Maitri Fellowships Program 2026 (Australia–India Research Exchange)
The Maitri Fellowships Program is a prestigious international fellowship funded by the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR). The program supports policy researchers and senior academics to undertake inward, outward, and two-way fellowships between Australia and India, strengthening bilateral cooperation on geostrategic and geoeconomic policy issues.
This fellowship plays a vital role in building institutional partnerships, advancing public discourse, and deepening Australia–India relations.
Fellowship Provider
- Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR)
- Supported by the Australian Government (DFAT)
Degree Level
- Research Fellow
- Senior Research Fellow
- Associate Professor
- Principal Research Fellow
(This is a professional research fellowship, not a degree-granting program)
Fellowship Duration
- Inward Fellowships: Up to 12 months
- Outward Fellowships: Up to 12 months
- Two-Way Fellowships: Up to 2 years
Inward Fellowships
- Indian researchers seconded to Australian organisations
- Duration: Up to 12 months
Outward Fellowships
- Australian researchers seconded to Indian organisations
- Duration: Up to 12 months
Two-Way Fellowships
- One Australian and one Indian Fellow collaborate
- Duration: Up to 2 years
Available Subjects
Fellows will work on 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
Benefits
Benefits vary depending on the fellowship agreement but generally include:
- Funding provided to Australian host organisations
- Support for international research collaboration
- Access to high-level policy networks
- Opportunities to engage with DFAT and CAIR events
- Enhanced global research exposure and institutional partnerships
Eligible Nationalities
- Indian Citizens (Inbound Fellowships)
- Australian Citizens (Outbound Fellowships)
Note: Permanent residents of the host country are not eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicant Organisation Eligibility
Applications must be submitted by Australian organisations that:
- Have experience in the Australia–India bilateral relationship
- Are registered with an ABN
- Pass DFAT due diligence requirements
- Are not listed on international sanctions lists
- Meet criminal, reputational, and compliance checks
Inbound Fellow Eligibility (India → Australia)
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Must not hold Australian permanent residency
- Must hold a Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408 – Research Stream)
- Ability to participate in CAIR, DFAT, and host-organisation events
Outbound Fellow Eligibility (Australia → India)
- Must be an Australian citizen
- Must not hold permanent residency in India
- Must maintain a valid visa for India
- Willing to engage in official fellowship events
Note: Visa support or fast-tracking is not provided by CAIR.
Application Procedure
Follow these steps to apply for the Maitri Fellowships Program:
Eligible Australian organisations prepare the fellowship proposal
- Applications open: 16 September
- Submit applications via SmartyGrants
- Application deadline: 14 January
- Selection & due diligence: January–February
- Fellowship implementation begins: May
Applications must be submitted through the official SmartyGrants portal.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 16 September
- Deadline: 14 January
- Selection Period: Jan–Feb
- Program Commencement: May
Why Apply for Maitri Fellowships?
- Strengthen Australia–India research collaboration
- Influence policy development at an international level
- Build long-term institutional partnerships
- Gain exposure to high-impact policy environments
- Join a prestigious network of Maitri Fellows
