Wominjeka. The University of Melbourne welcomes and supports Indigenous graduate researchers.
Under strong Indigenous leadership, we have created powerful initiatives to support your journey. These initiatives respond to the needs of our growing Indigenous graduate research community.
If you are considering pursuing a PhD or Masters by Research, we will connect you with experts to supervise and support your research. We also provide funding and tailored opportunities to meet your research goals.
At the University of Melbourne, you can be part of a close-knit cohort of Indigenous graduate researchers. Below are some our key funding and professional development offerings.
Benefits available to Indigenous graduate researchers at the University of Melbourne
Annual stipend for Indigenous graduate researchers
Indigenous candidates enrolled in a PhD or Masters by Research courses are eligible to receive an annual tax-free stipend of $53,600 (2026 full-time rate), to assist with living expenses while studying with us.
Indigenous Graduate Research Support Grants
All Indigenous graduate research candidates are eligible for grants throughout their candidature to support their research goals and elevate any financial roadblocks in their research journeys. The funds (up to $10,000) may be used for a range of activities, including professional development, cultural or family obligations, community engagement activities, and honoraria for advisers.
Professional Certificates
The University of Melbourne, through the Faculty of Education, offers two programs for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders who are currently undertaking, or have recently completed, a Graduate Research Degree, to develop and enhance research skills essential to higher degree research completion and career success, and to build leadership capability.
The programs are:
- Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research
- Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Research and Leadership
Murrup Barak – supporting Indigenous students
Murrup Barak is a diverse team of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff dedicated to student success. They provide a safe, responsive and empowering service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are interested in tertiary study and those who are currently enrolled at the University of Melbourne.
This includes tailored support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD and Masters by research candidates studying at the University of Melbourne.
Murrup Barak means ‘the spirit of Barak’ in Woiwurrung language. This name is to honour the memory of William Barak – a visionary Wurundjeri leader.
Korin Korin – supporting Indigenous employment
For those seeking employment during or at the end of their studies, Korin Korin (which means ‘to grow’ in Woi Wurrung language) is the Indigenous employment and development team at the University of Melbourne. The team supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues at every stage of their career, from recruitment and onboarding through to professional development and career progression.
Korin Korin is an entirely Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team, working in partnership with stakeholders across the University to develop and deliver a range of programs, policies and initiatives that strengthen Indigenous employment and workforce development.
How to get support and advice
We are committed to making pathways into graduate research clear and supportive, and have dedicated staff to help you along the way.
Health sciences
Contact us
The Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health supports Indigenous graduate researchers in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at all stages of their journey.
If you are considering a PhD or graduate research degree in health, please complete our Expression of Interest form or email us directly.
Considering a PhD in health? Sign up for the Poche PhD Familiarisation Program
The Poche PhD Familiarisation Program is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people interested in graduate research in medicine, dentistry or health sciences. This multi-day program is delivered by the Melbourne Poche Centre in Narrm to answer all your PhD-related questions and get you set up as you prepare to enrol. All costs (including travel) are fully funded by the Centre.
Other disciplines
Contact us
Our Indigenous PhD Pathways Coordinator can assist you by discussing your research ideas, connecting you with the right areas of the University, and providing guidance on eligibility requirements, available courses and finding supervisors.
To get in touch, please complete our Enquiry Form, or email us directly.
Email the Pathways Coordinator
Considering a PhD in other disciplines? Join a PhD pathway program
If you are interested in exploring pathways to a PhD or Masters by Research, we offer opportunities across a range of disciplines to meet others with a shared research interest and find out more about your options.
Interested in an Indigenous Knowledge PhD?
You can join a dynamic cohort of researchers by applying to the PhD in Indigenous Knowledge at our Indigenous Knowledge Institute.
What's it like to do a PhD
Graduate researchers are a diverse and inspiring group of people, each following their own pathway to a research degree at the University of Melbourne.
I never saw myself as academically gifted, but I had teachers who believed in me. Josh CubilloRead Josh’s story
PhD in Indigenous Knowledge and the Australian Curriculum
The kind of Indigenous research that we try to do is framed around the needs of the community. Darcy WallisReady Darcy’s story
PhD in queer Indigenous identity
I’m interested in how curatorship can work to expand narratives and understandings about what Aboriginal art is and can be Jessica Clark
PhD in art curation
Explore our specialist Indigenous research units
Featured content
Featured content
Indigenous research stories
Our researchers share their transformative research and analysis on Pursuit.
Other resources
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Research degrees
Become a graduate researcher at the University of Melbourne.
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Murmuk Djerring
Murmuk Djerring – Working Together is the University of Melbourne’s Indigenous Strategy 2023–2027
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MURRA Indigenous Business Program
Deepen your business skills with a course designed for Indigenous entrepreneurs and professionals
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Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) is a transformative Indigenous-centred fellowship program