The Maitri Fellowship Program 2026 in Australia is now accepting applications. This esteemed fellowship invites Indian nationals to participate in an initiative designed to deepen academic collaboration, strengthen institutional connections, and encourage meaningful discussions on significant diplomatic, geostrategic, and economic topics.
Picture Australia and India’s brightest minds collaborating to shape the Indo-Pacific region’s future through forward thinking policy research. This vision defines the Maitri Fellowships 2026, a trailblazing initiative that brings together scholars, researchers, and thought leaders to deepen the partnership between these two dynamic nations. Introduced by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, the Maitri Fellowships provide leading policy researchers with the opportunity to engage in secondments at prominent institutions across Australia and India.
Founded by the Australian Government in 2023, the Centre for Australia-India Relations serves as a national hub for advancing collaboration and mutual engagement with India. The Maitri Stories platform highlights the outstanding individuals and organizations supported by the program, showcasing how their work is fostering innovation and strengthening connections in fields such as business, education, culture, and technology.
Details Maitri Fellowship Programs 2026 in Australia:
| Organization: | Centre for Australia-India Relations. |
| Scholarship coverage: | Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | Indians |
| Award Country: | Australia |
| Last date: | 14 January 2026 |
Financial Benefits:
The Maitri Fellowship Program supports three fully funded fellowship streams, enabling Australian organizations to host or send policy professionals internationally:
- Inward Fellowships: Enable Indian researchers to collaborate with Australian institutions for up to 12 months.
- Outward Fellowships: Allow Australian fellows to work with Indian universities for up to one year.
- Two-Way Fellowships: Facilitate joint research partnerships between an Australian and an Indian fellow for up to two years.
Beyond capacity building, the program promotes global perspectives, encourages innovation, and strengthens mutual understanding between two of the world’s fastest-growing democracies.
Documents Required:
- Online Application Form
- Transcripts from
- Degree certificates
- Passport or birth certificate
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae/resume
Eligibility Criteria:
Eligibility for the Maitri Fellowship is limited to Australian organizations that meet the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)’s due diligence standards and have proven experience in fostering Australia India relations.
Inbound Fellows (from India):
- Must be citizens of India and not hold Australian permanent residency.
- Are required to obtain a Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) for the duration of their stay in Australia.
- Should actively participate in events organized by DFAT, the Centre for Australia-India Relations, or the host organization.
Outbound Fellows (from Australia):
- Must be Australian citizens and not hold permanent residency in India.
- Are required to obtain a valid Indian visa for the duration of the fellowship.
- Should actively engage in relevant academic, cultural, and public events throughout their fellowship period.
Application Deadline:
The application deadline for the Maitri Fellowship Program 2026 in Australia (Funded) for international candidates is 14 January 2026.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants can submit their applications through SmartyGrants. Before applying, candidates are advised to carefully review the Grant Guidelines for detailed eligibility criteria and submission instructions.
Applications open on 16 September 2025, with shortlisting and contracting scheduled between January and February 2026. Program implementation will commence in May 2026.