The Ian Axford Fellowships 2026 in New Zealand is a prestigious fully funded policy fellowship designed for mid-career professionals from the United States. This program provides hands-on experience in New Zealand’s public policy sector, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between the two nations.
Administered by Fulbright New Zealand, the fellowship is sponsored by several New Zealand government agencies. It aims to develop global leaders in governance and policy-making through practical research and engagement with government institutions.
Ian Axford Fellowships Benefits
- Returns airfares to New Zealand
- Stipend of NZ$1,500 to NZ$5,000 per month depending on employment status
- Dependent allowance of NZ$500 per month
- Maximum contribution of NZ$3,000 towards dependents’ flights
- Travel support within New Zealand
Ian Axford Fellowships Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a US citizen
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience
- Mid-career professional active in public, business, or non-profit sector
- Potential leader and opinion-former in chosen field
- Interest in learning from New Zealand experience and applying policy lessons in the US
How to Apply for Ian Axford Fellowships?
- Complete and submit the application form by the deadline
- Submit all required support documents by the deadline
- Arrange for three references to be submitted by the deadline using the Guide for Referees
- Provide a letter from employer confirming support and leave status
- Ensure application demonstrates policy impact and relevance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Ian Axford Fellowships 2026 support experienced United States professionals interested in public policy collaboration with New Zealand. The programme offers funding, research opportunities, and professional exchange designed to strengthen policy understanding and long-term cooperation between both countries.
What is the Ian Axford Fellowships program?
The Ian Axford Fellowships in Public Policy is a fully funded fellowship for mid-career US professionals to gain hands-on policy experience in New Zealand. It aims to increase mutual understanding between the US and New Zealand through policy research and collaboration with government agencies.
Who is eligible to apply for the Ian Axford Fellowships?
Applicants must be US citizens with at least five years of professional experience, be mid-career professionals in the public, business, or non-profit sectors, and demonstrate leadership potential. They must also show interest in learning from New Zealand policy and applying lessons in the US.
What are the financial benefits of the fellowship?
The fellowship provides return airfares to New Zealand, a monthly stipend ranging from NZ$1,500 to NZ$5,000 based on employment status, a dependent allowance of NZ$500 per month, up to NZ$3,000 for dependents’ flights, and travel support within New Zealand.
What is the application deadline for the 2026 fellowship?
Applications for the 2027 Ian Axford Fellowship close at 10am Tuesday 21 April 2026 (NZT). All application materials, including references, must be submitted by this deadline.
How long does the fellowship last?
Fellowships can be between three to five months in duration, starting from 1 February. The exact length is decided by the Ian Axford Fellowship board based on the applicant’s proposal and host agency discussions.
What are the conditions of the fellowship award?
Conditions include providing evidence of employer support, traveling on a US passport, being based in Wellington with travel within New Zealand for research, producing and submitting a policy report, delivering a public seminar, and participating in Fulbright New Zealand activities.
What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include the completed application form, supporting documents, three references submitted using the Guide for Referees format, and a letter from the employer confirming support and leave status (full, partial, or no paid leave).
Who sponsors the Ian Axford Fellowships?
The fellowship is sponsored by New Zealand government agencies including the Department of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Development, and Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission.
What is the focus of the fellowship research?
Fellows conduct policy research aligned with New Zealand’s contemporary policy priorities, working directly with host government agencies. They are expected to produce a policy report and present findings publicly, contributing to both New Zealand and US policy understanding.
How are fellows selected for the program?
Selection is competitive, based on a strong application that demonstrates policy impact and relevance, professional experience, leadership potential, and alignment with the fellowship’s mission to increase US-New Zealand mutual understanding. The board reviews all applications and references.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
