International Fellows Award

Increasing connectivity with our global network of collaborators is critical to the ongoing achievement of our strategic aspirations - collaboration underpins and expands our existing research excellence and extends the University’s global reach, reputation and impact.

The University of Adelaide’s International Fellows Award (IFA) is designed to bring some of the very best research minds from around the globe to Adelaide to work with our researchers and students on key global challenges.

Alongside advancing our world-class research and education in partnership with our International Fellows, the Award scheme will boost our global reputation and advance partnerships in areas of key strategic importance. Our visiting Fellows will also enrich our teaching and learning activities by connecting our students with global leaders.

For visiting Fellows, this is an opportunity to advance their research in collaboration with a University that is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities globally. Bringing together experts in their field to tackle issues of global important will bring lasting impact for communities around the world. Opportunities for joint publications, networking and linkages to industry across the University's portfolio of research excellence all offer visiting Fellows a unique opportunity

With access to South Australia’s diverse and culturally rich landscape, the benefits for International Fellows extend beyond their research portfolio.

Funded through the Reputation & Ranking program, the International Fellows Award was launched in 2023.  Six Fellowships will be available each year, with each individual Fellowship worth up to $20,000.

2025 FELLOWSHIPS

Fellowship applications are now open, and all six Fellowships will be allocated in this round. Applicants will be advised of outcomes in the first week of February. All visits must be completed by the end of 2025.

Apply now

  • Eligibility criteria

    Candidates for the University of Adelaide International Fellows Award program must:

    • Be a citizen or permanent resident of a country other than Australia (dual Australian citizenship is permitted if the researcher resides in a country other than Australia);
    • Hold a salaried academic appointment of at least 0.5 FTE at an institution outside of Australia that is ranked in the top 100 for research (Times Higher Education) or where the applicant's subject area is ranked in the top 100;
    • Be an internationally renowned researcher in their chosen field, with an excellent track record of scholarly achievements and impact;
    • Have a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience since award of PhD; and
    • Be employed in a Research Only role, or a Teaching and Research role with a significant research element.

    Researchers who have been employed by the University of Adelaide in the preceding 10 years are not eligible to apply.

  • Funding, duration and participation

    Each Fellowship is eligible for an honorarium of up to $20,000. Funding requests must be itemised. Eligible expenses are limited to:

    • Airfares
    • Living expenses
    • Visa application fees
    • Other associated expenses

    Funds cannot be used for:

    • gifts or entertainment (for example, thank you or celebratory meals)
    • family travel (for example, International Fellows' families)

    Please note: Fellows must obtain their own travel insurance before travelling to Australia.

    Research visits must be continuous, and for between four and eight weeks.

    While undertaking the Fellowship, each Fellow will be expected to be engaged in collaborative research with University researchers, participate in community outreach/speaking opportunities (for example, a public lecture, masterclasses etc), agree to be profiled in relevant University communication materials, and engage with Higher Degree by Research candidates and/or coursework students.

  • Assessment criteria

    A committee chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) will rank applications against the following criteria:

    1. Evidence of international peer recognition of the proposed Fellow, for example, measures of research excellence and/or impact of research; recent ground-breaking research for discipline (for example, may be a book or article that has stimulated media attention); 
    2. Alignment of the proposed visit with one or more of the University’s FAME strategies;
    3. Value of the proposed research and research training activity to the host School or Research Institute and how this will enhance the international reputation of the Faculty and University;
    4. Proposed level of engagement with the University community – in particular with Postgraduate Coursework students and Higher Degree by Research candidates - during the visit; and
    5. Likelihood that the visit will foster ongoing collaborative activities within the host School or Research Institute.

  • How to apply

    The second 2024 round has now closed.

    When the next round opens, you will be welcome to apply via the web form.

  • For University of Adelaide staff: Foreign Engagement Compliance Review - Registration form

    The Foreign Engagement Compliance Review is the University’s core mechanism for ensuring our international engagement is in line with Australia’s foreign compliance regimes, and the University’s interests. This includes inviting overseas individuals to visit the University and individual staff appointments with any foreign entity.  

    Please note that the University of Adelaide host researcher must complete an FECR Registration Form as soon as they are aware they will be engaging in international activity (for example, as soon as an approach to an overseas based collaborator to apply for the International Fellows Award is made).

    You can also read more about foreign compliance on the Global Engagement Foreign Compliance website.

  • Assessment Committee

    The Assessment Committee comprises:

    • Dr Jessica Gallagher (Chair), Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Engagement)
    • Professor Laura Parry, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research Excellence)
    • Professor Jennie Shaw, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President (Academic)
    • Professor Scott Smith, Deputy Dean International, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

  • Critical dates - application rounds

    Please note - funds required to be expended within 12 months of award.

    2024 dates

    Funding Round 1

    Date

    Activity

    Mon 5 Feb 2024

    Applications open

    Mon 18 March 5pm

    Applications close

    Week beginning 1 April

    Committee assesses applications

    Week beginning 15 April

    Applicants notified of outcome


    Funding Round 2

    Date

    Activity

    Mon 8 July 2024

    Applications open

    Mon 19 Aug 5pm

    Applications close

    Week beginning 2 Sept

    Committee assesses applications

    Week beginning 16 Sept

    Applicants notified of outcome

    Funding Round 3

    The application round for the six 2025 Fellowships will be launched in November 2024 to allow Fellows to complete their visits before December 2025.

    Date Activity
    Mon 4 Nov 9am Applications open
    Mon 16 Dec 5pm Applications close
    Jan Committee assesses applications
    Week beginning 3 Feb Applicants notified of outcome

Queries?

Queries about the International Fellows Award can be directed to dvcee@adelaide.edu.au

Please note that once an application is successful, a new project ID will be created for funds to be accessed by the host School or Research Institute. Local units will be responsible for management and expenditure of funds and all operational matters related to the visit.