Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The Fulbright AUKUS Scholar Award seeks to support projects that engage the opportunities and challenges of the AUKUS partnership. Announced in 2021, AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States intended to "promote a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable."
In accordance with the Fulbright values, this fellowship will invite scholars to forward innovation and collaboration between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States and to help solve common challenges that impact the Indo-Pacific, the trilateral partners, and the world.
This award will fund up to four U.S. scholars to pursue projects in both the U.K. and Australia.
The AUKUS Scholar Award supports projects through an interdisciplinary, collaborative model that will inform policy and support a more secure, peaceful, and sustainable Indo-Pacific future. This includes research focused on international maritime security and nuclear deterrence as well as approaches seeking to understand or combat the combined risk that climate change poses for the region and each member of the trilateral agreement. This award focuses on the strength of bringing together scholars from diverse cultural backgrounds, training, and disciplines to collaborate on topics of importance to the three nations, the Indo-Pacific region, and our global community.
Applicants are expected to procure letters of invitations from a relevant department at a higher-education institution or research institution in the U.K. and Australia where they will be hosted for the duration of the grant. Applicants should clearly outline their project plans in each country in the uploaded project statement, and the amount of time needed in each country to pursue the project.
Applicants should propose a minimum of three months in each country. The maximum grant length including both country visits is nine months.
This award allows applicants to do consecutive country visits or pursue the Flex option which would allow two different country visits to be pursued over a one-year period.
Applications are sought in all appropriate specializations. However, the following broad themes impacting the trilateral partnership or the Indo-Pacific will be especially welcome: International Maritime Security; Nuclear Deterrence; Nuclear Waste Management; Maritime Law & Technologies; the Ethics of AI & Autonomous Capabilities; Climate & Food Security; Cyber and Information Security and Diplomatic History.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Letters of invitation from host institutions in both the U.K. and Australia are required.
A master's degree or higher is required.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
AUD$5,500 (approximately USD$3,630) per month for the time spent in Australia.
£3,000 per month (approximately $3,660) per month for the time spent in the UK.
Australia: Round-trip, economy class airfare directly to and from the scholar's home city and the city of the host institution capped at AUD$3,500 (approximately USD$2,300).
UK: A relocation stipend of $1500 is provided.
UK: Scholars accompanied by eligible dependents for the full duration of their grant activity in the UK may receive a one-time dependent allowance of $1800 for one dependent or $2500 for two or more dependents. This will be calculated on a pro-rata basis for any Scholars on a grant for less than 6 months.
Australia: There are no additional dependent benefits provided during the time spent in Australia.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
The following tool can be used to compare cost of living between major cities: Cost of Living Comparison Tool | Compare International Cities
Australia: For those who will be on grant in February, 2027, travel and accommodation to the Orientation Program and Gala Presentation Dinner will be provided.
Access to Australia’s National Health Care Cover Scheme (Medicare) is a benefit for U.S. Fulbrighters in Australia. Please note: Medicare enrolment can be subject to administrative delays. We therefore recommend that Medicare be considered only as supplemental coverage alongside your Fulbright-provided ASPE limited health benefits and your own comprehensive travel insurance and/or personal U.S. medical insurance.
UK: Scholars are provided with a small travel allowance and accommodation to attend certain Fulbright Commission enrichment events. Scholars in the UK will have the opportunity to participate in a range of events, and benefit from a variety of additional opportunities provided by the Commission.
Scholars receive free institutional memberships with The National Trust/Royal Oak Foundation.
Fulbright Scholars will have membership of the UK Fulbright Alumni Network and access to Fulbrighter, a networking platform which enables grantees to connect, network, engage and collaborate with Fulbright alumni and grantees around the world.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Australia
Australia has a long and proud tradition of world-class research and development. Across all global ranking systems, criteria, and fields of study, Australia scores highly for its quality of education, student satisfaction and global reputation. In addition to working with some of the world's best and leading institutions, you'll have the opportunity to experience Australia's many natural wonders and picturesque landscapes.
All programs in Australia begin in late January/early February 2027 in line with the Australian academic year and Fulbright orientation activities.
Applicants may contact the Programs Team at the Fulbright Commission in Australia via email with any questions.
United Kingdom
Step into the world of Fulbright in the United Kingdom—a vibrant exchange opportunity that has weaved strong bonds between the UK and the US since 1948. From the buzzing energy of large metropolitan cities to the charm of quaint towns, daily life as a Fulbright Scholar to the United Kingdom offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. Our awards unfold across the UK's diverse landscapes throughout England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Navigating the country is made easy with efficient public transportation networks, allowing scholars to explore cities, countryside, and coastlines. Throughout the year, scholars engage in cultural events and festivals, immersing themselves in the arts, music, and local traditions. To name a few opportunities, previous Fulbrighters have participated in Highland games, organised writing workshops in picturesque locations, and visited National Trust properties across the UK.
With over 160 universities, the UK is home to innovative and globally significant research and teaching projects spanning all disciplines and sectors. Fulbright awards are offered across all 4 nations and the British Virgin Islands, with a range of all disciplines awards and subject-specific awards.
Applicants may contact the US-UK Fulbright Commission with any queries by emailing fulbrightprogrammes@fulbright.org.uk.
Project proposals need to outline a clear link between the UK and Australia within the AUKUS framework.