Are you the next Churchill Fellow? Is this your year?
Applications for the 2026 Churchill Fellowships open at 9:00 am on Friday, 27 February 2026, inviting Australians from all walks of life to travel overseas, learn directly from world leaders in their field, and bring that knowledge home to benefit their communities.
It’s the only travel Fellowship where you don’t need qualifications, a title or a specific profession to apply. You need an idea that could strengthen your field, your community or Australia more broadly.
Churchill Trust CEO Christine Dacey said, “Our Fellows are everyday Australians who want to make things better, to create real change.”
“Our Fellows immerse themselves in new environments, see challenges through a different lens, and return with knowledge that stays with them for life.”
Recent Fellows include Bernadette Black AM, Chandni Gupta and Tim Stone who are still using their Fellowship to make real change in their communities.
Bernadette Black AM CF (2024), has continued championing a whole-of-community approach to early intervention and prevention.
Through national advocacy and leadership, she is advancing the vision of Australia becoming a true “prevention nation,” translating global insights into practical, systemic reforms that protect children and strengthen families for the future.
Chandni Gupta CF (2023), is helping shape the conversation around stronger consumer safeguards in Australia.
As governments advance reforms to the Australian Consumer Law and prioritise protections in digital markets, her international research is contributing to more transparent, accountable and consumer-centred regulatory approaches for 2026 and beyond.
Tim Stone CF (2023), has continued tracing the extraordinary story of the Cyprus mutiny and its “convict samurai” legacy, deepening research into rare manuscripts and reconnecting descendants across Australia and Japan.
He is now working towards curating a major exhibition that will bring this remarkable cross-cultural tale to the public, combining archival discoveries, storytelling and historical artefacts to reframe one of Australia’s most intriguing maritime rebellions.
Since 1965, nearly 5,000 Australians from cities, regional and remote communities have become Churchill Fellows, applying what they learned overseas to benefit Australians at home.
Applications close: 5:00 pm Thursday, 30 April 2026.