The Maitri Fellowship Program 2026 in Australia is a prestigious, government-funded initiative supporting collaborative research between Australia and India. It is designed for academics and think-tank professionals who seek to advance insightful policy research, foster institutional partnerships, and deepen Indo-Australian relations through intellectual exchange and innovation.
Basic Information about the Fellowships
The Maitri Fellowship Program 2026 is administered by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The fellowship aims to strengthen strategic, economic, and cultural ties between Australia and India through joint research projects focused on critical global challenges like economics, technology, and international relations.
Applications open on 16 September 2025 and close on 14 January 2026 at 5:00 PM AEDT. Shortlisting and contracting occur between January and February 2026, and the fellowship begins in May 2026.
University/Institution Details
The host institutions include Australian think tanks, universities, and policy organizations with recognized expertise in the Australia–India bilateral domain. These institutions are selected based on DFAT’s eligibility guidelines and their research alignment with Australia’s Indo-Pacific policy goals.
Indian institutions that collaborate in two-way fellowships are generally research universities, policy centers, and government-affiliated think tanks.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
The fellowship primarily supports research and collaboration in:
- Geostrategic and Geoeconomic Studies
- International Relations and Policy Analysis
- Technology and Innovation Policy
- Economic Cooperation and Trade Development
- Defense and Security Policy Studies
- Sustainable Development, Climate, and Health Policy
Maitri Fellowship Program Benefits
- Full funding for fellowship activities (up to 12 months for single exchanges, and 24 months for joint programs)
- Support for research and policy publication costs
- Visa support through Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) for inbound fellows
- Opportunities to participate in DFAT events and global policy roundtables
- Collaborative access to networks across academic and government institutions
Benefits Not Included
The fellowship does not cover:
- Dependents’ travel or accommodation costs
- Health insurance outside program duration
- Post-fellowship employment placement
- Non-research-related expenses such as entertainment or personal travel
Eligibility Criteria for the Maitri Fellowship Program
Inbound Fellows (from India):
- Must be Indian citizens (not Australian residents)
- Must hold a Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408)
- Must participate in fellowship activities and DFAT events
Outbound Fellows (from Australia):
- Must be Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Must hold an approved work or research visa for India
- Must take part in official academic and diplomatic programs
Eligible Host Organizations:
- Registered Australian think tanks, universities, or research institutions
- Must comply with DFAT’s governance and due diligence guidelines
Required Documents for the Application
Applicants will need to provide:
- Completed SmartyGrants Application Form
- Research Proposal (with objectives and expected outcomes)
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages)
- Academic or institutional letter of support
- Proof of citizenship (passport copy)
- Partner organization’s commitment letter (if applicable)
- Visa-related documentation and ethics declarations
Maitri Fellowship Program Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Review Program Guidelines: Download the official Maitri Grant Guidelines from DFAT or the Centre for Australia-India Relations.
- Prepare a Research Proposal: Outline the topic, duration, expected outputs, and impact.
- Secure Institutional Support: Collaborate with eligible Australian institutions or Indian think tanks.
- Create a SmartyGrants Account: Visit the DFAT SmartyGrants portal to register.
- Complete Online Application: Upload all required documents and input accurate details.
- Submit Before Deadline: Ensure submission before 14 January 2026 (5:00 PM AEDT).
- Shortlisting and Review: DFAT will assess based on merit, innovation, and impact.
- Contracting Stage: Selected fellows formalize agreements with the host institutions.
- Program Commencement: Fellowship activities begin in May 2026.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Focus on bilateral impact – emphasize research outcomes that benefit both Australia and India.
- Show institutional collaboration with meaningful deliverables.
- Align the proposal with DFAT priorities such as clean energy, trade, and geostrategy.
- Provide concise, innovative, and clearly measurable goals.
- Submit all supporting documents before the deadline to ensure eligibility.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (Approximate in USD)
| Expense Type | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $900 – $1,500 |
| Groceries & Food | $350 – $600 |
| Transportation | $120 – $200 |
| Utilities & Internet | $150 – $250 |
| Miscellaneous | $100 – $200 |
Estimated Total: $1,600 – $2,700 per month (depending on city and lifestyle).
Living costs are typically higher in Sydney and Melbourne compared to Adelaide or Brisbane.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
- Global Recognition: Backed by DFAT and the Centre for Australia-India Relations, ensuring international credibility.
- Fully Funded Program: Covers research, travel, and collaboration expenses with zero tuition cost.
- Cross-Cultural Networking: Offers unparalleled opportunities to build professional networks between leading researchers from both nations.
- Policy Impact: Fellows contribute directly to shaping Australia–India relations and government strategies.
- Long-Term Career Value: Alumni gain access to a policy, academic, and diplomatic community that extends beyond the fellowship duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who funds the Maitri Fellowship Program 2026?
The fellowship is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Centre for Australia-India Relations.
2. Can undergraduate students apply?
No, the fellowship targets research professionals and senior academics (Level B to D).
3. Is it open to other nationalities?
Only Australian and Indian citizens can participate as outbound and inbound fellows respectively.
4. Can two institutions apply jointly?
Yes, joint applications are encouraged, particularly for two-way fellowships involving collaborative exchanges.
5. When does the program start?
The fellowship begins in May 2026, following selection in early 2026.
Official Link:
Final Thoughts
The Maitri Fellowship 2026 in Australia is more than just a research opportunity—it’s a strategic bridge for empowering academics, policymakers, and thought leaders to redefine the Australia–India relationship. With full financial support, interdisciplinary research focus, and global exposure, this fellowship offers a life-changing experience for scholars who aspire to create tangible impact through innovation and international collaboration.
