Alternative Fellowship Types

About this option

Joint Fellowships support projects focused on issues that primarily affect Australian First Nations peoples, where the work is strengthened through multiple perspectives, particularly ensuring that at least one applicant is an Indigenous Australian.

Examples include:

• One Indigenous and one non-Indigenous applicant collaborating
• Two Indigenous applicants collaborating

Each applicant submits an individual application, but the project is assessed as a joint submission, and both recipients become Churchill Fellows if successful.

Eligibility

• At least one applicant must be an Indigenous Australian
• The project must focus on issues affecting Australian First Nations peoples

Additional application requirements

Each applicant must:

• Complete an application
• Select “Joint Fellowship” in the Alternative Fellowship Type field
• Provide an explanation of their eligibility
• Enter their partner’s name and email in the “name of your joint applicant” field so the applications link (ensure that the name and email match exactly the name and email of the co-applicant’s application)

Applicants fill out individual information for:

• Contact and demographics
• Education and study
• Employment and volunteering
• Achievements
• Personal reference
• The question “What experience do you have to undertake the project?”

Applicants submit shared responses (the same response in both applications) for:

• Project overview
• Project description
• Most of the “Reasons for Application” section (except for the question “What experience do you have to undertake the project?”)
• Proposed itinerary
• Project reference
• Video pitch (completed together or separately)

Funding and insurance

Joint Fellows each receive:

• Individual funding equal to a standard Churchill Fellowship
• Travel and living expenses deposited into their own bank accounts
• Shared-use costs (e.g., car hire) may be budgeted jointly
• Individual coverage under the Trust’s travel insurance

Selection and Interview process

• Joint applicants must submit their applications for selection and interview in the same state or territory, and this must be one of the jurisdictions the applicants live in. For example, if one applicant lives in NSW and the other in VIC, they may select either NSW or VIC, but not another state or territory.
• Joint applicants are interviewed together, not individually
• Interview time may be extended
• Online interviews can be arranged if needed for one applicant

About this option

For some individuals living in very remote regions or External Territories, domestic travel within Australia can provide learning opportunities that are as valuable as overseas travel. The Domestic Fellowship enables eligible applicants to undertake their entire Fellowship within Australia.

Domestic Fellows complete the same application process as standard Fellows and must demonstrate:

• Clear community benefit upon return
• Strong experience in their field
• Well-considered plans for who they will visit and why

Eligibility

Applicants must live either:

An Australian External Territory, such as:

• Norfolk Island
• Cocos (Keeling) Islands
• Ashmore and Cartier Islands
• Christmas Island
• Coral Sea Islands
• Australian Antarctic Territory
• Territory of Heard and McDonald Islands

OR

A “very remote” Australian community, as defined using the ABS 2023 ASGS Remoteness Structure. These areas are far from major population centres and have sparse populations and limited infrastructure. If unsure, you may contact the Trust for guidance.

ABS – 2023 ASGS Remoteness Structure: Remote Area Boundaries (Map)

Additional application requirements

When completing the application form:

• Select “Domestic Fellowship” in the Alternative Fellowship Type field.
• A new field will appear asking you to explain your eligibility.
• In the “Reason for Application” section, answer the overseas-related question by explaining why domestic travel will support your project aims.
• Your project referee must explain why domestic travel (rather than overseas travel) is necessary.

Funding and insurance

Domestic Fellows receive:

• An allowance for hotels and living costs
• Flights and domestic transport covered by the Trust
• Coverage under the Trust’s travel insurance while travelling

About this option

Some applicants may find it difficult or impossible to spend 4 to 8 consecutive weeks overseas. The Virtual and Hybrid Fellowship options ensure these applicants can still undertake a high-quality Fellowship.

Two options are available:

A. Virtual Churchill Fellowship
For applicants unable to travel overseas at all. The Fellowship is completed through virtual meetings and online engagement.

B. Hybrid Churchill Fellowship
For applicants who can travel overseas only for a short period, and complete the rest virtually.
Hybrid Fellowships must total at least four weeks, including the virtual component.
An interim report may be required.

Eligibility

These options are available for applicants who:

• Have a disability that prevents long-term overseas travel
• Have significant carer responsibilities, e.g., caring for someone with a disability
• Own a small business (e.g., running a farm) and cannot be away for extended periods
• Need to travel to a particular location, but cannot do so due to safety concerns or border closures (Hybrid only)

Additional application requirements

In the application form:

• Select “Virtual Fellowship” or “Hybrid Fellowship” in the Alternative Fellowship Type field.
• Complete the eligibility explanation in the field that appears.
• When outlining your itinerary, tick the “virtual” checkbox for every activity you will complete virtually.

Funding and insurance

The Trust provides funding to support both the travel and virtual components:

• Overseas travel is funded as per a standard Fellowship
• For virtual components, funding may include costs to support dedicated research time (e.g., renting an Airbnb)
• One week of virtual-component allowance is withheld until the final report is approved
• All Virtual and Hybrid Fellows are covered by the Trust’s travel insurance

If any of these Alternative Fellowship Types may apply to you, please contact the Churchill Trust to discuss your circumstances: Phone: 02 6247 8333.