Fulbright Scholar Award

Fulbright Scholar Award (funded by the Regional Universities Network of Australia)

Australia

Application Deadline
closed
Award Code
25282-AU
Activity Type
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) 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.
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

Exactly
2
Award Start Period
January 2027 - February 2027
Award Length
3.5 months - 4 months
Flex Option
No
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
Agriculture
Biology
Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Information Sciences/Systems
Medical Sciences
Neuroscience
Nursing
Public Health
Scholars selected for this award will be required to
Conduct a research project of the applicant’s choosing

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 Award funded by the Regional Universities Network of Australia (RUN) will support research projects undertaken at any of the network’s seven member institutions. Scholars are based at one RUN university of their choice, but will have the opportunity to visit other RUN universities during their program. A travel allowance will be provided for the scholar to travel between locations. 

The Regional Universities Network is a network of seven universities with headquarters in regional/rural Australia and a shared commitment to playing a transformative role in their regions. Through their educational and research contributions to regional economic, social, cultural and environmental development, the RUN member universities play an important and distinctive role in advancing Australia’s national prosperity, productivity and identity. RUN is also leading the creation of regional knowledge hubs and technology parks, providing local access to infrastructure, technologies, research, knowledge and skills and stimulating start-up and growth of new businesses. The Network was established in October 2011. The foundation members are CQUniversity, Southern Cross University, Federation University Australia, University of New England, University of Southern Queensland and University of the Sunshine Coast. Charles Sturt University joined the Network on 29 May 2019.

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

Any institution that is part of the Regional Universities Network: 

Award Length and Period

Grant should start in January/February 2026 in line with the Australian academic year and to attend the Orientation Program and Gala Presentation Dinner in February.

Areas of Interest

Crops and Foods for the Future

  • Agriculture 
  • Horticulture 
  • Animal production  
  • Veterinary sciences  
  • Fisheries sciences  
  • Environmental sciences 
  • Land & agriculture management  
  • Crop and pasture production 
  • Food systems management 
  • Agricultural supply chains  
  • Education and extension

Health and Well-being of the Regions

  • Biomedical Science
  • Dentistry 
  • Nursing 
  • Epidemiology 
  • Health systems & health workforce development 
  • Public health & health services 
  • Complementary/alternative medicines 
  • Neuroscience 
  • Infection prevention, infectious diseases in regional areas 
  • Data analytics &health security 
  • Security & emergency management  
  • Community resilience 
  • Wildlife health 
  • Disaster management
  • Telehealth

New Industries

  • Agricultural Biotechnology 
  • Food waste management 
  • Materials Engineering 
  • Waste recycling
  • Renewable energy 
  • Security
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
A letter of invitation is required.
Invitation Requirement Additional Information

A letter of invitation from one of the RUN universities is required.

Language Proficiency Requirements
None, English is sufficient
Additional Qualification Information

Open to tenured mid-career academics and above to conduct a program of collaborative research.

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.

Award Allowances

AUD$5,500 (approximately USD$3,630) per month for 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$3,500 (approximately $2,300).

Domestic travel and accommodation allowance within Australia of up to AUD$4,000 (approximately USD$2,600).

Do you offer additional dependent benefits
Yes

Scholars accompanied by eligible dependents for at least 80% of program duration may receive a one-time dependent allowance of AUD$3000 (USD$1,980).

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.

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 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.

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 2026 in line with the Australian academic year and Fulbright orientation activities. 

Applicants may contact the Scholarships 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.