ICOM Australia has established a travel fellowship to support the development of museum students and early career professionals through engagement with institutions abroad. Now in its third year, the Fellowship supports the annual travel and study program through an award of up to AUD $5,000 to cover airfares and associated costs for early career professionals. ICOM Australia will also support by providing appropriate other assistance and mentoring to successful applicants to support their program, including introductions to overseas institutions where possible.

Proposals are invited from museum studies students and early career professionals who have completed or are about to complete three years study, for a course of travel and study at an overseas institution(s) examining key questions in museum theory or practice. Applicants should be under the age of 35 and have had at least two and half years’ study in a higher education institution focusing in a related area or have worked for that time in an Australian museum or gallery. Proposals focused on travel and study to museums in the Asia Pacific are particularly encouraged.

All proposals must be submitted to ICOM Australia by 31 July 2025 and will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• The study or professional record of the applicant; and
• The relevance of the proposal to key questions in contemporary heritage and museum theory or practice.

The awardee will be required to complete their study program and expend the funds granted by ICOM Australia within one year of conferral of the award. They will also be asked to submit a short (two-page) report to ICOM Australia within three months of their return from the tour and to present a paper detailing their fellowship and learnings gained at a subsequent conference.

For details on how to apply and terms and conditions download the 2025 ICOM Australia Travel Fellowship form