What is the Tim Fischer Fellowship?
The Tim Fischer Fellowship (TFF) is a prestigious program designed to support individuals passionate about making a difference in rural and regional Australia. Inspired by Tim Fischer’s honesty, integrity, and selflessness, this Fellowship a recipient with up to $50,000 in funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help turn their bold ideas into reality.
Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a dedicated professional, a researcher or an emerging innovator, this Fellowship is your opportunity to create real impact and advance your career.
Keep up to date with key dates as well as
the announcement of our 2025 Fellows.
Download the TFF Brochure
The Tim Fischer Fellowship objectives
– Recognise a community individual who is passionate about making a difference to rural and regional Australia. We encourage CEF students, alumni or volunteers to apply.
– Support an individual’s mission by funding them to explore new ideas and insights to put their ideas into practice.
– Inspire change across regional and rural Australia.
– To strengthen communities and influence services and policies both locally and nationally.
– Support further study or exploration to contribute to the mission of CEF
CEF Mission
“To promote and enable equal access to further education and career opportunities for rural and regional youth, irrespective of background, circumstances or location through community-based encouragement and financial assistance. To help close the educational attainment gap which exists between country and city students”
What you'll receive
– Up to $50,000 for education, professional development, or research.
– A personalised mentoring program to advance your leadership skills and expand your network.
– Invitations to key events and networking opportunities.
– Support to share your insights and inspire change in rural and regional Australia.
Who can apply?
The Tim Fischer Fellowship is open to individuals from all fields and career stages.
To be eligible, you must:
– Be 18 years or older and an Australian resident.
– Be passionate about supporting regional and rural communities.
– Be willing to represent Country Education Foundation (CEF) as an ambassador.
– Have a strong vision and commitment to your area of study, work, or interest.
While preference is given to individuals from rural and regional areas, this is not a requirement.
Your committment
Award recipients will adhere to the Program Guidelines, create a report documenting their learnings and be confident to present these in public, and at CEF events.
Why apply?
– Gain financial support to bring your ideas to life.
– Connect with influential mentors and industry leaders.
– Enhance your career with exclusive development opportunities.
– Make a lasting impact in rural and regional Australia.
Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Apply today and take the next step in your journey to drive positive change.
How to apply
Applying for the Tim Fischer Fellowship is simple!
Follow these steps:
- Complete the online application form on the CEF website.
- Submit a 2-minute video explaining your idea and its potential impact.
- Provide a short written bio and image of yourself (max 350 words).
- Detail how you plan to utilise the Fellowship funding (max 350 words).
- Explain how this Fellowship will benefit your career and community (max 350 words).
- Share how you plan to communicate your insights at the conclusion of the Fellowship.
- Upload up to three supporting documents (e.g., CV/resume, project portfolio).
- Provide two referees (one personal and one professional).
Important: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM AEST on 17 August 2025.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Selection process
A panel of experts will evaluate applications based on:
- Alignment with the Fellowship’s mission and objectives.
- Clarity and feasibility of the project proposal.
- Potential impact on rural and regional communities.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with the judging panel on Monday 22nd September 2025.
The successful recipient will be invited to attend the Tim Fischer Luncheon on Friday 17th October 2025, Sydney where they will be announced.
Applications Open Monday 7th July 2025
Applications Close Sunday 17th August 2025 (11:59 PM AEST)
Finalist Interviews Monday 22nd September 2025 (online)
Recipients Announced Friday 17 October 2025 (in person)
Fellowship Commences October 2025
Are you a Tim Fischer Fellow?
Here are some ideas about what that could look like.
Michael
Location: Albany, WA | Field of interest: Rural and Regional education development
Michael, a former school principal, used the Fellowship to research innovative teaching methods tailored for remote schools. His project focused on integrating digital learning tools and teacher training programs to improve educational outcomes in rural areas.
Through partnerships with universities and tech companies, Michael developed an online platform that now connects rural educators with professional development resources, helping bridge the education gap between city and country schools.
Dr Emily
Location: Toowoomba, Qld| Field of interest: Rural Healthcare & Medical Research (PhD Student)
As a PhD candidate in rural healthcare, Emily focused on improving mental health services in remote communities. The Fellowship allowed her to conduct field research, collaborate with healthcare providers, and develop a telehealth model tailored for rural patients. Her findings have influenced local policy changes, leading to better access to mental health services in the region. Emily now works with government agencies to implement her research on a broader scale.
Sophie
Location: Wagga Wagga, NSW | Field of interest: Regional Business & Social entrepreneurship
Sophie, a young entrepreneur, wanted to help small businesses in rural towns thrive. With the Fellowship’s support, she launched a business accelerator program connecting regional startups with mentors and investors. Her initiative has helped multiple rural businesses scale, driving economic growth and job creation in her community.
Alex
Location: Dubbo, NSW | Field of interest: Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Entrepreneurship
As a passionate advocate for sustainable farming practices, Alex applied for the Tim Fischer Fellowship to explore innovative water conservation methods for drought-prone areas. With the Fellowship’s support, Alex travelled to leading agricultural research centres in Australia and overseas, gaining insights into regenerative farming techniques.
Through mentorship and funding, Alex developed a community-driven initiative that has helped farmers across regional NSW adopt more sustainable and profitable practices. Today, Alex continues to share his knowledge through workshops, public speaking engagements, and policy advocacy.
Jack
Location: Loxton, SA | Field of interest: Higher education access for regional youth
Jack, who grew up in a farming community, used the Fellowship to address the barriers rural students face in accessing tertiary education. He developed the Rural Futures Program, which connects high school students with university mentors, career advisers, and scholarship resources.
Through partnerships with universities and the Country Education Foundation, Jack delivered mentoring programs, created a scholarship guide, and ran career aspiration programs for senior students. His work has helped over 200 students access higher education and is now shaping policy to improve support for remote learners.
1946-2019
The Hon Tim Fisher AC
The Hon Tim Fischer AC (1946–2019) was an Australian politician, diplomat, and veteran known for his distinguished career in public service and his contributions to Australian society.
He was known for his warmth, intellect, down-to-earth demeanour, and was also a passionate advocate for regional Australia, education, rail transport, and the arts. He was an author, broadcaster and family man.
The Hon Tim Fischer AC was a wonderful supporter and strong advocate for CEF’s work in rural and regional Australia. The former Deputy Prime Minister was involved with CEF for over 15 years.
”Good education provides not only individuals with keys for a positive future; individual meshing cogs to create real progress but also the seeds on which the fabric of the nation can build and progress.
The Hon Tim Fischer AC
The Country Education Foundation is a great facilitator in this regard, a great overall cog in the machinery of the nation – it is deserving of wide support.
