Residential Indigenous Science Experience (RISE)

What is RISE?

The University of Melbourne is proud to present the annual Residential Indigenous Science Experience! This program provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 9 and 10 with the opportunity to immerse themselves in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) at our Parkville campus on Woi-wurrung Wurundjeri Country.

Who can attend RISE?

RISE is open to Year 9 and 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from around Australia.

This program is for you if you:

are fascinated by science
would like to learn more about the latest in science technology
would like to know if a future in science may be for you
are keen to learn about the deadly innovation and ingenuity of First Nations STEM knowledges

When is RISE?

RISE 2025 will take place Sunday 30 November to Friday 5 December.

What does RISE involve?

Join like-minded Indigenous students and interact with scientists to learn more about the principles and real-world applications of cutting-edge science, take part in hands-on workshops, and hear presentations exploring current themes in STEM. The program celebrates the deadly innovation, inventions and knowledges of Australia’s First peoples and how Indigenous knowledges connect with STEM today.

As part of the program, RISE participants will:

Meet inspirational First Nations scientists and students making waves in STEM
Make a whole bunch of new friends – from across the country!
Hear about exciting, cutting-edge research taking place at the University of Melbourne
Stay on campus like a University of Melbourne college student

What does it cost?

There is no cost to attend RISE. All expenses are covered; flights, accommodation at a Residential College, food during the camp and activities.

How to apply

RISE 2025 applications are now open! Applications close 31st August 2025.

Further information

For more information contact:

RISE Program Coordinator
Faculty of Science
The University of Melbourne
Email: rise-program@unimelb.edu.au
Telephone: 0403 952 869

Student experience

This camp has opened up so many pathways that I had never considered previously. I have met the funniest, intelligent students and mentors. I can’t express enough how amazing and supportive all mentors have been in trying to give us the best possible experience. A fantastic week overall.

Before I came to RISE my expectation was that I wasn't very good at science and thought I was not going to have a good time, but now at the end of it I had so much fun and learnt so many new things and realised that there are so many more different elements to science than I thought.