Australia-France Indo-Pacific Studies Visiting Fellowship 2026-27: Up to AUD 18,900 for Early-Career Social Science Researchers

The Australia-France Indo-Pacific Studies Visiting Fellowship Program (AFIPS) is inviting eligible early-career social science researchers to apply for a funded research opportunity in Australia during the 2026-27 fellowship period.

The program provides researchers with an opportunity to undertake research in Australia, strengthen international academic and policy networks, participate in conferences, workshops, and research activities, and develop deeper connections between scholars and policy communities across Australia, France, and the Indo-Pacific region.

The AFIPS Program forms part of the broader 2024-2027 Australia-France Indo-Pacific Studies Program, which supports academic exchange, collaborative projects, and public outreach focused on the Indo-Pacific’s strategic and economic environment as well as non-traditional security issues. The program is delivered in partnership with the ANU National Security College and supported by the Australian Government through the Australia-France Roadmap.

AFIPS Visiting Fellowship 2026-27: Opportunity Overview

The AFIPS Visiting Fellowship is designed to strengthen research and knowledge exchange among social scientists working on issues of mutual interest to Australia and France in the Indo-Pacific region.

The fellowship is particularly focused on creating deeper links between the following:

• Indo-Pacific scholars
• French scholars
• Australian scholars
• Students and researchers
• Policymakers
• Social scientists with shared research interests

The program aims to foster meaningful academic collaboration, research exchange, professional networking, and knowledge translation across countries and institutions.

Successful visiting fellows can spend up to three months based at a host institution in Australia. Fellows may also travel for conferences and research activities in the Indo-Pacific region during their fellowship. Alternatively, applicants can arrange one primary Australian host institution where they will spend most of their time while undertaking shorter visits to other Australian host institutions.

This flexible structure allows researchers to design an itinerary that maximises research, academic exchange, and collaboration opportunities.

What Does the AFIPS Visiting Fellowship Support?

The fellowship is intended to enhance the research and translation capacities of social scientists whose work relates to Australia and France in the Indo-Pacific region.

Research areas can include, but are not limited to:

1. Foreign policy, defence and strategic studies
2. Demography
3. Gender
4. Climate change
5. Equality
6. Migration
7. Cultural and economic issues
8. Trade
9. Diplomacy
10. International development relations
11. Indigenous knowledge

Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed research and the objectives of the AFIPS Program.

The opportunity is therefore particularly relevant to researchers whose work examines the political, economic, social, environmental, cultural, diplomatic, or security dynamics affecting the Indo-Pacific.

AFIPS Visiting Fellowship Funding and Financial Support

The AFIPS Visiting Fellowship provides financial assistance to subsidise the living and research-related costs associated with the fellowship.

According to the guidelines, the funding is intended to support the fellow’s expenses rather than function as their normal salary or income. The final financial arrangements may be negotiated individually depending on the length of the visit and the proposed research activities.

The funding framework includes:

1. International Travel Support

Successful fellows can receive up to AUD 2,400 for economy-class international travel.

2. Daily Living Stipend

The program provides a daily stipend of up to AUD 150 per day for 90 days to assist with:

• Food
• Accommodation
• Other living expenses

This represents potential living support of up to AUD 13,500 over 90 days.

3. Conference and Research Activity Allowance

Fellows can receive up to AUD 3,000 for activities such as:

• Workshop participation
• Conference attendance
• Specialist research training
• Field trips
• Project support costs

4. Maximum Funding

The maximum total cost covered by the project per visiting fellow is AUD 18,900.

Applicants should note that salaries, wages, additional overhead, and indirect costs incurred by visiting fellows are treated as in-kind contributions by the applicant. The Academy encourages applicants to seek additional financial or in-kind support, including subsidised assistance from their proposed host institution.

Who Is Eligible for the AFIPS Visiting Fellowship?

The fellowship is specifically aimed at early-career social science researchers.

Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements.

