The Maitri Fellowships Program 2026 is an international fellowship initiative that promotes research exchange and collaboration between Australia and India. It enables senior researchers and policy professionals to work with partner organisations across both countries, fostering bilateral research partnerships and global engagement.
Fellowship Streams and Duration
The program offers three fellowship streams:
● Inward Fellowships – Indian researchers and senior research fellows collaborate with Australian host organisations for up to 12 months.
● Outbound Fellowships – Australian researchers at senior levels undertake research with Indian organisations for up to 12 months.
● Two‑Way Fellowships – Joint collaborations between Australian and Indian fellows working across both countries for up to 2 years.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive:
● Funding to support research placements and collaborations
● Opportunities to engage with high‑level research networks and bilateral policy communities
● Access to professional events, mentorship, and expert forums to advance research impact
● Strengthened institutional partnerships and enhanced global research engagement
● Exposure to policy dialogue and international research collaboration environments
Who Can Apply?
The program is designed for:
● Indian citizens (for inward fellowships) and Australian citizens (for outbound fellowships) with substantial research experience
● Applicants must not hold permanent residency in the host country and should be able to participate fully in program activities
● Inbound fellows are expected to hold a valid research visa for the fellowship period
Application Details
Applications are submitted through eligible Australian organisations with experience in Australia–India research partnerships. The selection process includes proposal submission, evaluation, and contracting before fellowship commencement.
Why You Should Apply
The Maitri Fellowships Program supports impactful research collaboration across policy and academic fields. It strengthens professional networks, enhances bilateral dialogue, and allows fellows to engage deeply with contemporary research challenges while building enduring institutional connections between Australia and India.
Take Action
Prepare your fellowship proposal and apply for the Maitri Fellowships Program 2026 to advance your international research and policy career.


