Fulbright Scholar Award

Fulbright Scholar Award in All Disciplines

Australia

Application Deadline
Monday, September 15, 2025
Award Code
261181-AU
Activity Type
Professional Project
The Professional Project activity type provides professionals and artists in various fields the opportunity to interact with relevant organizations abroad to explore a topic related to their field without answering a defined research question. Professional Projects may include: professional consultations; artist residencies; visits to organizations in the applicant's field; practical experience in day-to-day operations; public lectures; mentoring; arranging exhibitions, performances or musical compilations; preparation of print materials (books, articles, or reviews); exchange of expertise with other professionals; participation in public events; or other appropriate professional activities.
Research
Research includes activities involving scientific research, qualitative research, quantitative research, and practice-based research, including artistic research. Research can take place in locations such as the laboratory, the field, the archives, or an artist residency. It can be experimental, clinical, or applied. It can include examining policies, systems, theories, methods, interactions, and works of art and music, with the objective to evaluate or develop new knowledge or works. Quantifiable (tangible) outcomes can include publications (books, journal articles, scripts, etc.), conference presentations, artistic and musical compositions, exhibitions, performances, films, and patents.
Degree Requirements
Ph.D. (or other terminal degree) not required
Career Profile
Mid-Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than seven, and less than 13, years.
Professionals
Awards are open to individuals who have more than seven years of experience in a particular profession.
Senior Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than 13 years.

Number of recipients

Up To
3
Award Start Period
January 2027 - February 2027
Award Length
3.5 months - 4 months
Flex Option
No
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
Projects are sought in all disciplines
Scholars selected for this award will be required to
Conduct a research project of the applicant’s choosing
Conduct a professional and/or artistic project

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.

Award Activity

The Fulbright Scholar Awards support research projects undertaken at any Australian institution. Other activities may include consulting on curriculum, participating in graduate/faculty seminars and giving guest lectures. All applicants should demonstrate plans for interaction with the host institution faculty and students.

Locations
Location Selection: Applicant may propose an appropriate host
Locations Detail

Any appropriate institution, including universities, research centers, think-tanks, museums, galleries (creative/fine arts-based projects), conservatoriums (music/composition-based projects), relevant professional and non-profit institutions, or other institutions of research and/or higher education.

Award Length and Period

Grants must start in January/February 2027 in line with the Australian academic year and to attend the Orientation Program and Gala Presentation Dinner in February.

Areas of Interest

The Commission especially welcomes applications in creative arts and humanities, although all applications will be considered.

Special Features

Fulbright East Asia Pacific Regional Travel Program

As conditions allow, Fulbright Scholars in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region may have the opportunity to apply for funds to support short-term (3-14 days) travel to other countries in the EAP region for activities such as lectures, workshops, graduate or faculty seminars, master classes or recitals, curricular advising, or panel presentations. EAP Regional Travel Program funding covers transportation only. Regional Travel Program activities/host sites should not be included in the initial Fulbright application. Scholars may start the process of seeking out invitations for short-term activities in other EAP countries once notified that they have been selected for a Fulbright grant but will only be able to apply for travel program funds, conditions permitting, once they have actively started their Fulbright grant in their host country. Scholars on flex grants are not eligible for the regional travel grant.

All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).

Citizenship/Residency Requirement
Applicants residing in the award country at the time of application or thereafter are not eligible to apply for this award.
Dual citizens of the award country are not eligible to apply for this award.
Permanent residents of the award country are not eligible to apply for this award.
Invitation Requirement
An invitation letter is required.
Invitation Requirement Additional Information

All applicants are required to include a letter of invitation from their proposed institution with their application. If you encounter any difficulties in obtaining a letter of invitation, please reach out to the Commission's Programs Team via email

Language Proficiency Requirements
None, English is sufficient
Additional Qualification Information

Academic applicants must either have a PhD (or other terminal degree) and have 10 or more years of experience in their field (inclusive of PhD). Applicants with less than 10 years experience who are appropriately qualified as a senior lecturer, associate professor, or full professor, will also be considered.

Professional applicants should have at least 10 years' experience in their professional field. 

Following the review process, short-listed applicants will be invited for a virtual interview with a Fulbright Selection Committee in Australia.

You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.

Interview Requirements

Interviews will be conducted virtually between December 2025 and February 2026. The Commission will reach out to shortlisted applicants to invite them to a 20-minute interview. Candidates are provided with details of the interview at the time of invitation, including how to prepare for the day. 

Interview committees are comprised of various panellists, including but not limited to sponsor representatives, alumni, and university academics in the applicant's field.

Award Allowances

AUD$5,000 (approximately USD$3,300) per month for a maximum period of four months.

Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee

Round-trip, economy class airfare directly to and from the scholar's home city and the city of the host institution capped at AUD$4,000 (approximately USD$2,600).

Do you offer additional dependent benefits
No
Estimated Cost of Living

The following tool can be used to compare cost of living between major cities: Cost of Living Comparison Tool | Compare International Cities

Special Award Benefits

Travel and accommodation for all Scholars to the Orientation Program and Gala Presentation Dinner, held annually.

Access to Fulbright Alumni in Australia prior to arrival to assist in preparation for the visit and while in Australia for social and professional networks.

Access to Australia’s National Health Care Cover Scheme (Medicare) is a benefit for U.S. Fulbrighters in Australia. Please note: Medicare enrollment 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.

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

What is life like for Fulbrighters in your country?

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.

Previous Fulbright Recipients

Current U.S. Scholars profiles can be viewed here, and U.S. Scholar alumni profiles can be viewed here.

Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.