Applications are now open for the 2027 Women’s Developmental Leadership (WDL) Program, an initiative designed for outstanding women who are Australia Awards scholars from eligible Pacific countries.
The program provides participants with opportunities to strengthen their leadership capabilities, build professional networks and apply leadership learning to real-world challenges in their communities and countries.
The program is delivered through Women Leading and Influencing (WLI) and will select up to 30 Pacific women Australia Awards scholars for the 2027 cohort.
Participants will engage in leadership development activities, residential intensives, coaching, professional development opportunities and supported workplace internships across Australia and the Pacific.
What Is the Women’s Developmental Leadership Program?
The Women’s Developmental Leadership Program supports Australia Awards scholars to develop the knowledge, skills and networks required to exercise developmental leadership and contribute to positive change.
Participants are introduced to developmental and ontological leadership approaches while developing their own leadership styles. The program also creates opportunities for participants to connect with other Pacific women leaders and Australian and Pacific leaders.
A key focus is helping participants apply their learning to real developmental issues affecting their communities, countries and region.
Up to 30 eligible Pacific women Australia Awards scholars are selected each year.
What Does the Program Offer?
Successful participants will have access to several leadership development opportunities throughout the program.
Leadership Development Intensives: Participants take part in two week-long residential intensives in Australia. These sessions provide opportunities to learn from prominent Pacific and Australian leaders, develop leadership skills and build strong relationships with other participants.
Bespoke Coaching: Participants and alumni can access one-on-one issues-based and collective ontological coaching. The coaching provides a space to explore professional challenges and work strategically towards leadership goals.
Workplace Internships: Selected participants and alumni can receive support to identify, design and secure workplace placements or internships in Australia and the Pacific. These opportunities are intended to strengthen professional skills, networks and readiness for future leadership roles.
Real Issue Challenges: Participants identify real-world developmental challenges within their communities, countries or region and apply their leadership learning to addressing those issues.
Long-Term Alumni Support: Participants become part of the Pacific WLI network and can continue accessing tailored support and opportunities after completing the program.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
To apply, candidates must:
- Identify as a woman.
- Be enrolled as an Australia Awards scholar at an Australian university or tertiary institution during the first semester of the calendar year.
- Be available to commence the program in Australia in February 2027.
- Commit to up to 15 days of face-to-face participation across the two residential intensives in February and September.
- Have access to the internet.
- Be a citizen of an eligible Pacific country.
Eligible Pacific Countries
Citizens of the following countries and territories are eligible to apply:
- Cook Islands
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- French Polynesia
- Kiribati
- New Caledonia
- Naoero
- Niue
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tokelau
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Wallis and Futuna
Applicants should review the official eligibility requirements carefully before submitting an application.
Key Dates for the 2027 Program
Applications opened on 21 September 2026 and close at midnight on Sunday, 25 October 2026 (AEDT).
The published program timeline includes:
- 21 September 2026: Applications open
- 25 October 2026: Applications close
- 25 October–16 November 2026: Application assessment period
- 16 November–1 December 2026: Selection process
- 2 December 2026: Successful applicants notified
- 28 January–4 February 2027: First residential intensive
- 20–26 September 2027: Second residential intensive
Applicants should check the official WLI website for any updates to these dates.
Why Consider the WLI Leadership Program?
The program combines leadership development with practical opportunities to apply new knowledge. Rather than focusing only on classroom-based learning, participants work on real issues affecting their communities and countries.
The combination of residential intensives, coaching, professional development, internships and regional networking can help participants develop leadership capabilities while building relationships with other Pacific women professionals.
Participants also become part of an ongoing WLI alumni network, providing opportunities for continued engagement beyond the formal program.
How to Apply
Eligible Australia Awards scholars from the listed Pacific countries can submit their applications through the official Women Leading and Influencing application portal.
Applicants should review the program application information and eligibility requirements before starting the application and ensure that they can meet the program’s participation commitments.
Application Deadline: Midnight, 25 October 2026 (AEDT)
Program: Women’s Developmental Leadership Program 2027
Host: Women Leading and Influencing (WLI)
Target Group: Women Australia Awards scholars from eligible Pacific countries
Number of Participants: Up to 30
Location: Australia and Pacific region
Start: February 2027
Official Application and More Information
Interested applicants can visit the official Women Leading and Influencing website to review the program details, eligibility requirements and application process.
Apply: https://www.wliprogram.org/what-we-do-pages/program-application
Program Information: https://www.wliprogram.org/what-we-do-pages/womens-developmental-leadership-program
Application Requirements: https://www.wliprogram.org/what-we-do-pages/program-application-information
