YAIA Fellowship Program

The Young Australians in International Affairs (YAIA) Fellowship Program is a six-month, remote opportunity for emerging leaders aged 18–30 to grow their profile in international affairs. Fellows contribute regular articles to Insights, YAIA’s publication, and receive mentorship, editorial support, and development opportunities throughout the program. The Fellowship offers a platform for young Australians to shape foreign policy conversations, refine their writing and analytical skills, and engage with a national network of youth voices in global affairs.

Fellowships are offered across multiple streams including International Development, Defence & Strategy, Cyber & Technology, Climate & Energy, and Global Health. Applicants can apply for up to two Fellowships with separate applications.

• 📅 Key Dates

  Program duration: 6 months

  Applications typically open twice a year, for the January–June and July–December Fellowship periods

• 👥 Eligibility

  • Aged 18–30

  • Australian citizen or permanent resident

  • Skilled in research, analysis, and written communication

  • Demonstrated interest in international affairs and the specific thematic area

  • Undergraduate, postgraduate, or early-career professional

  • May be based anywhere in the world as the program is fully remote

  • Must submit a separate application for each Fellowship applied to (maximum of two), including tailored cover letters and writing samples

  • Open to diverse applicants, particularly First Nations, CALD, LGBTIQ+, and people with disabilities