2027 Visiting Fellowship in Statelessness Research Opens Applications in Melbourne

Applications are now open for the 2027 Visiting Fellowship at the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness at the University of Melbourne. The program offers researchers, practitioners and educators working on statelessness an opportunity to conduct research, develop international collaborations and engage with the Centre’s academic community.

Funded Fellowship Worth Up to AUD $6,000

The Centre is offering one funded Visiting Research Fellowship for research related to statelessness.

The fellowship provides funding of up to AUD $6,000 to help cover international travel and accommodation expenses in Melbourne. The recommended duration is one to two months, with the fellowship to be undertaken between August and October 2027.

During their stay, the successful fellow will be expected to actively participate in the Centre’s activities, including events, workshops and research discussions.

The fellowship also includes opportunities for the visiting scholar to present their research at a faculty or public seminar, or at a work-in-progress meeting. Fellows may also contribute a blog article to the Critical Statelessness Studies blog where appropriate.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to a broad range of applicants involved in research or professional work relating to statelessness.

Applications are welcomed from:

• Postdoctoral and early-career researchers
• Established and tenured academics
• Professionals working outside academia
• Researchers with practical or applied projects related to statelessness
• Researchers with lived experience of statelessness

The Centre particularly encourages applications from researchers who have personally experienced statelessness.

Non-academic professionals can also apply if they propose an applied research project that is relevant to the Centre's work.

Application Deadline

Applications for the funded 2027 Visiting Fellowship must be submitted by November 30, 2026.

Applicants travelling to Australia from overseas will be responsible for obtaining and paying for any required visas and insurance.

What Must Be Included in the Application?

Applicants for the funded fellowship must submit all materials together in one PDF document. The application must contain:

• A curriculum vitae and publication list
• A research plan of no more than 1,000 words
• Details of proposed activities and collaborations during the visit
• An explanation of how the applicant would contribute to the work of the Centre
• Proposed dates for the visit
• The amount of funding requested, up to AUD $6,000
• A detailed budget, including estimated airfare costs where applicable
• One letter of reference

For non-academic applicants, the reference may instead be a letter of support from an employer or another organisation with which the applicant is professionally associated.

How to Apply

Questions about the Visiting Fellowship program can be directed to law-statelessness@unimelb.edu.au.

Applications should use “Visiting Fellowship Application” as the email subject line and be submitted to the same email address.

Self-Funded Visiting Opportunities

The Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness also welcomes applications from individuals who are able to finance their own visit.

Subject to workspace availability, self-funded visitors may receive access to a workspace, library and computer facilities. They are also encouraged to participate in Centre activities, including events and workshops.

Unlike the funded fellowship, applications for self-funded visits can be submitted throughout the year.

Self-funded applications must include:

• A curriculum vitae and publication list
• A research plan of no more than 1,000 words
• Proposed research activities and collaborations
• An explanation of the contribution the visitor could make to the Centre
• Proposed dates of the visit
• One letter of reference, or a professional letter of support for non-academic applicants

Those interested in a self-funded visit should contact law-statelessness@unimelb.edu.au.

For researchers and professionals working on statelessness, the 2027 fellowship represents an opportunity to spend time in Melbourne, access academic resources and develop international research collaborations within a specialist centre dedicated to the study of statelessness.

https://law.unimelb.edu.au/centres/statelessness/engage/visiting-fellowships