Applications Now Open Until 27th November 2024 - APPLY NOW
.png)
.png){kind=small}
The Global Voices Fellowship supports young Australians (18-30)* to have an unparalleled opportunity with experience in policymaking and international diplomacy.
*All Global Voices Fellows must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or permanent humanitarian residents aged 18 - 30 years. All participants must have a valid passport (or the ability to acquire one at short notice) and be able to travel internationally without restriction.
What is included in a
Global Voices Fellowship?
GV is the only organisation in Australia to offer a Policy Fellowship Program that provides in-person and practical experience in policy-making and international relations.
FAQs
During the program:
During the program, you will also have the remarkable opportunity to attend private meetings with subject matter experts, esteemed academics, top-level Commonwealth Government departmental representatives, Members of the Australian Parliament and leaders of civil society and private organisations.
Fellows also receive ongoing mentoring, support and guidance from our experienced Executive Team and their dedicated Delegation Manager. Further, the Delegation Manager ensures that the Fellows’ health and safety is prioritised throughout the entire experience. Global Voices is committed to creating a space where all Fellows can enjoy, learn and engage with the Fellowship Program.
How many places are there in each delegation?
​There are generally four to six places available on each delegation. The number of places and eligibility requirements are outlined on our application portal page.
Do I have to have experience in policy or international relations to apply?
No! We are looking for young people with a demonstrated interest in global issues, an ambitious spirit and the ability to communicate their ideas with the world effectively. That's it! We've had fellows studying engineering, design, law, science or not studying at all. If you've got a policy idea and an interest in international relations we want to hear from you.
How long do you go on delegation for?
GV attendance at international delegations is usually 5-7 days depending on the summit/conference.
I've hit submit, what's next?
After the application close date, our team will begin the assessment process. During this time, we carefully review each application, considering the content of policy proposals and the quality of policy recommendations provided.
Following the initial assessment, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in an online interview with members of the Executive Team. Final selections will be made after these interviews are completed.
We aim to notify all applicants of their status within four weeks of the application close date. If you have not heard from us by that time, please feel free to reach out. We kindly request that applicants refrain from contacting us unless it has been over a month since the application deadline
I've seen that you need to be living in Australia for the full course of the fellowship but are small trips ok?
Whilst you need to be living in Australia for the entirety of the Fellowship, strips trips are okay as long as you are still able to adhere to the 5 hour/week commitment whilst you're away.
Will I have any out-of-pocket expenses?
This fully funded scholarship includes all domestic and international flights, accommodation, breakfasts, visas, insurance, and registration fees. You will need to cover the cost of meals, some transfers and obtaining your passport if required.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible to apply, you must:
-
Be aged 18 - 30 for the full duration of the program
-
Be available for pre-departure training in Canberra (dates listed in the application form). Virtual attendance is not acceptable.
-
Be available and able to travel for the full duration of the international delegation you are applying for.
-
Have the ability to commit at least 5 hours per week to the fellowship program
-
Currently hold or can obtain a passport well before your delegation's dates and will be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your delegation
-
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident living in Australia for the full course of the fellowship.
What do Global Voices do to ensure my safety while travelling?
Global Voices monitors travel warnings and security updates issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Our Board of Directors also considers the safety and security of the host city when confirming our upcoming schedule of delegations. We also ensure all Fellows are covered by appropriate insurance during all stages of the program.
I want to apply for multiple delegations, can I recycle some of my wording in the application?
It's important to tailor your response for each delegation when working on your personal statement, work/educational history and of course your policy proposal. However, it is fine to recycle some other components such as teamwork, conflict and commitment examples.
I'm overseas atm, can I attend virtually or can you pay for my flights to come back to Australia?
All applicants must be physically present in Australia for the full duration of the fellowship. As a small volunteer team, we do not have the funds to cover travel expenses to bring participants to Canberra from outside Australia. Additionally, virtual attendance is not accepted for this program.
I work for the government, has GV had Fellows in this position before?
You will be completing the policy fellowship in a personal capacity, and we have never had any issues before with public servants undertaking the Fellowship before.
The major deliverable that our Fellows commit to is publishing a policy proposal, so there is unfortunately no option to not publish. With this in mind, it's recommended the policy proposal is written to avoid any perceived or real conflicts of interest.
Learn more about how to apply
"My Global Voices experience was nothing short of transformative. As someone with an interest in climate change but not much previous exposure to the policy/international diplomacy space, I gained an immense amount from this program."
Faith Woon, 2023 Climate COP
"The mechanisms for the decisions that affect our lives usually seem elusive. The Global Voices Scholarship program provides a launchpad for young Australians to uncover these mechanisms."
Julian Garratt, 2023 IMF/WB
"As a public school student from regional Australia, the chance to meet with individuals who are at the top of their field was an amazing opportunity and a great honour."
Callum Noone, 2023 Climate COP
In 2024/2025, GV is running delegations to...
Nov 2024 Application Round:
Y20 Global Summit
Where: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
When: August (TBC) 2025
The Y20 Summit is an annual gathering that brings together youth delegates from G20 countries to discuss and develop policy recommendations on global issues. It provides a platform for young people to engage with policymakers and contribute their perspectives to the broader G20 agenda.
AI for Good
Where: Geneva, Switzerland
When: May 2025
The AI for Good Global Summit is the leading action-oriented United Nations platform promoting AI to advance health, climate, gender, inclusive prosperity, sustainable infrastructure, and other global development priorities.
Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
Where: New York, USA
When: March 2035
​The CSW plays a pivotal role in monitoring the implementation of international agreements on gender equality, such as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995. Each year, the CSW holds sessions at the UN headquarters in New York, where member states, NGOs, and other stakeholders convene to discuss progress, set new priorities, and address emerging issues related to women's rights.
In Semester 2:
International Monetary Fund / World Bank AGM
Where: Washington, USA
When: October
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings (AGM) are gatherings of finance ministers, central bank governors, and other key stakeholders from member countries to discuss global economic issues, development priorities, and financial policies.
World Food Forum
Where: Rome, Italy
When: October
As a youth-led initiative organised by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the WFF serves as the premier global forum that brings together the next generation of students, farmers, scientists and entrepreneurs to discuss and enact change – from the global to the local level. Participants attend workshops, events and roundtable discussions where they can foster connections, engage with industry leaders and gain the tools necessary to address today’s challenges on food insecurity and climate change.
Climate COP29
Where: Azerbaijan
When: November
The Climate COP, or Conference of the Parties, is an annual gathering under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where countries negotiate and make decisions on global climate policy. It serves as a platform for discussing and implementing measures to address climate change, including emissions reduction targets, adaptation strategies, and financial support for developing nations.