History

The treaty which established the Fulbright program in Australia was signed on 26 November in 1949, by the U.S. Ambassador to Australia, The Hon. Pete Jarman, and the Australian Minister for External Affairs, The Rt. Hon. Dr H.V. Evatt.

The Program was originally funded with an initial sum of U.S $5.8m, 'representing U.S. Government credits acquired in Australia from the sale of surplus war materials.'

The Program was reviewed in 1964 and a new agreement established the Australian-American Educational Foundation, with the program funded by both Governments.

More recently additional funding from corporate sponsors and private donations have helped to expand the program. See the full list of current sponsors and scholarships.

The Prime Minister of Australia and the U.S. Ambassador are the Honorary Co-Chairs of the Commission. Since its establishment the Program has awarded scholarships to more than 4,700 Australians and Americans. A distinguished group of alumni are an integral part of the Program's rich history and ongoing professional network.