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Current Indigenous students

We advocate for and provide a supportive environment for First Nations students to pursue their science studies and interests at the University of Melbourne.

Are you an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student currently studying in the Faculty of Science?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students come from all over Australia to study with us, and hundreds of First Nations students are part of the University.

The Faculty of Science is committed to supporting Indigenous students studying Science to be future leaders by fostering their sense of belonging through social, employment and academic enrichment opportunities

Social activities

There are many ways to connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students within the Faculty of Science.

Two people walking toward a fernery, one wearing a hoodie saying 'Science' on the back.

STEM Student Coffees

Castro’s Kiosk, Parkville Campus Thursdays 11am

Every Thursday of Semester, the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering and IT staff offer free coffee for any First Nations students studying STEM. Come for a yarn and meet other Indigenous students or just grab a coffee to go!

Murrup Barak Student Lunch

Level 6, Building 168, Parkville Campus Tuesdays 12pm

Murrup Barak – the University’s central unit supporting all Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students – host student lunches every Tuesday of Semester in their student space. You’ll get a feed, meet other Indigenous students & staff and hear announcements about upcoming activities, including tutoring, cultural events, games and more.

Students standing observing a smoking ceremony with a Bachelor of Science flag in the foreground.

Bachelor of Science Extended: Field Trips & Events

You can also find our team at select Bachelor of Science Extended class field trips and events throughout the year. While these experiences are primarily for Bachelor of Science Extended students, there are some that are open to other First Nations students. Get in contact with us here to register your interest.

About BSc Extended
Two students taking a photo of another student on a mobile phone - behind them is the System Garden at the University' Parkville campus

Student life: Social events and activities

The Faculty of Science has many events and activities on offer throughout the year such as SWOT VAC breakfasts, BBQs and welcome activities. There are also student clubs, societies and more to get involved in.

Explore student life

Employment opportunities

As an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander current student, there are many opportunities to engage with the Faculty of Science through casual employment. Most notably are as mentors and facilitators in the following Indigenous STEM Outreach programs:

Be a Mentor at Residential Indigenous Science Experience (RISE)

The Faculty of Science employs current Indigenous University students as RISE Mentors. RISE provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 9 and 10 with the opportunity to immerse themselves in STEM at our Parkville campus. Positions are advertised in September.

About the Program

Be a Facilitator for Melbourne Indigenous STEM Education Program (MISEP)

MISEP is a series of Indigenous-led, hands-on, curriculum-based workshops that engage school students with Indigenous STEM knowledges. This is a great opportunity to be part of a team of First Nations students and staff passionate about connecting the wider community with Indigenous STEM knowledges. Positions are advertised in early March.

About the Program

Meet the team

We would love to hear from you. Get in touch with the Faculty of Science’s Indigenous Engagement and Outreach Team by submitting an enquiry. You can also reach us via email indig-scistudents@unimelb.edu.au or phone: 0403 952 869.

Profile picture of Ellen Tunumafono

Ellen Tunumafono

Warrumungu / Ngāpuhi, Ngātiwai, Tainui / Maui
Profile picture of Paris Mordecai

Paris Mordecai

Bundjalung

Submit enquiry