Maitri Scholarships and Fellowships Grant Programs 2025-26

Organisation Name:

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

Application Deadline:

14 January 2026

About Organisation

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia is responsible for advancing Australia’s international interests through strong bilateral, regional, and multilateral engagement. With a focus on diplomacy, development, trade, and investment, DFAT supports programs that strengthen global partnerships while promoting peace, prosperity, and security. As part of its commitment to deepening ties with India, DFAT has introduced the Maitri Initiatives to expand cultural, educational, and economic links.

The Maitri initiatives build on Australia’s recognition of India as a critical partner in shaping the Indo-Pacific region’s future. They aim to strengthen people-to-people connections and support long-term collaborations between Australian and Indian institutions. Through targeted scholarships, fellowships, and grant programs, DFAT encourages academic mobility, cross-cultural exchange, and the development of future leaders who can bridge the two nations.

The Maitri Scholarships and Fellowships form a crucial component of this broader initiative, enabling high-achieving Indian students, researchers, and professionals to undertake academic and research opportunities in Australia. At the same time, they encourage Australians to engage with Indian institutions to share expertise and foster enduring partnerships. By investing in education and research, DFAT seeks to contribute to stronger bilateral relations and build networks that advance shared goals in innovation, sustainability, and leadership.

About the Grant

The Maitri Scholarships and Fellowships Grant Programs 2025-26 are designed to enhance educational collaboration and research exchange between Australia and India. With a total budget allocation of AUD 5.06 million, the program aims to support outstanding students, researchers, and professionals who can contribute to the long-term partnership between the two nations.

The scholarships provide opportunities for Indian students to pursue studies in Australian institutions across a wide range of disciplines, particularly those aligned with key bilateral priorities such as technology, sustainability, health, and business innovation. Meanwhile, the fellowships allow both Indian and Australian researchers and professionals to undertake short-term or long-term research and professional development opportunities, building collaborative projects that deliver mutual benefits.

By supporting academic mobility and knowledge-sharing, the program helps to cultivate a network of leaders and experts who can strengthen bilateral ties, address pressing global challenges, and advance innovation. The program highlights public diplomacy as a tool for fostering understanding and collaboration, while also contributing to skills development, capacity building, and joint research outcomes.

Ultimately, the Maitri Scholarships and Fellowships Grant Programs promote stronger educational and professional connections, enrich cross-cultural perspectives, and ensure that Australia–India relations continue to flourish through shared expertise and trust.

Who can Apply?

The Maitri Scholarships and Fellowships are open to individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to advancing Australia–India relations. Eligible applicants include:

Citizenship Requirements: Applicants must be citizens of either Australia or India.
Students: High-achieving Indian students seeking to undertake higher education studies in Australia are eligible for scholarships.
Researchers & Academics: Individuals from India or Australia involved in collaborative research projects may apply for fellowships. These projects should align with bilateral priorities such as science, technology, sustainable development, public health, or cultural exchange.
Professionals: Early and mid-career professionals from key sectors are encouraged to apply for fellowships that support knowledge exchange and professional development.

Additional requirements may include:

Demonstrated commitment to building long-term connections between Australia and India.
Strong academic or professional track record relevant to the area of study or research.
Clear evidence of how the proposed study or project will contribute to bilateral cooperation, capacity-building, or innovation.
For fellowships, applicants must be affiliated with an eligible institution or organisation that can support their project activities.

These programs aim to attract individuals who will not only excel academically or professionally but also become ambassadors of the Australia–India partnership.

How to Apply?

Applicants should carefully review the program guidelines before preparing their submissions. Applications must include a detailed proposal outlining the intended study, research, or professional development activities, supported by evidence of academic or professional excellence. Required documents typically include proof of citizenship, academic transcripts or professional records, and institutional endorsements where applicable. Completed applications must be submitted through the official DFAT application portal before the published deadline.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Maitri Scholarships and Fellowships Grant Programs 2025-26 is 14 January 2026 at 5:00 PM (ACT Local Time). Late submissions will not be accepted.