Fulbright Scholar Award

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

Australia

Application Deadline
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Award Code
271408-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
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
1
Award Start Period
September 2027 - May 2028
Award Length
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) supports research projects undertaken at any of the network’s six member institutions. This award is open to tenured U.S. academics at the level of associate or full professor to conduct a program of collaborative research in one of RUN’s three collaborative research themes: Crops and Foods for the Future, Health and Well-being of the Regions, or New Industries.

 

Scholars are based at one RUN university of their choice and can visit other RUN universities during their program. A travel allowance is provided for the scholar to travel between locations. 

Locations
Location Selection: Award must be undertaken at one of the following institutions
Locations Detail

The Regional Universities Network (RUN) is a network of six Australian regional universities with a shared commitment to playing a transformative role in their regions. 

Through 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. 

Award Length and Period

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

Flex
Flex allowed for only the following activity type(s):
Areas of Interest

Relevant areas of research under each theme are listed below: 

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 
  • Security 

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

Citizenship/Residency Requirement
Dual citizens of the award country are not eligible to apply for this award.
Applicants residing in the award country at the time of application or thereafter 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

Regional Universities Network 
Mr. Alec Webb, CEO Regional Universities Network: ceo@run.edu.au 

Language Proficiency Requirements
None, English is sufficient
Additional Qualification Information

Academic applicants must 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 an associate professor, or full professor, will also be considered.

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

Monthly stipend: for a maximum period of 4 months

Domestic Conference Travel Allowance: to assist with visits to other RUN institutions 

Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee

International Travel allowance: 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

Australian Medicare: eligibility to apply for coverage (awardee only, not dependents)

Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE): a limited Health Benefits Plan designed by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Seven Corners, Inc. Please note this plan is NOT an insurance policy

Orientation and Gala: travel, accommodation, transport and meals at the Fulbright Orientation and Gala Presentation Dinner

Support and Guidance: from the Commission prior to and during program 

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.

Programs generally begin 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.