Application FAQs

Q. Are New Zealanders working in Victoria eligible to apply?

New Zealand citizens are eligible to apply as long as all other eligibility criteria are met.

Q. Can I apply for the AFRAN Associate Award (previously AFAS) ?

If you are planning a Study Mission to France, you are eligible to apply for an Australian-French Association for Research and Innovation [AFRAN] Associate Award. Apply and explain why a visit to a French research institution to facilitate science and technology innovations will mutually benefit Victoria and France. Victoria Fellowship recipients can receive additional funding of up to $5,000 to assist with this trip.

If your planned Study Mission is to a European country, you are encouraged to apply for an AFRAN Associate Award and incorporate a visit to a French research institution to facilitate science and technology innovations to mutually benefit Victoria and France.

For more information on the AFRAN Associate Award click here.

Q. As a Victoria Fellowship applicant, when am I able to travel for my study mission?

It is understood that Victoria Fellows in 2022 will travel between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023. In exceptional circumstances, veski may approve study missions that commence outside of the specified period, but no earlier than the official announcement of the recipients.

Q. If I have been working or studying in Victoria for the previous two years how long can I been undertaking study or work missions outside of Victoria during this period?

Study or work missions outside Victoria must not exceed six months in total, and you must have commenced your work or study in Victoria prior to undertaking this.

Q. If I have been working or studying in Victoria for the previous three years how long can I been undertaking study or work missions outside of Victoria during this period?

Study or work missions outside Victoria must not exceed one year in total, and you must have commenced your work or study in Victoria prior to undertaking this.

Q. How many Referees do I require in support of my application?

Applications require TWO supporting Referees Reports for the submission to be deemed eligible. Referee Reports form an important part of the assessment process. The Referee Report is confidential.

Following the submission of a Victoria Fellowship application, nominated Referees will receive an email ‘Victoria Fellowships in 2021 – Referee Report Requested’ containing a link to an online form.

Q. I am Postgraduate student undertaking a 100% research based degree.  Can I apply for a Victoria Fellowship?

The Victoria Fellowships are not intended to support the completion of PhD studies, therefore you should be near the completion of your studies at the time of application.

Q. Can a referee be from the organisation or institution I intend to visit should my application for a Victoria Fellowship be successful.

No.  Referees must not be from the organisation or institution you intend to visit.  It is strongly recommended that referees are from outside your institution.

Q.  Can my Head of Department act as a referee?

A.  No, your Head of Department cannot be act as a referee for your application for a Victoria Fellowship.

Q. What if my nominated Referee is unable to submit a Referee Report?

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure Referee Reports are submitted by the due date in order for the application to be deemed eligible.

Q. If I am successful, do I have to attend the Awards Ceremony?

Yes. If you are selected as a recipient of a Victoria Fellowship – you are expected to attend the Awards Ceremony.

Updates regarding the Awards Ceremony will be communicated directly to recipients.

Q. What duration does ‘short-term’ refer to in regards to a Victoria Fellowship study mission?

A short-term study mission refers to no longer than 4 months.

Q. What is my Referee required to provide within the referee form?

Your referee must provide up to 180 words addressing each of the following;

  • Calibre of applicant and the quality of their work to date
  • How the applicant’s study mission would contribute to their career development
  • The applicant’s potential to contribute to the development of an industry sector (if not applicable, please write NA)
  • The public benefit of the study mission and the knowledge they will bring back to Victoria
  • Brief details of your professional collaborations or associations with the applicant