About the Program
The Residential Indigenous STEM Experience (RISE) is an annual week-long camp at the University of Melbourne for First Nations students in Year Nine and Ten.
RISE is an immersive experience for participants to explore the diversity of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), consider what a career in STEM looks like, and connect with First Nations role models.
Experience
During RISE, participants will:
- Participate in exciting, hands-on workshops across different areas of STEM, led by world class academics
- Meet inspirational First Nations scientists and students making waves in STEM
- Make a whole bunch of new friends – from across the country!
- Take part in a cultural program
- Stay on campus at a college - more information about accommodation and room types in the FAQs!
Dates
RISE will run from Sunday 28 November to Friday 4 December 2026.
Cost
There is no cost to attend RISE. All expenses are covered including travel, accommodation, meals, and activities.
Applications
RISE is open to Year Nine and Ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from anywhere in Australia.
This program may be a good fit if you:
- are fascinated by science
- 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
RISE is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful community. We are committed to a barrier-free application process and program, with support and adjustments available.
RISE is an inclusive space for trans and gender diverse young people. We welcome applications from young people with disabilities and neurodiversity.
Applications for RISE are now open!
To apply, please complete the application form.
Check out our tips for a great RISE application below!
Applications close 31 August 2026.
We receive many applications each year and so late applications will not be considered.
Meet a RISE Alumni: Hamish
Hamish is a proud Gunditjmara man and current Psychology student. Hamish is a RISE Mentor but also previously participated in the program!
Joining RISE as a Year 10 student in 2018, Hamish recalls the exposure to First Nations STEM role models as valuable in helping him see the University of Melbourne as a place he could belong.
Two years after RISE, Hamish made that dream a reality, joining the University of Melbourne in the Bachelor of Science Extended, graduating in 2025 and starting his Master of Professional Psychology in 2026:
“I hope to become a psychologist as well as a researcher...I’m trying to incorporate First Nations perspectives on mental health into Western mainframes.”
Hamish continues his involvement with RISE as a Mentor, sharing tips and insights with future First Nations scientists. For applicants wondering if RISE and university is for them, Hamish would say:
“You are good enough, you are smart enough to be in places of higher education, you do belong."
Meet the RISE Coordinator: Paris
Paris is a proud Widjabul Wiabul woman from Bundjalung Jugun. She grew up on Country in Lismore, NSW and moved down to Naarm to study at the University of Melbourne. Paris is an educator and program manager with a love of working with young mob. Paris has previously been a summer camp counsellor, and loves weaving and making pottery in her free time. This year will be Paris’ third time running RISE!
Frequently asked questions
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Each year, we receive more applications for RISE than we have places for. Great applications will share what specific areas of STEM you are interested in and why, and how RISE can help you achieve your goals!
In the application, there are multiple ways to submit your responses - choose the one that shares your voice most comfortably and authentically.
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We don't ask you to provide your grades as part of the RISE application. We are interested in hearing about your STEM passions!
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We encourage students to challenge themselves and come to RISE by themselves. Most students won’t know other people participating and may also feel a little bit nervous.
RISE staff and student mentors will always be available for support, and there will be space to step back if needed. We also recommend students calling home each night.
If attending RISE independently is a barrier to attending, please get in contact to discuss accessibility requirements.
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Your travel will be organised by the RISE Coordinator, including transfers and flights if needed. This travel will be independent.
Where multiple students from your school are participating in RISE, you will travel as a group. If you are the only participant from your school, we will connect you with students travelling from the same region or airport prior to the start of the program. In some cases, participants will be travelling solo but will be supported by the RISE team throughout the journey.
Further details will be available once participants are confirmed.
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We stay on campus at a residential college. Each RISE participant will have their own private room. Bathrooms are shared with individual shower stalls and toilet cubicles.
There are various accommodation options available. If you have specific requirements or questions please contact us.
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RISE is committed to providing an accessible experience for all and any young person that would like to attend. This includes specific considerations for disabled, neuro diverse, trans and gender diverse young mob. In your application, you are invited to share accommodations you need to have a great RISE experience, and we will work with you to support these.
