Wominjeka. The University of Melbourne welcomes and supports Indigenous graduate researchers.
You will join a diverse community that respects you as a researcher. You’ll also be part of a close-knit cohort of Indigenous researchers who share your challenges and your motivations.
Over the years, we’ve connected many graduate researchers with experts in their field. And we’ve provided tailored academic opportunities that meet specific research goals. Under strong Indigenous leadership, we have created powerful initiatives to help you succeed. These initiatives respond to the needs of our growing Indigenous research community. Here's how we can support you to become a successful graduate researcher.
Murmuk Djerring – Working Together is the University of Melbourne’s new Indigenous Strategy 2023–2027.
It commits the University not only to growing the leadership capabilities of all Indigenous students and staff but, most importantly, to ensuring their cultural safety and wellbeing while working or studying at the University.
First-hand insight into doing a PhD
If you are an Indigenous student who is considering a PhD you can to apply to one of our PhD Familiarisation Programs. These three-day programs are fully funded by the University and include areas like Health Sciences.
As part of these programs, you will:
- Discover what a PhD might mean for you
- Meet potential supervisors
- Learn more about the admissions process
- Attend workshops to develop your research skills
- Connect with the University’s most prominent Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers.
Want to do a PhD in an Indigenous knowledges topic?
Are you enrolled in or looking to apply for a PhD at the University of Melbourne related to Indigenous knowledge systems?
You can join a dynamic cohort of researchers at the Indigenous Knowledge Institute (IKI). The IKI is building a network of graduate researchers who are advancing research in Indigenous knowledges.
Scholarships and other opportunities may also be available to domestic applicants accepted into a PhD program.
Professional development opportunities
The University of Melbourne, through the Faculty of Education, offers two programs for people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent who are currently undertaking or have recently completed a Research Higher Degree.
The programs are:
- Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research
- Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Research and Leadership
Guaranteed financial support
Indigenous PhD and Masters research candidates are guaranteed to receive an annual stipend. This can help towards your living and study expenses.
The annual stipend is the starting point of support available for Indigenous graduate researchers. To help you succeed, we can help ensure you have a tailored support package that suits your needs.
You can visit our Scholarships page to find out more.
A flexible approach to candidature location
We usually expect graduate researchers to study on campus for at least 12 months of their PhD. But in some circumstances, a residency waiver is appropriate for Indigenous students.
We know that many Indigenous students come from other parts of Australia. Sometimes, moving off Country to a campus is a challenge.
That's why we offer a flexible approach.
Specialist Indigenous Units at the University of Melbourne
Featured content
Featured content
Resources for graduate researchers
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Indigenous Graduate Students Association
Learn about the Indigenous Graduate Students Association, which supports the community of Indigenous students.
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Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research
Working together as a cohort, student develop a wide range of research skills in a culturally respectful learning environment underpinned by Indigenous perspectives.
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Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Research and Leadership
An interdisciplinary coursework program which aims to develop leadership skills and capacity in, or involving, Indigenous research.
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Meet the AFSE Fellows
Meet the exceptional Fellows behind the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity.
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Meet Melbourne Poche Students
Meet the MDHS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD Scholars at the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health.
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Ethical guidelines for researchers in Aboriginal communities
Learn about the work that the University of Melbourne does, concerning ethical guidelines for researchers working with Aboriginal communities.
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Northeast Arnhem Land Atlantic Philanthropies Incentive Grant
The Northeast Arnhem Land (NEAL) partnership is one of the University’s three strategic place-based partnerships that aim to achieve social change and impact with and for the communities.
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Murra Indigenous Entrepreneur Program
If you are an Indigenous entrepreneur or professional and would like the tools to grow your business and develop economic opportunities for your community, this is the program for you.
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Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education
The LIME Network is a dynamic network dedicated to ensuring the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning of Indigenous health in medical education, as well as best practice in the recruitment and retention of Indigenous medical students and trainees.
First published on 30 January 2025.
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Indigenous Knowledge Institute
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Interdisciplinary Graduate Research Program in Indigenous Settler Relations
Join the Interdisciplinary Graduate Research Program in Indigenous Settler Relations to connect with other researchers in your field.