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  5. Fulbright Scholarship in the Operatic Arts

Fulbright Scholarship in the Operatic Arts

Funded by the Australian Opera Awards Committee

  • Overview
  • Eligibility
  • Benefits
  • About the Sponsor
  • Stories
  • Apply Now

About the Award

The Fulbright Scholarship in the Operatic Arts, funded by the Australian Opera Awards Committee, supports an emerging Australian artist to undertake advanced artistic practice, research, training, or professional development in the United States in the field of opera and related performing arts disciplines.

The scholarship aims to foster artistic excellence, strengthen cultural and educational exchange between Australia and the United States, and support the next generation of Australian operatic talent as they engage with leading institutions, practitioners, and creative communities in the U.S.

Projects may include performance training, vocal studies, artistic residencies, research, collaboration with U.S. opera companies or conservatories, or other activities that advance the applicant’s artistic and professional development. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that demonstrate the potential to contribute to the operatic arts sector in Australia upon their return.

Field of Study

Operatic Arts, including but not limited to:

  • Opera performance
  • Vocal studies
  • Repetiteur and coaching practice
  • Directing and production
  • Opera education and outreach
  • Arts leadership and administration
  • Related performing arts disciplines

Eligibility

General Criteria

Must be an Australian citizen.
Must not be a dual citizen of the U.S.
Must be residing in Australia at the time of application (exceptions may apply – please see Eligibility and Conditions).
Must not have already commenced this project in the U.S.
Must not have held a J1 or J2 visa in the 24 months before program commences.
Must hold an undergraduate degree.

Award Criteria

Must have a letter of invitation or affiliation from a proposed U.S. host institution or organisation.
Must demonstrate significant achievement and potential in operatic or related performing arts disciplines.
Applicants may include performers, practitioners, educators, or arts professionals working in opera or related fields.

Benefits

Monthly Stipend:

For 4 months based on the current approved Monthly Maintenance Rate set by the U.S. Department of State.

International Travel Allowance:

Round-trip, economy class airfare directly to and from the scholar’s home city and the city of the host institution (capped at AUD$4,000).

Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE):

A limited Health Benefits Plan designed by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Seven Corners, Inc. Please note this plan is NOT an insurance policy.

Orientation and Gala:

Travel, accommodation, transport and meals at the Fulbright Orientation and Gala Presentation Dinner.

Visa:

J1 visa (and J2 for traveling family members*) organized by the Fulbright program.

Support and Guidance:

from the Commission prior to and during program.
*J2 visas are contingent on eligibility, including whether or not the dependent has held a previous J1/J2 visa and duration of stay with the awardee. Only spouses and children under 21 are eligible for J2 visas.

About the Sponsor

The Australian Opera Awards Committee (AOAC) is a registered Australian charity founded over 50 years ago by Lady Fairfax AC OBE. The committee consists of professional volunteers who are committed music lovers and advocates of the Arts. For over 50 years, AOAC has raised and awarded millions of dollars to support opera in Australia.

AOAC was the first organisation to honour Dame Joan Sutherland by establishing an award in her name — the Dame Joan Sutherland/AOAC Award has been presented annually for 40 years.

Vice Regal Patron: Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales.

Vice Patrons include: General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC, Mr Richard A. Bonynge AC CBE, The Hon. Michael D. Kirby AC CMG, General David John Hurley AC CVO DSC.

Professional Applicant
4 Months
1 award annually
Any Location (US)
Closing — 01 July 2026
Apply Now

Stories from our Fulbright Scholars

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Back to the Farming Future

Dr Wesley Moss (2022 Fulbright Scholar)
Host University —
North Carolina State University

Exploring the Transformative Impact of the Fulbright Scholarship

Lauren Suzanne Heller (2022 Fulbright Scholar)
Host University —
Western Sydney University

Into The Deep End

Dr. Lekelia Jenkins PhD (2023 Fulbright Scholar)
Host University —
University of the Sunshine Coast
Sr Sally Isaac, 2nd row, 4th from left, with Eastman Dental Dispensary dental interns and staff. 1955-1956

A Pioneer in Dental Health and Gender Equity: Dr. Sally Joyston-Bechal

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Fulbright
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Our History
    • Our Team
    • Annual Report
    • Sponsors
    • Donations
  • Scholarships47
    • Grants to United States
      • AU Applicants
      • By TypePostgraduate
      • Postdoctoral
      • Scholar
      • First Nations
      • Researcher Applicant
      • Professional Applicant
    • Grants to Australia
      • US Applicants
      • By TypePostgraduate
      • Postdoctoral
      • Scholar
      • Researcher Applicant
      • Professional Applicant
    • Fulbright Scholar In Residence Program
    • Fulbright Specialist Program
    • View All Scholarships
  • Grantees & Alumni
    • Current Grantees
    • For Our Alumni
    • Alumni Profiles
    • Community & Networks
    • Alumni Stories
  • News & Events
    • News & Events
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  • Contact
Apply Now