PhD Requirement

Applicants must have completed their PhD within the last five years.

The applicant must have their PhD formally conferred, or provide evidence of conferral, by the time the proposed fellowship visit begins.

Geographic Eligibility

Eligible researchers must be affiliated, either through nationality or place of work, with:

• Indo-Pacific nations, excluding Australia;
• Mainland France; or
• French overseas territories.

The guidelines do not specify a racial eligibility requirement. Eligibility is instead defined according to nationality or place of work, institutional affiliation, and the geographic areas identified above.

Institutional Affiliation

Applicants must be affiliated with a:

• University;
• Equivalent research organisation;
• Cultural organisation; or
• Think tank.

They must also have a continuing appointment at their home institution for the period of the visiting fellowship.

Full-Time Residence in Australia

Visiting fellows are expected to be based full-time in Australia for the duration of the fellowship.

Exceptions may be possible where fellows need to undertake fieldwork, attend conferences, or participate in workshops in the Indo-Pacific region.

Career Interruptions Are Taken Into Account

The AFIPS guidelines recognise that career interruptions can affect the period between completion of a PhD and submission of a fellowship application.

As a result, certain significant and non-overlapping career interruptions can extend the eligibility period.

Eligible interruptions include:

• International relocation: Time corresponding to the interruption, up to three months per international relocation.
• Childcare as primary carer: Up to two years per dependent child, including parental leave and part-time work undertaken while caring for children.
• Other caring responsibilities: Time corresponding to the interruption, including caring for a dependent child due to illness or disability.
• Medical condition or disability: Time corresponding to the interruption.
• Non-research employment or unemployment: Time corresponding to the interruption where the employment was not concurrent with research employment.

The guidelines specify a minimum eligible interruption period of one month.

This provision is important for early-career researchers whose academic careers may not have followed a continuous path.

Host Institution Requirement

Applicants are expected to establish arrangements with their proposed host institution or institutions before submitting their application.

The AFIPS application guidelines state that fellows are expected to have endorsement from their host institution or institutions for the duration of their stay.

The accompanying AFIPS Visiting Fellowship Host Institution Endorsement Form must be completed by a representative of the proposed host institution, such as a centre or school. The form requires information about both the host institution representative and the visiting fellow, as well as details of the proposed host arrangement.

The host institution endorsement form asks the institution to provide:

• Name of the institution
• Name of the school or centre
• Institutional website
• Legal registration number
• Proposed host start date
• Proposed host end date
• A brief outline of the fellow’s planned activities during the host period
• Details of the host institution representative
• Confirmation of whether the institution will assist with visa sponsorship or support

The form therefore serves as formal confirmation of the proposed host arrangement and helps demonstrate that the applicant has established the necessary institutional support for the fellowship.

Fellowship Itinerary and Research Activities

Applicants are encouraged to develop a detailed fellowship itinerary that clearly explains how they will use their time in Australia.

The guidelines encourage applicants to provide as much information as possible about planned activities:

• Research activities
• Conferences
• Workshops
• Networking opportunities
• Institutional visits
• Other activities that contribute to the objectives of the fellowship

Applicants may have a primary host institution and shorter stays at other Australian institutions, giving them flexibility to develop a research itinerary that maximises collaboration and knowledge exchange.

What Makes a Strong AFIPS Fellowship Application?

The Academy encourages applicants to focus on several important areas when preparing their grant proposal.

1. Clearly Defined Research

Applicants should outline the research they intend to undertake during the fellowship and explain how it connects with the AFIPS Program objectives.

A strong proposal should make the relationship between the research question, Indo-Pacific issues, and the Australia-France dimensions of the program clear.

2. Research Impact

Applicants should explain the expected impact and outputs of their fellowship activities.

The guidelines encourage applicants to demonstrate:

• Innovation
• Scholarly significance
• Potential research outputs
• Opportunities for engagement
• Networking opportunities
• Longer-term collaboration

3. Feasible Plans and Budget

The proposed fellowship activities should be realistic and achievable within the available funding and timeframe.

