Maitri Fellowships 2026–27 – Apply for Research Fellowships Between Australia and India
The 2026–27 Maitri Fellowships are now open for applications, providing an exciting opportunity for experienced researchers and policy professionals from Australia and India to undertake research exchanges and secondments focused on important bilateral, geostrategic and geoeconomic issues.
The Maitri Fellowship Program is designed to strengthen the relationship between Australia and India by supporting research collaboration, building institutional connections and enhancing academic capacity in both countries. Fellows will have the opportunity to work with established organisations while contributing to public discussion on Australia-India relations and broader strategic issues.
The program is particularly relevant to researchers working on international relations, economics, public policy, geopolitics, trade, security and other areas connected to the Australia-India relationship.
What Are the Maitri Fellowships?
The Maitri Fellowship Program supports leading policy researchers through secondments with prominent Australian and Indian organisations.
The program aims to create stronger institutional links between Australia and India while providing researchers with opportunities to develop their expertise through international collaboration.
A key objective is to strengthen the capacity of research institutions in both countries and encourage informed public discourse about the bilateral relationship.
For the 2026–27 program, Australian organisations with experience in the Australia-India bilateral relationship can engage Fellows to work on geostrategic or geoeconomic policy issues.
The fellowships are available through three different streams.
Maitri Fellowship Streams
1. Inward Fellowships
Inward Fellowships provide opportunities for eligible Indian researchers to undertake research and professional activities in Australia.
The program is open to:
- Indian Research Fellows
- Senior Research Fellows
- Associate Professors
- Principal Research Fellows
Successful candidates can undertake a fellowship in Australia for up to two years, subject to the requirements of the program.
2. Outward Fellowships
Outward Fellowships provide opportunities for Australian researchers to travel to India and undertake research or professional activities with an appropriate Indian organisation.
Eligible applicants include:
- Australian Research Fellows
- Senior Research Fellows
- Associate Professors
- Principal Research Fellows
The fellowship can support a placement in India for up to two years.
3. Two-way Fellowships
The Two-way Fellowship stream is designed to encourage direct collaboration between Australian and Indian researchers.
Under this stream, an Australian Fellow and an Indian Fellow collaborate through their respective Australian and Indian organisations as part of a research exchange.
This model provides an opportunity for researchers to develop long-term institutional relationships while working jointly on issues of strategic importance to both countries.
Fellowship Duration
The Maitri Fellowship Program provides substantial time for research collaboration and institutional engagement.
The maximum fellowship period is two years, while the minimum period for Inward, Outward and Two-way Fellowships is six months.
This relatively long duration allows Fellows to become meaningfully involved with their host organisations, develop research relationships and contribute to ongoing policy discussions.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is aimed at established researchers with experience relevant to the Australia-India bilateral relationship.
Applicants should fall within the eligible research and academic categories specified for their respective fellowship stream. The program is particularly focused on researchers whose work can contribute to understanding or strengthening Australia-India relations.
Potential areas of research may include geostrategy, economics, international relations, trade, regional security, public policy and other issues relevant to the bilateral relationship.
Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements before preparing their application.
Why Apply for the Maitri Fellowship?
The Maitri Fellowship offers more than financial support for research. It provides researchers with an opportunity to build international networks and establish connections with institutions in another country.
Fellows can benefit from:
- International research experience
- Collaboration with leading Australian or Indian organisations
- Stronger academic and institutional networks
- Exposure to Australia-India policy discussions
- Opportunities to contribute to public discourse
- Development of long-term research partnerships
- Greater international visibility for their research
For researchers working on Australia-India relations, the fellowship can provide a valuable platform to deepen their expertise and establish lasting professional connections.
How to Apply
Applicants should review the official Maitri Fellowship information carefully before submitting an application. The application process, eligibility requirements and supporting documentation may differ depending on the fellowship stream.
The Centre for Australia-India Relations provides information about the program, frequently asked questions and previous fellowship recipients.
Applicants should also ensure that their proposed research aligns with the program’s focus on geostrategic or geoeconomic policy issues and the broader Australia-India bilateral relationship.
Final Thoughts
The Maitri Fellowships 2026–27 provide an important opportunity for experienced Australian and Indian researchers to collaborate, exchange knowledge and contribute to stronger institutional relationships between the two countries.
With fellowship opportunities lasting from six months to two years, the program is particularly valuable for researchers seeking meaningful international collaboration rather than short-term academic visits.
Researchers interested in Australia-India relations, international policy, economics, geopolitics and related fields should review the eligibility requirements and prepare their applications carefully.
For official information, application requirements and frequently asked questions, visit the Centre for Australia-India Relations.
Program: Maitri Fellowships 2026–27
Host countries: Australia and India
Fellowship duration: 6 months to 2 years
Fellowship streams: Inward, Outward and Two-way
Focus: Geostrategic and geoeconomic policy issues
Eligible researchers: Selected Australian and Indian research fellows and academics
