If you have questions about the program, or how to apply, reach out to the team to learn more.
Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program 2026
Applications open from 25 May–21 June 2026
Fostering links between Australian and Indonesian Muslim communities.
How the Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program empowers emerging leaders
The Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program is an intensive program of intercultural and interreligious exchange that brings together Muslim changemakers, community activists and emerging leaders from across Indonesia and Australia.
Deakin University is proud to deliver the program across 2026 and 2027. Led by Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh, the program offers a high-impact hybrid experience, blending online learning with immersive visits to Australia and Indonesia.
Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program is a flagship initiative of the Australia-Indonesia Institute within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Established in 2002, the program promotes deeper understanding of the rich multicultural diversity of both Indonesia and Australia, with a particular emphasis on the diverse expressions of Islam that flourish in both societies.
How the 2026 program works
The 2026 program includes a five-week online foundation course followed by immersive exchange programs in Australia and Indonesia. Participants explore key themes, including:
- multiculturalism and Islam
- interfaith and intercultural dialogue
- social cohesion
- youth empowerment
- transformational leadership
- political literacy and strategic engagement.
Online learning component
Participants will engage in two-hour weekly sessions across the five-week online program. This phase provides a strong foundation for the exchange, featuring:
- guest presentations and panel discussions from experts, practitioners and emerging leaders
- interactive learning in the form of practical case studies and collaborative workshops.
Overseas study component
Following the online component, Australian and Indonesian participants will travel to their respective host countries for a 15-day immersive program to experience the other’s culture and society through:
- engagement with leading academics, religious and community leaders, advocates, journalists and government representatives
- site visits and cultural activities designed to provide firsthand insight into the diverse social, cultural and religious fabric of Australia and Indonesia
- dedicated networking opportunities with experts and representatives engaged throughout the program.
Where connections become lifelong impact
The program fosters lasting connections between Australian and Indonesian Muslim communities, strengthening ties between the two countries. The program has an alumni network of more than 350 people, including prominent Indonesians and Australians with expertise in a wide range of fields.
Eligibility criteria
Applications for the Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program 2026 open 25 May 2026. To apply, you should be:
- aged between 23 and 40
- proficient in English language.
- identify as Muslim
- a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or Indonesia
Key application dates
- 2026 applications open: 25 May 2026
- 2026 applications close: 21 June 2026
- Shortlisted candidates notified: July 2026
- Interviews via Zoom: August 2026
- 2026 online program dates: 1 September–9 October 2026
- 2026 in-Australia Program: 17 October–1 November
- 2026 in-Indonesia Program: 28 November–13 December
Apply for the program
Are you a young leader passionate about building cross-cultural understanding and strengthening connections between Australia and Indonesia? The Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program 2026 is now open for applications!
Frequently asked questions about the Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program 2026
You will need to submit the following application documents:
- curriculum vitae (CV) (maximum two pages)
- leadership statement (maximum one page)
- recent photograph
- two reference letters to support your application.
In your CV, you will need to include the following information:
- contact details
- education
- qualifications and skill sets
- work experience
- community engagement
- awards and recognitions
- published works.
Tell us about your leadership journey so far, including contributions you have made through your work, studies, or community involvement. We would also like to understand your motivation for joining the program, what you hope to gain from the program and how you intend to share or apply your learning after the program.
The letter should include:
- How the referee knows you (relationship and duration)
- Your suitability for AIMEP, including leadership potential and engagement in community, interfaith, intercultural, or related areas
- Specific examples of your contributions, achievements, or impact
- Your key personal qualities
- A clear statement of support for your application to AIMEP
Project funding
The Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program 2026 is proudly delivered by Deakin University.
This program received funding from the Australia-Indonesia Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
