Applications are now officially open for the 2027 cohort of the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE), a prestigious Indigenous and Pacific-centred fellowship program designed to empower leaders driving social change across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations. Hosted by the University of Melbourne and supported by Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, the fellowship aims to strengthen Indigenous-led initiatives through education, collaboration, and lifelong leadership development. The program is part of the wider Atlantic Fellows global network established through the philanthropic vision of Charles F. Feeney, bringing together changemakers committed to advancing equity and justice in communities worldwide. What is the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Fellowship? The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity is a transformative leadership fellowship focused on Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems, community-centred leadership, and long-term systems change. The fellowship is specifically designed for: Mid-career professionals Community-focused leaders Indigenous and Pacific changemakers Allies working toward social equity Professionals in sectors such as: Government Healthcare Arts and culture Business Community organisations AFSE believes Indigenous and Pacific communities hold the knowledge and solutions necessary to address both local and global challenges. Through the fellowship, participants are supported in transforming bold ideas into impactful social change initiatives. Fully Funded Academic and Leadership Opportunity During the Foundation Year, up to 20 Fellows are selected to participate in an intensive learning experience combining academic study, leadership development, and community collaboration. A major highlight of the program is the opportunity to undertake a fee-free qualification at the University of Melbourne, including: A Master’s degree in Social Change Leadership, or A Graduate Certificate in Social Change Leadership The curriculum integrates Indigenous and Pacific worldviews with critical thinking and systems-based approaches to solving complex social challenges. Fellows are encouraged to apply their learning directly to real-world issues affecting their communities while building lasting relationships with peers across the region. Social Change Initiative at the Core of the Fellowship One of the defining features of the AFSE program is the Social Change Initiative, a practical project each Fellow develops throughout the fellowship year. Rather than hypothetical academic exercises, these initiatives are grounded in real challenges already being addressed by Fellows in their communities or organisations. Examples of initiatives may include: Influencing public policy Expanding Indigenous-led community programs Advancing climate justice solutions Supporting health equity initiatives Shifting narratives through storytelling and media The fellowship supports participants in refining these projects using Indigenous knowledges, collaborative learning, and systems thinking approaches to maximise long-term impact. Flexible Learning Structure for Community-Based Leaders Unlike many traditional fellowship programs, AFSE is intentionally structured to minimise disruption to participants’ family and community responsibilities. Most Fellows remain within their home communities throughout the year while participating in: Five intensive in-person modules Online tutorials every second week Collaborative discussions and assessments Community-based applied learning Each in-person module lasts between five and eight days, amounting to approximately 40 days of travel throughout the year. AFSE covers all travel expenses for in-person sessions held across: Australia Aotearoa New Zealand Pacific Island nations Some sessions are also hosted directly within Indigenous and Pacific communities to deepen cultural exchange and on-country learning experiences. Lifelong Global Fellowship Network Upon completion of the Foundation Year, participants become Senior Fellows within the broader Atlantic Fellows network. This global network includes more than 1,100 changemakers across over 70 countries and seven international fellowship hubs. Senior Fellows gain access to: International collaboration opportunities Global summits and convenings Ongoing mentorship and support Resources for advancing social change projects Cross-sector networking opportunities The global network is connected through the Atlantic Institute, hosted by the Rhodes Trust at Rhodes House in Oxford, United Kingdom. 2027 Fellowship Updates and Program Enhancements AFSE has announced plans to strengthen the Foundation Year experience in 2027 by increasing Indigenous and Pacific on-country learning opportunities and enhancing cultural exchange experiences. Further details regarding program dates and locations are expected to be released in mid-2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor official announcements and prepare early for the competitive application process. Why the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Fellowship Matters The AFSE fellowship arrives at a critical time when Indigenous and Pacific leadership is increasingly recognised as essential to addressing social inequality, climate challenges, health disparities, and cultural sustainability. By centring Indigenous knowledges and lived experiences, the program seeks to empower leaders capable of creating meaningful and community-informed change on both regional and global scales. For emerging and established changemakers passionate about justice, equity, and Indigenous-led transformation, the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity offers a rare opportunity to combine academic learning, cultural connection, and practical impact within a globally connected fellowship community. 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