The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity is currently accepting applications for its program aimed at empowering emerging Indigenous leaders.

The program selects approximately 20 Fellows annually from Australia, Aotearoa, and Pacific Island nations. Participants in the program benefit from leadership training, gain access to a global network, and receive resources to aid in the development of community projects.

Indigenous leaders who possess passion and commitment to creating positive social impacts are encouraged to submit their applications.

The fellowship presents an opportunity for both personal and professional development, granting access to exceptional resources, mentorship, and a global community of like-minded leaders who share a common goal of achieving social equity.

AFSE invites individuals who are dedicated to promoting Indigenous-led social change in various fields, sectors, or communities to submit their applications.

In the year 2025, the program is specifically seeking applications that prioritise Indigenous language and education, as well as issues related to land, water, environment, or climate.

AFSE is based at the University of Melbourne and collaborates with the University of Auckland. The program offers tuition-free study opportunities and successful applicants may also receive a study stipend.

University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barry Judd, said that in a time of global challenges, Pacific Indigenous communities must have the opportunity to lead solutions.

"At a time of increasing global challenges and a perceived ineffectiveness of Western approaches to addressing them, it is critical that Indigenous peoples across the Pacific are enabled to take the lead," he said.

"Because it is our unbreakable connection to and knowledge of lands, waters, seas, and skies that offer fresh insights for solving many of these pressing issues."

Throughout the initial year, Fellows engage in the creation of a project aimed at fostering social change, while simultaneously accomplishing a Masters degree in Social Change Leadership from the esteemed University of Melbourne.

Executive Director of AFSE, Professor Elizabeth McKinley, said collaborating with Indigenous peoples provides a deep understanding of community challenges and valuable knowledge on sustainable solutions for both local and global issues.

"Through collaboration with Indigenous peoples, communities, and the remarkable work of the Fellows, AFSE believes that Indigenous peoples have a deep understanding of the intricate challenges faced by their communities," she said.

"Furthermore, they hold the knowledge of sustainable and culturally appropriate solutions to not only these challenges, but to many of the challenges that societies around the world face today."

Applications are open online.