Murrup Barak
Murrup Barak means ‘the spirit of Barak’ in Woiwurrung language. We chose this name to honour the memory of William Barak – a visionary Wurundjeri leader.
Murrup Barak has a diverse team with dedicated staff members who help to contribute to our objectives while supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student cohort. Director, Inala Cooper (Yawuru) leads Murrup Barak while we work closely with Student and Scholarly Services to provide student administration and support. Murrup Barak also delivers wellbeing and scholarly support services, such as the Indigenous Tutorial Access Scheme to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at any stage in their degree.
Learn more about us
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Our work
We support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are studying or considering study at university.
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Our values
Murrup Barak has six values that guide the way we operate and how we invite others to engage and work with us.
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Our strategy
At Murrup Barak, we aim to support students in line with broader strategies and policies of the University.
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Cultural protocols
The University follows certain protocols that ensure appropriate acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Studying with us
If you are interested in studying at the University of Melbourne, learn about what is offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Get in touch
If you're wanting more information about studying at the University, reach out to our team.
Artwork by Nakia Cadd
Across our website, socials and publications, you may see an image of Bunjil, the creator spirit, who takes the form of a wedge-tailed eagle. This illustration was created by Nakia Cadd (Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Bunitj, Boon Wurrung, Taungurung) who closely worked with our staff to centre Bunjil as an important aspect of our identity. This depiction of Bunjil honours the Country we work on and the strength and determination of future, current and past Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at The University of Melbourne.
We are deeply appreciative of Nakia's work producing this illustrations of Bunjil centring Victorian Aboriginal artistry and the stories of the Country in the south-east.
There are tailored study options and pathways at the University of Melbourne for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Murrup Barak can provide support or connect you to our network if you are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who is interested in studying at the University of Melbourne. The University offers undergraduate courses across nine key disciplines, graduate courses across eleven study areas and access to a wide range of research themes through graduate research.
Explore courses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Whether this is your first degree or you are returning to study, Murrup Barak can help support you explore your interests.
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Undergraduate courses
Your first experience studying at university undertaking a bachelor degree in one of nine disciplines.
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Graduate courses and research
Found your passion? Our graduate courses allow you to further explore your specialised field of study and interests.
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Faculty resources and initiatives
There are research hubs, programs, and services similar to Murrup Barak across the University that you can access as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student.
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Special entry access schemes
The University offers different equity programs for undergraduate and graduate courses aimed at supporting your entry into the University.
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Financial support
You may be eligible for financial support whilst undertaking study at the University.
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Fees
Find out about tuition fees and other fees and expenses you'll need to consider when you come to study at Melbourne.
Confirming your eligibility
When you apply to the University of Melbourne, you are asked to supply Murrup Barak with documents to confirm your eligibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services. These services include access to Murrup Barak events and activities, as well as a range of other supports provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students whilst studying with Melbourne.
It is important to understand your responsibility to confirm your eligibility for these services.
Our Outreach Team work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples considering studying at the University of Melbourne.
We can provide you with further information and advice about applying or provide you with the resources you may need to make a decision about tertiary study. We are also available to schools and organisations that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
If you are looking for additional help with study options, scholarships, applications and on-campus accommodation or if you are interested in studying at the University, we invite you to contact our Outreach team and they will be in touch.
Engagement opportunities
Murrup Barak and the University provide opportunities for those who may be interested in studying with us to get involved with our community.
Camps
Camps are a great way for Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 students to explore their interests and experience what studying at the University is like. We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to apply for these camps:
- sheCommerce
- Victorian Indigenous Engineering Winter School
- Girl Power in Engineering and IT
- Residential Indigenous Science Experience
Yagilaith
Yagilaith is an is an opportunity for Year 11 and 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students on an ATAR or IB pathway in any state or territory to experience what studying at The University of Melbourne is like. The camp takes place in June each year with applications open from February. All expenses are covered for this program.
Meet us in-person or online
School visits
Our Outreach team are available for in-person and virtual visits to discuss higher education options with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
On-campus visits
We also welcome groups to visit us on-campus. We provide a short presentation about study options and then host a tour of Murrup Barak and the Parkville campus.
Online consults
If you can't make it to meet us in-person, our Outreach team offer online consults with students, teachers and parents/carers about study options, pathways, VTAC and applications, on-campus accommodation, scholarships and more
Campus tours
Our Outreach team offer tours of the Parkville campus. Alternatively, visitors to campus can download a self-guided walking tour map which provides you with a plotted history of campus architecture and other landscape features. The tour takes about an hour to complete.
Events
Our staff attend a number of events across the country to connect with mob and see if The University of Melbourne may be right for them. If you are hosting an event and would like us to attend, submit an enquiry to our Outreach team.
You can also follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on community events we are attending.
The University also hosts various in-person and online events for future students considering studying a course with us. Please visit the future students page for upcoming events.
