FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How do I know I am eligible to apply? What do you look for in an applicant?

All fellowships’ eligibility criteria are on their respective pages. Do check it out! Applicants can be from any discipline and industry and have at least completed their bachelor’s degree. Rather, we seek curious people who are driven by a sense of purpose and desire to make the world a better place. Our programs involve a competitive application process. In your application, it’s important to focus on something you feel you have gone out of your way to achieve, whether that be personally, academically or professionally.

2.When is the deadline for the application?

Application dates will be announced soon. Stay tuned!

3.Do I need prior experience or knowledge to apply for the fellowship?

The minimum requirement for a fellowship is a bachelor’s degree. For the Social Innovation fellowship, 0-2 years of work experience is required. Other than that, no prior experience or knowledge in the social sector is required. Just enthusiasm and passion to create change!

4.Where will the fellowship be held?

It will be held in India or Nepal. Details for each cycle of fellowship will be available on the fellowship’s page of the website. 

5.How long will the fellowship be?

It will be anywhere between 2-4 weeks. Please check out the page of the fellowship you are interested in to know more.

6.Are there any scholarships available?

There are no scholarships available but if you are not sponsored by your company or University, we can share resources to help you raise the funds for your fellowship. While fundraising can seem overwhelming at first, our alumni who have fundraised share that it’s one of the best parts of the experience, and they are surprised and overwhelmed by the support they receive. We can provide you with one-on-one feedback and materials to help you build your campaign. We also partner with some major universities in Australia to provide sponsorship, so check if you can get support by emailing us.

7.What is covered under the cost of the fellowship?

The program price covers most of the costs while you’re with us. However, you need to cover your flights, visa, travel insurance, and personal travel before or after the program. 50% of program costs help fund our work for women to become leaders of change, distributing products that improve health, save time and save money for the world’s most neglected communities.

8.Do I get a stipend for the fellowship?

There is no stipend provided for any of the fellowships.

9.Do I need to travel on my own?

Yes you will have to arrange your own travel to the location of the fellowship along with your co-fellows if fellows are from the same university.

10.What type of visa do I get?

We provide all participants with a step-by-step guide on how to apply for their visa and other relevant information including business cards for visa processing.

11.Do I need prior experience or knowledge to apply for the fellowship?

The minimum requirement for a fellowship is a bachelor’s degree. For the Social Innovation fellowship, 0-2 years of work experience is required. Other than that, no prior experience or knowledge in the social sector is required. Just enthusiasm and passion to create change!

12.How can I contact Pollinate Group for further information?

You can email us at programs@pollinategroup.org or write to ujjwala.m@pollinategroup.org for more information.

13.What training and support will I receive?

Once you are accepted into a program, you will be supported closely by our team to help you prepare for your exciting journey!

This includes:

• An online meet and greet (applicable only for digital fellowship) with your program peers and our involved team members
• A pre-departure training session, with more detail about our organisation, your role, and the project opportunities and group activity

Upon arrival, additional training and induction where you will learn more about our work, our operations, and important health and safety information.

14.Will we have time for ourselves to explore the area? 

The time out of the program changes from program to program. However, as a general guide we provide you with time off to explore and socialise, as well as information about things to do and explore. Program teams often organise day tours or overnight trips to explore nearby sights and learn more about the Indian or Nepali culture. You can also organise day hiking trips, go shopping or head out for a team lunch or dinner. Leadership Impact Program participants have an intense five day program, meaning time off is limited. However we have built in cultural and community aspects of the program in Bangalore. 

15.Where will I be staying?

Fellows will stay in a conveniently located hotel for the duration of the program. Participants in the Social Innovation Program or Student Fellowship will be accommodated in a shared environment with other program participants for the duration of a program.

16.Do I get a certificate at the end of the fellowship?

Yes, a certificate will be provided at the completion of all of our programs. If you need a recommendation, a local team member may be able to write one for you.

17.What happens after the fellowship ends?

Once the fellowship is over you will get to be a part of our global alumni network. You will have the opportunity to network and collaborate with them.