About the NCSEHE Equity Fellows Program
The Australian Government Department of Education and Training (DET) has funded an ongoing Equity Fellows Program, managed by the NCSEHE, under the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP).
Six Fellowships have already been funded and the program will continue with further Fellowships awarded during the 2019–20 period. The value of each Fellowship will be up to $215,000 covering the engagement of a Fellow for 12 months (full-time equivalent).
The aim of the Program is to support Fellows to undertake strategic, high-impact, high‐profile leadership projects targeted, sector-wide, at improving the access, participation and success in higher education of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. As part of the Fellowship, Fellows will spend a period of time working in and with the DET facilitating mutually beneficial engagement between the Department and the sector.
Fellowship project guidelines
Equity Fellows, through their projects, are expected to have direct influence and impact on equity in the higher education sector. Applicants must demonstrate how their Fellowship and proposed project aligns with, and supports, the NCSEHE’s purpose which is to “improve higher education outcomes (including access, participation, retention, success, and completion rates) for marginalised and disadvantaged people through:
(a) strengthening Australia’s student equity in higher education research quality, capability and capacity
(b) supporting the building of a robust evidence base
(c) informing institutional best practice and enhancing on-the-ground delivery of equity measures, and informing evidence-based public policy design and implementation”.
Applicants must also demonstrate how their Fellowship and proposed project aligns with the Equity Fellows Program Aims and Objectives.
Fellowships, representing 50 per cent of funding will be specifically targeted to regional disadvantage.
The 2019-20 Equity Fellows will be expected to commence in July 2019 or as negotiated in the contract. All applications are assessed on merit by a dedicated Selection and Reference Committee. The final selection of an Equity Fellow rests with the Selection and Reference Committee. Bearing in mind the competitive merit-based nature of the program, the Selection and Reference Committee reserves the right not to make an appointment if a suitable candidate is not found, or to invite applications.
Individuals who are employed by an eligible higher education institution may nominate for an Equity Fellowship. Previous recipients of an Equity Fellowship are ineligible to apply for a second Fellowship. A list of eligible higher education institutions is available below. Nominees must have the strong support of their home institution.
How to apply
Applications have now closed.