Higher Education Academy Fellowships

The Higher Education Academy Fellowships is an internationally recognised program. If you want to join our growing community of fellows, we can support you through the application process.

About the fellowships

The Higher Education Academy (HEA) Fellowships works with institutions worldwide to improve higher education. Becoming a Fellow connects you to an international community that values quality teaching and supports learning.

Teaching academics and professional staff who support learning are welcome to apply for a fellowship.

Fellowships are awarded in four categories:

  • Associate Fellowship (AFHEA)
  • Fellowship (FHEA)
  • Senior Fellowship (SFHEA)
  • Principal Fellowship (PFHEA).

These categories are based on descriptors of the Professional Standards Framework (PSF 2023).

The UKPSF sets out the knowledge, skills, and behaviours demonstrated by those teaching and/or supporting higher education learning. An Australian version has been developed to include our context.

Meet some of our fellows.

How to apply

To apply for a fellowship, you need to:

  • discuss your intention with your HoS/AHoS or manager.
  • register your interest with DLT at awards@csu.edu.au
  • identify the category of fellowship you're applying for.
  • attend advertised workshops and activity

Each Faculty identifies the number of fellowship submissions that will be supported in any one year. A selection process is applied if numbers are greater than funding. You can also self-fund your submission at a 50% discount with Charles Sturt institutional membership.

Categories of Fellowship

There are four categories of fellowship that you can consider. You can start at the category you most feel ready to address.

  • Associate Fellow
  • Fellow
  • Senior Fellow
  • Principal Fellow

You can work through a series of questions to decide your fellowship category.
Please see the Fellowship Category Tool.

For each category of submission, you are required to complete certain elements. You will always provide evidence of your work meeting the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF).

Category 1

Associate Fellowship

Your submission includes

  • a Context Statement providing a brief summary of your higher education roles (300 words)
  • a Reflective Account of Practice (RAP) that provides evidence that your professional practice meets 2 of the areas of activity described in the UKPSF (1400 words + citations, 200 words)
  • 2 supporting statements from colleagues, at least one with a fellowship. These statements endorse your claim and confirm the accuracy of your reflection.
Category 2

Fellowship

Your submission includes

  • a Context Statement providing a brief summary of your higher education roles (300 words)
  • a Reflective Account of Practice (RAP) that provides evidence that your professional practice meets the UKPSF (3000 words + citations, 500 words)
  • 2 supporting statements from colleagues, at least one with a fellowship. These statements endorse your claim and confirm the accuracy of your reflection.
Category 3

Senior Fellowship

Your submission includes

  • a Context Statement providing a brief summary of your higher education roles (300 words)
  • a Reflective Account of Practice (RAP) that provides evidence that your professional practice meets the UKPSF (3000 words + citations, 500 words)
  • 2 case studies (1500 words each) that evidence 2 particular examples of your leadership in relation to teaching and learning, and that demonstrate your sustained effectiveness in relation to learning and teaching.
  • 2 supporting statements from colleagues, at least one with a fellowship. These statements endorse your claim and confirm the accuracy of your reflection.
Category 4

Principal Fellowship

  • Applying for a Principal Fellowship requires specific support and includes connecting with academics from different settings. Further detail of this category is provided on request.

How we support you

The Division of Learning and Teaching (DLT) will provide:

  • introductory workshops
  • workshops around reflective writing
  • advice and consultation around processes and steps
  • mentoring in small groups
  • a panel to review submissions
  • individual support if/when appropriate.

What you need to do

It takes some time to write a reflective nomination for a Fellowship. It's a good idea to start preparing early.

  1. Discuss your intent to nominate with your HoS during your EDRS interview in the year before you plan to apply.
  2. Inform the Sub-Dean Academic Development of your intent to apply by February in any year.
  3. Attend the information workshops, and engage with the programme of activities, including workshops and mentor supported activity.
  4. You will need to gather two supporting statements for your nomination.
  5. Your draft will be reviewed by a panel of selected reviewers.
  6. When it is ready, you upload it to the Advance HE portal. You will be helped in this step.

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