Women's Developmental Leadership Program 2026–2027 for Pacific Women in Australia*
A leadership program for Pacific women Australia Awards scholars in Australia, with two week-long residential intensives in 2027. Run by the Women Leading and Influencing (WLI) program. Apply by October 25, 2026.
What is the Women's Developmental Leadership Program?
The Women's Developmental Leadership Program (WDLP) is part of Women Leading and Influencing (WLI), an Australia Awards initiative delivered under the direction of the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The program helps Pacific women who are Australia Awards scholars build the foundations of developmental leadership: leadership that drives positive change on development issues in their communities and countries. It also helps them strengthen their leadership practice and build regional and country-based networks.
WLI's long-term goal is for its women alumni to lead and influence development issues back home in the Pacific.
Important dates
- Applications opened: September 21, 2026
- Application deadline: October 25, 2026, 11:59 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)
- First leadership intensive: February 2027
- Second leadership intensive: September 2027
Program format
The program includes two week-long residential leadership intensives, held in Australia in February and September 2027. Participants work on their leadership practice, learn from each other, and build lasting connections with other Pacific women leaders.
Who can apply?
To apply, you must:
- Be a Pacific woman
- Be an Australia Awards scholar studying at an Australian university or tertiary institution
- Be available to start the program in Australia in February 2027
Check the official application requirements for the full eligibility details.
What do participants gain?
- A strong foundation in developmental leadership
- Stronger personal leadership practice
- Regional and country-based networks with other Pacific women leaders
- Connection to the WLI alumni community
After the program: WDLP participants can apply for a workplace internship or professional development opportunity to further build their leadership. WLI alumni also continue to receive tailored support to lead on development issues once they return to the Pacific.
How to apply
- Confirm that you're a Pacific woman Australia Awards scholar currently studying in Australia.
- Make sure you're available for both intensives in February and September 2027.
- Read the official application requirements on the WLI website.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit before October 25, 2026, 11:59 PM AEDT.
Simple tips
- Share real examples of leadership in your community, studies, or work.
- Explain the development issue you care about and how you hope to make a difference back home.
- Plan ahead so your studies allow time for both residential intensives.
- Don't wait until the last day. Remember the deadline is in Australian Eastern time.
Apply here
For the official program details, application requirements, and application form, visit: https://www.wliprogram.org/what-we-do-pages/womens-developmental-leadership-program
For questions, email info@wliprogram.org.
World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Women Leading and Influencing (WLI), Australia Awards, or the Australian Government. Always verify details on the official website before applying.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Organization | Women Leading and Influencing (WLI), Australia Awards |
| Region / Country | Australia |
| Deadline | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Level | Pacific women Australia Awards scholars |
| Funding | Australia Awards program (check official page for cost details) |
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by WWomen Leading and Influencing (WLI), Australia Award. Always verify details on the official website before applying.