Applications for the 2026 Churchill Fellowships in Australia opened on 28 February . This prestigious opportunity is designed for Australian citizens and permanent residents with a passion to travel overseas for four to eight weeks to investigate global best practices and bring that knowledge back home.
Details about Churchill Fellowship Australia 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Open to | Australian citizens and permanent residents 18 plus |
| Requirements | No academic qualifications needed |
| Application Period | 2026 |
| Duration | Four to eight weeks overseas |
| Coverage | Fully funded including travel accommodation meals |
| Special Tracks | auDA digital focus agriculture food marine and more |
| Timeline | Interviews May to July approval September onboarding October travel Nov to Jan 2027 |
| Reports Due | Within 12 weeks after travel |
Who Is Eligible
- Citizens or permanent residents of Australia aged 18 and above
- No academic qualifications required any background or industry is welcome
What It Offers
- A fully funded overseas trip including travel accommodation meals and approved project costs
- The chance to design your own itinerary and focus on a topic that has practical benefit for your community or Australia
- Sponsored Fellowships for specific areas such as agriculture food production marine science and digital technology
Timeline at a Glance
- Applications open 28 February
- Applications close
- Shortlisting and interviews May to July
- Board approval September
- Mandatory onboarding 2 to 3 October in Canberra
- Fellowship travel period 1 November to 31 January 2027
- Report submission up to 12 weeks after travel
Explore auDA Churchill Fellowships
One specialized stream is the auDA Churchill Fellowship. It is funded by auDA and administered by the Churchill Trust. Two awards are offered each year in 2026 and 2027. This stream is focused on the digital and internet sector and how it can support Australians. Travel period and timelines are the same as the main program.
FAQs
Q Do I need formal qualifications to apply
A No anyone 18 or older can apply regardless of education background
Q What sectors can I explore
A Any sector as long as your project benefits Australia. Sponsored awards also exist for agriculture food environment marine and digital focus areas
Q How long is the fellowship
A The trip lasts from four to eight weeks with full funding of approved costs
Q What happens after travel
A Fellows must submit a report within 12 weeks after finishing their journey
Q Is onboarding compulsory
A Yes all Fellows must attend onboarding in Canberra on 2 to 3 October
Final Thoughts
The Churchill Fellowship Australia 2026 is a life changing chance to learn from the world and share benefits with the nation. Open to all Australians regardless of academic background it supports innovation and positive change across every sector. If you have a project idea that can make an impact this fellowship can help you take it global.