Applicants should ensure that their proposed itinerary and budget correspond with the funding categories available under the fellowship.

4. Strong Research Track Record

The applicant’s previous research experience and preparedness to undertake the proposed activities are also considered. The track record is assessed in the context of the applicant’s career stage and any recognised career interruptions.

AFIPS Fellowship Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed against four equally weighted criteria:

1. Quality of the proposed research—including scholarly merit, innovation, and relevance.
2. Impact of the proposed activity—particularly its potential to build long-term collaborations and networks.
3. Feasibility of the activity – considering the proposed budget and timeframe.
4. Track record of the applicant or applicants – taking into account career stage and eligible career interruptions.

The selection committee will also consider diversity factors, including gender, career stage, and representation from low- and middle-income Pacific countries.

This means applicants should not focus solely on academic credentials. A competitive application should also demonstrate the feasibility, practical impact, and collaborative value of the proposed fellowship.

Application Requirements and Checklist

Before submitting an application, prospective fellows should ensure they have completed all required components.

The AFIPS application checklist requires applicants to demonstrate that:

• Their research activity is anchored in the social sciences.
• The proposed research aligns with AFIPS Program objectives.
• The fellowship is scheduled to commence in the 2026 calendar year.
• The proposed itinerary and budget meet the conditions for travel, daily stipend, and research activity allowances.
• A signed host institution endorsement form or forms have been obtained.
• A current CV of no more than two pages is prepared.
• All sections of the online application form have been completed.

Applicants should discuss their proposals with their host institution or institutions before submission.

AFIPS Visiting Fellowship Application Process

The application process involves several stages.

Step 1: Develop the Research Proposal

Applicants should develop a research project that is clearly anchored in the social sciences and aligned with AFIPS objectives.

Step 2: Identify and Engage a Host Institution

Applicants should establish arrangements with their proposed Australian host institution or institutions before submitting the application.

Step 3: Prepare the Host Endorsement

The host institution should complete and sign the required endorsement form confirming the proposed arrangement and fellowship activities. The form specifically includes proposed start and end dates and a brief outline of activities during the host period.

Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the required host endorsement, current two-page CV, and other application information.

Step 5: Submit the Online Application

Eligible applicants can submit their applications online through the Jotform link provided on the Academy’s AFIPS website.

Step 6: Assessment

Submitted applications are assessed by the AFIPS Standing Assessment Committee. Applicants will subsequently be informed of the outcome by email.

Important AFIPS Fellowship Timeline and Deadline

The key dates provided in the guidelines are:

• Application deadline: 31 August 2026
• Eligibility screening: After submission
• Assessment: Reviews conducted by the AFIPS Standing Assessment Committee
• Expected announcement of outcomes: October 2026
• Funding agreements: Executed following successful selection
• Research activity: Undertaken following approval and agreement
• Latest date by which visits must be completed: 1 November 2027

Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposals, host institution arrangements, and supporting documents are ready before the 31 August 2026 deadline.

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Visa and International Travel Considerations

Successful fellows are responsible for ensuring that they obtain the appropriate Australian visa and travel insurance for their stay.

The guidelines strongly encourage visiting fellows to discuss visa support or sponsorship arrangements with their intended host institution. The Academy may, subject to applicable conditions, be able to act as a supporter for fellows seeking a Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)—Other Social and Cultural Activity (Invited Participant).

The Academy may also provide successful fellows with general country-specific information to assist with their stay in Australia, including information relating to health and insurance. However, responsibility for meeting visa requirements, arranging the necessary documentation, and completing the relevant procedures remains with the visiting fellow.

Applicants should therefore begin considering visa arrangements early rather than waiting until after selection.

Conditions of the Fellowship

By submitting an application, applicants acknowledge several conditions associated with the program.

