Fulbright Scholar Award

Fulbright Scholar Awards (General Category)

Australia

Application Deadline
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Award Code
271354-AU
Activity Type
Professional Project
The Professional Project Award Activity is an opportunity for applicants to pursue projects that would enhance their professional development and the field at large.Professional Projects may include, but are not limited to: Professional consultations or exchange of expertise with other professionals, Artist residencies, Visits to organizations in the applicant's field, Practical experience in day-to-day operations, Public lectures, Mentoring, Arranging and planning exhibitions, Performances or musical compilations, Participation in public events, Preparation of print materials (books, articles, or reviews).If your project involves classroom teaching, as opposed to public or guest lectures, then please apply for the Teaching Award Activity.If your proposed project answers a research question or will have research outcomes, then please apply for the Research Award Activity.
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.
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
5
Award Start Period
September 2027 - May 2028
Award Length
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

These awards are available in any discipline and support research projects undertaken at an Australian institution.  

In addition to conducting research, awardees are encouraged to collaborate with faculty and students through activities such as consulting on curriculum, participating in graduate/faculty seminars, or giving guest lectures or workshops. Applications should demonstrate plans for such activities. Please note that paid work cannot be undertaken in Australia while on a Fulbright Scholarship in accordance with visa regulations, and thus awardees cannot teach intensive seminars or coursework. 

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

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

These awards are available in any field/discipline. 

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

All applicants are required to include a Letter of Invitation from their proposed institution with their application.

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 an 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.

Award Allowances

Monthly stipend: for a maximum period of 4 months

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.