The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Program

Deadline: 19-Aug-22

Applications are now open for the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) Program, a life-changing fellowship for Indigenous social equity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

The AFSE Fellowship is a lifelong journey, beginning with an intensive foundation year that builds capacity and enhances opportunities for Fellows to drive Indigenous-led social change initiatives.

The AFSE program supports Fellows to work together to recognise their inherent strengths, develop their talents, and advance the aspirations and interests of Indigenous communities as they collectively work towards the creation of more equitable and inclusive societies.

Based at the University of Melbourne, the AFSE program represents a 20+ year investment into Indigenousled social change through a powerful network of Fellows.

It has two features:
- An intensive foundation year with a postgraduate qualification at the University of Melbourne (fee-free)
- lifelong membership in a global community of change-makers across seven international Atlantic Fellows hubs.

They 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
offer a vision and a sustainable strategy for driving change

Financial Support

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:
- a basic stipend of $10,000 (to remove barriers to participation, which can be used to purchase laptops, childcare, to cover incidental expenses, etc.)
- access to a professional development fund of $3,500 in total (available for up to 3 years)
- access to a project development fund of $25,000 in total (available for up to 3 years)
- The cost of participation in the foundation year will be met by AFSE, including:
  - travel and accommodation expenses
  - special events relating to the program (eg dinners, graduations, guest speakers, etc.)
  - special activities associated with the program (eg theatre, art exhibitions, etc.)

Eligibility Criteria

The AFSE Fellowship is designed for community-focused, mid-career applicants. As an Indigenousled social equity program, the majority of Fellows are Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori peoples.
However, there are places for nonIndigenous peoples from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand who demonstrate a track-record of work in Indigenous affairs and have standing in community as a result of their long-term commitment to Indigenous equity.
In addition, Pacific Island peoples from Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia who have citizen ship or permanent residency, and work with Indigenous communities are encouraged to apply.
AFSE welcomes between 20 and 25 Fellows each year. You do not have to have an undergraduate degree to apply but if selected will have to undertake postgraduate study.
Are you:
- A citizen or permanent resident of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand?
- Not enrolled in any other form of study in 2023 (or have your thesis under examination as at January 2023)?
- Willing to commit to a non-residential foundation year experience, which includes:
- 7 weeks’ travel away from home across the year approximately 10 hours study time per week.
- 5000-word assessments per subject (8 subjects for the Master’s course and 4 subjects for the Graduate C ertificate).
Do you:
- Have an undergraduate degree or 5-8 years of work experience in social change?
- Have proficiency in English?
- Have a passport or ability to acquire a passport? (for international travel)
- If you are employed, have the support of your employer to complete a full year nonresidential program which required at least seven weeks away from work, plus additional study ti me as required?