Student Fellowships - The Centre for Independent Studies

Student Fellowships

Applications open on the 27th of March! Express your interest here and get an email reminder.

Applications close on April 9th at 11:59pm and positions are released on Sunday 12th at 12pm. The sooner you apply the better. Our policy is to accept strong candidates as they emerge, and spaces are limited.

The Liberty & Society Student Fellowship is a selective, fully subsidised program designed for students and young professionals across Australia and New Zealand who are interested in free markets, individual liberty, and the open exchange of ideas.

Running from April to December, the Fellowship provides structured exposure to key ideas in economics, public policy, and political philosophy, delivered by leading academics, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and business leaders.

No prior background is required–only intellectual curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to engage with ideas.

Program Structure

The Fellowship runs over 10 months, combining regular seminars with structured discussion and applied learning.

  • Duration: April 16 – December 17

  • Sessions: 13 sessions, held every third Thursday

  • Time: 6:00–8:00pm (Sydney time)

  • Format: Online (Zoom)

Each session includes:

  • A seminar

  • Q&A with the speaker

  • A group-based problem-solving discussion

 

Topics Covered

Fellows engage with a broad set of issues central to contemporary policy and public debate, including:

  • Energy markets

  • Technology and artificial intelligence

  • Regulation and competition

  • Free speech and civil liberties

  • Law and liberty

  • Innovation and entrepreneurship

  • Public choice theory

Sessions are designed to provide both conceptual foundations and practical insights.

Assessment & Engagement

Participants are required to:

  • Submit a short (200-300 words) written reflection following each session

  • Complete three short viva voce-style reviews during the program

 

These reviews involve a 10-minute discussion of a selected reflection and are designed to:

  • Encourage depth of thought

  • Maintain intellectual integrity and discourage AI use

 

Completion Requirements

To graduate from the Fellowship, participants must:

  • Attend at least 10 of 13 sessions

  • Complete the required reflections and viva voce reviews

Successful participants receive a certificate of completion.

Alumni & Opportunities

Fellows gain entry into the Liberty & Society Alumni Network, providing ongoing access to:

  • Professional and intellectual networks

  • Internship opportunities

  • Subsidised attendance at major events and conferences

  • Priority access to other Liberty & Society programs

 

Selectivity

The Fellowship operates as a selective cohort, admitting a limited number of applicants based on merit, motivation, and demonstrated interest in ideas.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit:

  • A curriculum vitae (CV)

  • Responses to three short questions

 

Cost

The Fellowship is fully subsidised, with participation funded by CIS donors.

Apply

Applications are opening soon. If you are interested, register your interest here.