee chooses the cohort by considering and balancing several factors. These include the diversity of the Fellows' work, what sectors and disciplines they come from, as well as their age and gender. The mix between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Fellows is also carefully considered.
For 2025, AFSE is excited to receive applications that strive for Indigenous-led social change in any field, sector or community. We are especially pleased to receive applications that might focus on either (1) Indigenous language and education, or (2) land, water, environment or climate related issues.
Applications close at 11.55pm on Monday 5 August 2024
For more details visit: Atlantic Fellows website.
