Engagement Institute Governance Scholarship 2026

The Engagement Institute is committed to developing strong, values-based leaders who will help shape the future of the community and stakeholder engagement profession.

In 2026, we are proud to offer three governance scholarships, including two new scholarships made possible through our partnership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).  Together, these scholarships provide opportunities for members at different stages of their governance journey while strengthening governance capability across the engagement profession.

Engagement Institute Governance Scholarship

Value: Up to AU$10,000

One scholarship is available to support an eligible member to complete either:

• Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course; or
• New Zealand Institute of Directors (NZIoD) Company Directors Course.

What’s included:

• Reimbursement of course fees (up to AU$10,000)
• Recognition at the Engagement Institute’s Annual Conference or NZ Symposium
• Opportunities to share insights and reflections with the profession.

AICD Future Leaders Scholarships – new in 2026

Through our partnership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), the Engagement Institute is pleased to offer two additional scholarships.

Governance Foundations for NFP Directors

One scholarship for emerging governance leaders seeking to strengthen their governance capability within the not-for-profit sector.

View the course overview and eligibility criteria.

What’s included:

• Governance Foundations for NFP Directors course
• 12 months AICD membership
• Access to an AICD Member Partner
• Networking opportunities and governance resources.

Company Directors Course

One scholarship for experienced leaders seeking comprehensive governance education.

What’s included:

• Company Directors Course
• 12 months AICD membership
• Access to an AICD Member Partner
• Networking opportunities and governance resources.

Eligibility

Engagement Institute Governance Scholarship

Applicants must:

• Be a current financial member of the Engagement Institute, residing in Australia or New Zealand, excluding Student members.
• Have held continuous Engagement Institute membership for at least the past 2 years and be a financial member at the time of being awarded the scholarship.
• Proven leadership in the field of engagement at a senior level and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Be available to complete the nominated course within 12 months of being awarded the scholarship. The course must be commenced within the same financial year (1 July – 30 June) in which the scholarship is awarded.
• Not have previously received the Governance Scholarship from the Engagement Institute.

AICD Future Leaders Scholarships

Applicants must:

• Meet the Engagement Institute eligibility requirements above.
• Satisfy the eligibility requirements of the Australian Institute of Company Directors for the relevant scholarship.

• Agree to the AICD Future Leaders Scholarship Terms and Conditions. Recipients of the Company Directors Course scholarship must complete the course assessment.  (There is no assessment for the Governance Foundations for NFP Directors course).

• Complete the AICD expression of interest process if selected.
• Participate in reasonable scholarship activities such as testimonials, surveys or case studies.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit:

• A completed application form
• A current CV
• Responses to the application questions outlining their leadership experience, governance aspirations and commitment to professional development.

Applicants need only submit one application. The selection panel will determine the most appropriate scholarship(s) based on each applicant’s experience, governance readiness and eligibility.

The Engagement Institute reserves the right to award scholarships at its discretion.  If no applications of sufficient merit are received, one or more scholarships may not be awarded. The decision of the Engagement Institute is final.

Applications for 2026 are now open

APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP HERE.

Applications close 11:59pm (AEST) Friday 4 September 2026.

For any questions, please contact us at membership@engagementinstitute.org.au.

Related documents

• Engagement Institute Governance Scholarship Program – Terms and Conditions

• Privacy Policy and Collection Statement

• Engagement Institute Constitution