Tim Fischer Fellowship applications closing Monday

Applications for the Tim Fischer Fellowship are closing on Monday, August 24, 2026, giving rural and regional Australians a final window to apply for up to $50,000 in funding to turn a community-focused idea into reality.

The Fellowship is run by the Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF), a national charity that has awarded more than 8,000 grants and scholarships worth over $20 million since it was founded in Boorowa, NSW, in 1993. CEF now operates a network of nearly 50 local foundations across New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, helping rural and regional youth aged 16 to 25 into post-school education, training and jobs.

Named in honour of former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer, the Fellowship supports one recipient each year with funding, mentorship and networking opportunities to develop a project with a clear education element, whether that runs through communities, workplaces, youth or students. Past recipients have used the Fellowship to explore new ideas across agriculture, health, science and other fields, provided the project builds capability in country Australia.

Applicants must be Australian residents aged 18 or over, willing to act as a CEF ambassador and committed to a clear vision for their area of work or study. Preference is given to those from rural and regional backgrounds, but this is not a requirement, and CEF is encouraging students, alumni and volunteers connected to the foundation to put their names forward.

“This Fellowship is about investing in people with the drive to create practical solutions to real challenges in country communities,” said Country Education Foundation Chief Executive Officer Wendy Mason.

“It could be someone in agriculture, education, health, science, technology, the arts or other, what matters most is a compelling idea and the commitment to turn that idea into lasting impact, through an education element.”

Finalist interviews will be held on Thursday, October 8, with the recipient announced at the CEF Awards luncheon the following day, Friday, October 9. The Fellowship commences in October 2026.

Applications close Monday, August 24. Visit the CEF website for more information and the application form.