Courses Announcement | Maitri Fellowships Program
About the Maitri Fellowships Program
The Maitri Fellowships Program is a prestigious international fellowship funded by the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) and supported by the Australian Government (DFAT). The program promotes bilateral academic and policy research collaboration between Australia and India, supporting senior academics and policy researchers to engage in inward, outward, and two-way fellowships. This program enhances institutional partnerships, advances public discourse, and strengthens Australia–India relations in geostrategic and geoeconomic fields.
Maitri Fellowships Program 2026 – Australia–India Research Exchange
Program Level
Research Fellow
Senior Research Fellow
Associate Professor
Principal Research Fellow
(Professional research fellowship; not degree-granting)
Fellowship Duration
Inward Fellowships: Indian researchers seconded to Australian organisations, up to 12 months
Outbound Fellowships: Australian researchers seconded to Indian organisations, up to 12 months
Two-Way Fellowships: Collaborative research between one Australian and one Indian fellow, up to 2 years
Fields of Study
Fellows conduct policy-focused research, including but not limited to:
Geostrategic Policy
Geoeconomic Policy
International Relations
Foreign Policy & Diplomacy
Trade & Economic Cooperation
Indo-Pacific Studies
Public Policy & Governance
Key Benefits
Funding for Australian host organisations
Support for international research collaboration
Access to high-level policy networks
Opportunities to engage with CAIR and DFAT events
Enhanced global research exposure and institutional partnerships
Eligibility
Inbound Fellows (India → Australia): Indian citizens, temporary activity visa required, no Australian permanent residency
Outbound Fellows (Australia → India): Australian citizens, valid visa for India, no Indian permanent residency
Organisations applying must have experience in Australia–India bilateral relations, ABN registration, and pass DFAT due diligence
Application Process
Applications submitted by eligible Australian organisations via SmartyGrants
Fellowship proposals must be prepared in accordance with CAIR guidelines
Important Dates
Applications Open: 16 September
Application Deadline: 14 January
Selection & Due Diligence: January–February
Fellowship Commencement: May
Source: ScholarshipsAds
Location: Australia & India
Funding Type: Partial Funding
Target Group: Domestic and International Policy Researchers
Courses Announcement | Maitri Fellowships Program