Maitri Fellowship Program 2026 in Australia (Funded)

Maitri Fellowship Programs 2026 for Indian Students

Applications are now open for the Maitri Fellowship Program 2026 in Australia. Indian applicants are encouraged to apply for this prestigious fellowship. The program aims to enhance academic collaboration, foster stronger institutional partnerships, and promote dialogue on key diplomatic, geostrategic, and economic matters.

Imagine a collaboration where Australian and Indian scholars unite to conduct innovative policy research shaping the Indo-Pacific region’s future. That’s exactly the mission of the Maitri Fellowships 2026 — a pioneering program inviting researchers, academics, and thought leaders to strengthen the bond between these two dynamic nations. Launched by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, the fellowship offers top policy researchers the opportunity to work with leading institutions across both countries.

Established in 2023 by the Australian Government, the Centre for Australia-India Relations serves as a national platform to foster deeper engagement and collaboration with India. The Maitri Stories page showcases exceptional individuals and organizations supported by the program, highlighting their real-world impact in fields such as innovation, business, education, and culture — all contributing to stronger Australia-India relations.

Maitri Fellowship Programs 2026 in Australia (Funded) Details

Organization	Centre for Australia-India Relations.
Scholarship coverage:	Funded
Eligible nationality:	Indians
Award Country:	Ausralia
Last date:	14 January 2026

Financial Benefits

Under three main streams, the Maitri Fellowship Program fully funds Australian organizations to host or send policy professionals abroad:

• Inward Fellowships: These allow Indian researchers to work with Australian organizations for a maximum of 12 months.
• Outward Fellowships: Australian fellows can work with Indian universities for up to a year.
• Two-way fellowships allow an Australian and an Indian fellow to collaborate on research for up to two years.

In addition to increasing capacity, this program fosters a global perspective, fosters creativity, and advances 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

nly Australian organizations that can satisfy DFAT’s due diligence requirements and have demonstrated experience in the bilateral Australia-India relationship are eligible to apply.

Inbound Fellows (from India)

Applicants must be citizens of India and not Australian permanent residents.
Throughout their fellowship in Australia, they must possess a Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408).
Should take an active part in DFAT, the Center, or the hosting organization’s events.

Outbound Fellows (from Australia)

Fellowship programs

• Applicants must be citizens of Australia and not Indian permanent residents.
• Applicants must obtain a current visa for India during the fellowship time.
• Applicants should participate in pertinent academic and public events throughout their term.

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the Maitri Fellowship Programs 2026 in Australia (Funded) for international students is 14th January 2026.

How to Apply for the Maitri Fellowship Program?

1. Through SmartyGrants, interested applicants can apply.
2. Before applying, candidates should read the whole Grant Guidelines for comprehensive eligibility and submission instructions.
3. Applications will begin on September 16, 2025.
4. While implementation starts in May 2026, the shortlisting and contracting procedure will take place between January and February 2026.