Among other requirements:

• Fellows are responsible for obtaining the correct visa and travel insurance.
• Fellowships must commence within the period nominated by the fellow and endorsed by the host institution unless otherwise approved by the Academy.
• Fellows are expected to be based full-time in Australia during the fellowship.
• Fellows must comply with applicable domestic and international laws.
• Fellows must comply with relevant ethical requirements.
• Researchers are responsible for obtaining any permits or permissions required to conduct their research legally and ethically.
• Successful applicants must comply with the requirements and responsibilities contained in the grant guidelines and funding agreement.

The Academy also notes that it cannot enter into discussions or correspondence regarding the reasons an unsuccessful application was not selected.

Why the AFIPS Visiting Fellowship Is a Valuable Opportunity

The AFIPS Visiting Fellowship offers more than financial assistance for a short research visit. It is structured as a platform for international research collaboration and professional development.

For eligible early-career researchers, the fellowship can provide opportunities to:

• Conduct research within Australian academic and research environments.
• Build relationships with Australian and French scholars.
• Strengthen connections across the Indo-Pacific region.
• Participate in conferences, workshops, and specialist research training.
• Develop longer-term academic and professional networks.
• Explore collaborative research opportunities.
• Gain international research exposure.
• Strengthen research translation and knowledge exchange capacities.
• Access financial support for travel, living expenses, and research activities.
• Engage with institutions beyond a single primary host where appropriate.

The program’s emphasis on long-term collaboration means applicants should demonstrate not only what they want to accomplish during their stay but also how the fellowship could contribute to future research relationships and networks.

Visit HERE for more information about the Australia-France Indo-Pacific Studies Visiting Fellowship 2026-27.

Key Tips for Applicants

Applicants seeking to make their AFIPS fellowship proposals competitive should consider the following:

First, make the research question clear. Explain precisely what you want to investigate and why the research matters to the Indo-Pacific context.

Second, demonstrate alignment with AFIPS priorities. Connect your research directly to areas such as strategic studies, foreign policy, migration, climate change, gender, equality, diplomacy, trade, development, demography, or Indigenous knowledge.

Third, build a strong host institution relationship. The host endorsement is an important part of the application, so prospective fellows should discuss their research plans with their host institution before submission.

Fourth, demonstrate impact. Explain what the fellowship could produce and how the resulting knowledge could contribute to scholarship, policy, networks, or future collaboration.

Fifth, make the itinerary realistic. Ensure that proposed travel, research activities, conferences, and other expenses fit within the available funding and timeframe.

Sixth, highlight your career stage appropriately. The program is designed with capacity building for early-career researchers in mind, and assessment takes career stage and eligible career interruptions into account.

Seventh, prepare the application early. Because the deadline is 31 August 2026, applicants should allow sufficient time to secure host endorsement, prepare the two-page CV, finalise the research proposal, and complete the online application.

Conclusion

The Australia-France Indo-Pacific Studies Visiting Fellowship 2026-27 presents an important opportunity for early-career social science researchers to undertake research in Australia while building international academic, research, and policy networks across Australia, France, and the Indo-Pacific.

With funding of up to AUD 18,900 per visiting fellow, including international travel support, a daily living stipend, and conference or research activity funding, the fellowship is designed to reduce some of the financial barriers associated with international research exchange.

Its flexible structure also allows fellows to spend up to three months at an Australian host institution while potentially participating in conferences, workshops, fieldwork, and research activities elsewhere in Australia or the Indo-Pacific.

However, applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility requirements, particularly the five-year PhD window, geographic affiliation requirements, continuing institutional appointment, and full-time Australian residency expectations. They should also secure host institution endorsement and ensure that their proposed research, itinerary, and budget clearly meet the program requirements.

The application deadline is 31 August 2026. Eligible researchers interested in the strategic, economic, social, environmental, cultural, diplomatic, or security dimensions of the Indo-Pacific should prepare their applications early and ensure that all required supporting documents are complete before submission.

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