Your Definitive Guide to the ANZSOG Academic Fellowships 2026 for International Scholars

The ANZSOG Academic Fellowships 2026 are now open, presenting a remarkable opportunity for talented scholars worldwide to engage with the foremost public policy and governance challenges in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. If you are an academic with a passion for research that creates real-world impact and a desire to connect with a vibrant network of practitioners and thought leaders, this fellowship could be your defining next step. Navigating any fellowship application can feel like a daunting task, but this guide is designed to provide you with a clear, encouraging, and comprehensive roadmap to help you succeed.

This is more than just a funding opportunity; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in a unique ecosystem where academic theory and public service practice converge. Whether you’re based in the region or on the other side of the globe, ANZSOG provides a prestigious platform to elevate your research and contribute to the transformation of public governance for the 21st century.

ANZSOG Academic Fellowships 2026

Applying for a competitive fellowship can feel intimidating but remember that your unique perspective and research interests are valuable. ANZSOG is actively seeking diverse voices that reflect the communities its government partners serve. They are looking for scholars who are not afraid to ask challenging questions and explore innovative solutions.

Your research has the power to shape better government and, in turn, create better societies. The ANZSOG Academic Fellowships 2026 provide an extraordinary platform to do just that. Take the time to prepare a thoughtful application that showcases your passion and your potential. This is your chance to be part of a community dedicated to making a tangible difference. Start your application today, and you could be the next scholar helping to shape the future of public governance in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

Understanding the ANZSOG Vision: More Than Just Research

Before diving into the application, it’s crucial to understand what ANZSOG—the Australia and New Zealand School of Government—stands for. Created by government, for government, ANZSOG is a unique not-for-profit organisation that exists to strengthen public sector leadership and capability.² It’s a bridge between the academic world and the public service, and its fellowships are a core part of that mission.

The fellowships are directly linked to the ambitious ANZSOG 2030 Strategy, which aims to lead the transformation of governance to meet modern challenges. In my experience advising aspiring academics, the most successful applicants are those who can clearly articulate how their work connects with the strategic vision of the funding body. For ANZSOG, this means your research proposal should resonate with their goals of creating Impact, delivering Value, generating Insight, driving Change, and ensuring Sustainability.

Which Fellowship Stream is Right for You?

ANZSOG offers two distinct fellowship streams for the 2026 academic year. Your institutional affiliation will determine which one you should apply for.

1. Resident Academic Fellows

This stream is designed for scholars currently employed at one of ANZSOG’s many partner universities across Australia and New Zealand.

• Duration: 4 to 6 months.
• Support: Fellows receive a generous financial contribution of up to $37,300, structured as a ‘teaching buyout’ to free you from your regular duties. This allows you to dedicate significant time to your research and engagement activities with ANZSOG. Additional funds for domestic travel may also be available.

2. Visiting Academic Fellows

This is the stream for international scholars and academics from other Australian and New Zealand universities. If you’re planning a sabbatical or a special studies program, this fellowship is tailored for you.

• Duration: 1 to 3 months.
• Support: ANZSOG provides a contribution towards your travel and accommodation costs, giving you a base from which to conduct your research. You’ll also receive dedicated workspace and invaluable access to ANZSOG’s extensive networks.

Crafting a Standout Application: A Step-by-Step Guide

A successful application is one that is thoughtful, well-researched, and perfectly aligned with ANZSOG’s objectives. Here’s how to break down the process.

Step 1: Align Your Research with ANZSOG’s Focus Areas

Your research must speak directly to the challenges and priorities of modern public administration. The Call for Expression of Interest emphasizes the need for research that addresses the knowledge needs of governments. When developing your proposal, frame it around ANZSOG’s key strategic areas:

• Policymaking, Design, and Impact: How can we create more effective, evidence-based policies? How do we measure their real-world impact?
• Leadership and Capability Development: What skills and mindsets do public sector leaders need for the future? How can we build resilient and adaptive public service cultures?
• First Nations and Māori Peoples: A core focus is contributing to positive outcomes for and with First Nations and Māori communities. Research that respectfully engages with Indigenous governance, knowledge, and perspectives is highly valued.

Step 2: Prepare Your Key Documents

The application requires a few core components. Give yourself ample time to draft, refine, and perfect each one.

1. A Proposed Program of Activity (Max 1000 words): This is the heart of your application. It should clearly outline what you plan to achieve during your fellowship. Be specific about your research questions, methodology, and expected outputs (e.g., a journal article, a policy brief, a seminar presentation).
2. A Statement of Benefit (Max 500 words): In this statement, articulate what you hope to gain from the experience and, just as importantly, how you will contribute to the ANZSOG community. How will your presence enrich the intellectual environment?
3. A Short-Form CV (Max 3 pages): Highlight your most relevant publications, research grants, and professional experience.
4. A Letter of Support: This should come from your supervisor or someone who can speak to your academic merit and the feasibility of your proposed project.

Step 3: Emphasize Engagement and Impact

ANZSOG is not a traditional research institute. It thrives on the active collaboration between academics and public service practitioners. Your application should reflect this.

• Think beyond the library: How will you connect with public servants? Propose activities like hosting a workshop, presenting a seminar for government officials, or collaborating on a case study.
• Demonstrate a two-way street: Show that you are not just there to extract data, but to share your knowledge and build lasting relationships that benefit both your home institution and ANZSOG.

The Benefits: Why an ANZSOG Fellowship is a Career-Defining Move

Securing an ANZSOG Academic Fellowship for 2026 offers far more than just time and funding for your research. It is an investment in your career and your capacity to make a difference.

• Unparalleled Networking: You gain direct access to a network of senior public sector leaders, influential thinkers, and a cohort of talented peers. The connections you make here can lead to future collaborations and opportunities.
• Real-World Relevance: You will have the chance to ground your academic work in the practical realities of governance, ensuring your research is not only rigorous but also highly relevant and impactful.
• A Prestigious Affiliation: Being an ANZSOG Fellow is a mark of distinction. It signals your commitment to high-quality, engaged scholarship in the field of public administration. The first round of fellows included esteemed academics like Associate Professor Kimberly Moloney from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar, highlighting the program’s international prestige.

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FAQ

Q1: Can I apply for the ANZSOG Fellowship if my research is not specifically about Australia or New Zealand?

Yes, absolutely. While the focus is on the public sector challenges relevant to Australia and New Zealand, comparative research that brings international perspectives to bear on these challenges is highly encouraged, especially for the Visiting Academic Fellowship. The key is to draw clear lines of relevance to the ANZSOG context.

Q2: Is there a preference for a particular academic discipline?

ANZSOG is interdisciplinary by nature. They welcome applications from a wide range of fields, including public administration, political science, law, economics, sociology, management, and more. The primary consideration is the relevance of your research to public governance and policy.

Q3: Can I apply if I am an early-career researcher?

Yes. The fellowships are open to both emerging and established scholars. Your application will be assessed on its academic merit, the feasibility of your project, and its alignment with ANZSOG’s strategic goals, not just the length of your publication record.