The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) is a transformative Indigenous and Pacific-centred fellowship programme based at the University of Melbourne and supported by Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland. AFSE is building a network of Indigenous leaders and allies committed to driving Indigenous-led social change across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations.
The fellowship programme is designed for mid-career, community-focused individuals with a bias for action. It seeks leaders ready to transform bold ideas into real-world initiatives that advance social equity for Indigenous peoples and includes those working in the arts. The goal is to see more Indigenous and Pacific Leaders driving the systems change needed to create a more just and equitable world.
The Foundation Year brings up to 20 emerging or established Indigenous and Pacific leaders, and allies together from diverse sectors and experiences to form a cohort of AFSE Fellows. One of the most important elements of the year is the fee-free University of Melbourne Master’s degree, or Graduate Certificate in social change leadership. Upon graduating from the Foundation Year, Senior Fellows, continue their engagement with the AFSE. They will also join the global Atlantic Fellows community
The Foundation Year is delivered in five intensive, in-person Modules throughout the year, with online tutorials occurring every second week. Each module includes between five to eight days in-person learning and fellowship, approximately 40 days away throughout the year. The programme has sought to minimise disruption to family and community life.
AFSE covers all travel expenses for the in-person sessions, which are held across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Pacific Island region, with select experiences hosted in Indigenous and Pacific communities.