The University of Melbourne offers more than a place to live. Take the stress out of securing safe and welcoming accommodation by joining our education-focused residential communities.
Murrup Barak can support you to apply for on-campus accommodation which includes University-owned student accommodation and affiliated residential colleges.
As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person studying at the University, you may be eligible to secure a spot in accommodation and receive financial support. Let us know if you are planning to live on-campus when you apply to the University and we can make accommodation recommendations. Our Outreach team can also provide you with information about off-campus living if you are interested.
University accommodation
Apartment-style accommodation
Exclusive to University of Melbourne students, our university-owned modern accommodation has been uniquely designed to enhance your experience, on campus and beyond.
A vibrant and welcoming community surrounded by parklands, just a tenminute walk from our Parkville campus. Melbourne’s bustling city centre and the lively arts and culture hub of Brunswick are both just a short tram ride away.
Located ideally between the city and our Parkville campus, Little Hall offers a friendly college experience within a modern, premium apartment-style building.
Our newest graduate student accommodation provides you with an affordable and sustainable home, located in the city’s innovation precinct, Melbourne Connect.
University residential colleges
Residential colleges
For a fully immersive campus lifestyle, living in our University-owned residential colleges, Medley Hall and International House are another option. They include your own furnished room, three daily meals, academic and wellbeing support and a full program of social, cultural and sporting activities.
Offering a global perspective in learning and living, this college welcomes both local and international students, and is devoted to academic success and personal growth.
Welcoming, inclusive and supportive, this heritage manor is home to 70 students from across Australia and the world. As one of our smallest colleges, you will be truly immersed in a closeknit and caring college community.
Partner accommodation
We have collaborated with some nationally recognised student accommodation providers to create more quality accommodation options around our campus.
Find out more and apply to University student accommodation
Affiliated residential colleges
There are ten residential colleges at the University of Melbourne (including two University-owned colleges, International House and Medley Hall).
At college, you’ll get a furnished room, three daily meals, academic and wellbeing support and a full program of social, cultural and sporting activities. Each college has its own culture and benefits. Take some time to explore each college to work out which is best for you.
Want to live at a residential college?
To apply to live at a residential college, visit the Colleges website.
Only complete one application, listing all colleges by order of preference.
| International House | Janet Clarke Hall |
| Medley Hall | Newman College |
| Ormond College | Queen's College |
| St Hilda's College | St Mary's College |
| Trinity College | University College |
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Accommodation support
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students may be eligible for additional financial support to assist with the costs of living on-campus.
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Student experience
We provide a range of support as well as social and cultural activities that you can get involved with other students.
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Contact us
Speak to a member of our staff if you are considering living on-campus while studying at university.
There are a range of financial support services at the University of Melbourne including scholarships that are specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Murrup Barak provides access to bursaries and grants each semester, while the University also delivers its own financial aid including loan programs. You can learn about more general financial aid services provided by the University on the financial support and scholarships page.
Our team are here to support you so that you can focus on studying and achieving your best at university. If you are a current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student enrolled at the University, you can contact the Student Success team if you are in financial stress or need additional support.
ABSTUDY
In addition to scholarships and grants, we recommend applying for ABSTUDY if you are eligible. ABSTUDY is a government payment that assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with costs associated with studying.
Murrup Barak does not administer ABSTUDY, please visit Services Australia for up-to-date information about eligibility and the application process. Our team can only provide you with general information about this payment, but we do recommend applying as early as you can to ensure you receive payments by the time classes start.
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Scholarships & Grants
The University offers scholarships based on a range of factors including financial need and academic merit.
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Accommodation support
There is help is available to assist with the costs of living on campus while you study at the University.
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Contact us
If you are thinking about applying to the University, contact our Outreach team who can provide you with information about financial support.
Scholarships
There are many scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students based upon individual circumstances, such as first in family to attend university and academic merit.
Visit the Scholarships website, to view and search all scholarship options.
| Scholarship name | Applications open | Applications close | Study areas | Number awarded |
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| Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarships | Automatic consideration | All study areas | ~ 50 | |
| Indigenous Student Success Grant (Undergraduate) | 1 Jan 2023 | 31 Oct 2023 | All study areas | ~ 50 |
| Indigenous Bursaries | 1 Jan 2023 | 8 Mar 2023 | All study areas | ~ 25 |
| Fay Marles Scholarship | 1 Jul 2023 | 30 Nov 2023 | All study areas | ~ 20 |
| Melbourne Indigenous Merit Scholarship | Automatic consideration | All study areas | 10 | |
| Indigenous Accommodation Grant | 1 Jun 2023 | 6 Aug 2023 | All study areas | ~ 10 |
| American Australian Association: Australia to USA Graduate Education Scholarships | 1 Jan 2023 | 31 Mar 2023 | Agriculture, animal studies, food science and veterinary science; Architecture, building and planning; Engineering; Environment and natural resources; Medicine, dentistry, health and welfare; Music; Performing and visual arts, theatre, film and television; Sciences and mathematics | ~ 10 |
| Isabella Ina Oldham Scholarship | 1 Jan 2020 | 8 Mar 2020 | All study areas | ~ 5 |
Your success is fundamental to studying at the University with access to social, academic and cultural events that you can participate in to elevate your university experience.
We aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment at Murrup Barak for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the University of Melbourne. We host events specifically for mob across the academic year such as study nights, health and fitness classes, weekly lunches and workshops.
Enriching your experience at the University of Melbourne
Murrup Barak supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from the very start of your degree, through to graduation and beyond. We run an orientation program, Dhumbali, for commencing students at the beginning of each semester. Find out how you can participate in Dhumbali and get to know other mob at the University.
Studying on campus
Murrup Barak provides study rooms that you can use 24/7. We also have rooms that are able to be booked for ITAS tutoring. As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student, you also have access to a private computer room with complimentary printing, which can also be used for study.
The University is also well-equipped with on-campus study spaces that you can use as an alternative to the spaces provided in our building.
Graduate support
We support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduate students studying at the University through a variety of networks. This includes direct, personal support for cultural and academic advocacy within a safe environment. Murrup Barak also provides academic and professional opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduate students through various events, lectures, and conferences.
In partnership with the Indigenous Graduate Student Association, we provide a safe space for graduate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to study in, located on Level 3, 100 Leicester Street (Building 278), Carlton. You will have access to the space via scanning your Student ID. The Common Room includes computers with access to complimentary printing, break-out areas for group work, lockers, and kitchen facilities.
If you are a student interested in how Murrup Barak can support your graduate study, please submit an enquiry and a member of our Student Success team will contact you.
Future pathways
We directly support current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with their future career options and further study opportunities, whether at the University or not. We aim to connect students with a specialist in their field that they are interested in and with faculty networks external to Murrup Barak. This also includes facilitating a productive transition for students from study to opportunities beyond graduating, such as internships or graduate roles.
Throughout the year, our events often showcase future study options and career pathways for graduates. We also host student mixers to help create connections between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates. We also collaborate externally with community stakeholders, supporting students to attend events, conferences and other academic and professional networking events.
If you are a student interested in how Murrup Barak can support your transition to further study or the workforce, please submit an enquiry and a member of our Student Success team will contact you.
If you want to learn more about what your university experience may look like, check out our student life page.
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Dhumbali
Dhumbali is our orientation program for commencing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
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Student representation
Students can get involved in extra-curricular activities or access additional support through the University of Melbourne Student Union.
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Community connections and international partnerships
Murrup Barak has strong relationships within the community and on a global level, connecting with Indigenous Peoples across the world.
If you are looking for additional advice and help with studying at the University of Melbourne, you can contact Stop 1. If you are looking to study at the University and are not of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, you can submit an enquiry.
Murrup Barak works to support students with their studies and is guided by the University's policies and strategies. If you are wanting more information about these policies, you can read about Murrup Barak's strategy. We kindly ask that you contact the Indigenous Strategy team if you require further information on University policy.
Future students
Thinking about studying at the University? Contact our Outreach team who provide one-on-one support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples interested in study.
Current students
Already enrolled and studying? Contact our Student Success team if you are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student currently studying at the University.
Teachers, support staff and schools
Contact our Outreach team if you are a liaison officer, careers counsellor, community worker, or teacher working with someone interested in tertiary study.
Indigenous Tutorial Access Scheme (ITAS)
Contact our ITAS Coordinator if you are a student or tutor enquiring about the Indigenous Tutorial Access Scheme. Additional information and access to the portal is available on our ITAS page.
Employers
If you are an employer looking to promote to students, you can list your opportunity on Careers Online, a self-managed, free service that the University provides for promoting job opportunities to current students, graduates and alumni.
Please note that Murrup Barak does not manage this service. If you are interested in learning more about how we promote opportunities to students, please visit our dedicated Careers page.
General enquiries
Please direct all general enquiries via email to our Community Liaison Officer.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images, voices and names of deceased persons.
Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Australia's top university
The purpose of Murrup Barak is to provide a safe, responsive and empowering service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We support First Peoples both interested in higher education and currently enrolled at The University of Melbourne.
Align your interests with your chosen degree
The University of Melbourne offers many undergraduate, graduate coursework, graduate research and PhD courses. There are a number of study areas that you can align to your interests, aspirations, career and professional goals.
Find the right course for you and see why studying with us is different to other universities.
Help with the costs of studying
Once you confirm your eligibility as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student, you can access bursaries and scholarships that can be helpful in easing financial pressures while you are studying.
A supportive environment to excel
We aim to provide a safe, culturally-empowering environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Our building is open for students via swipe card access where you can take a break in between classes, participate in ITAS tutorials in our private tute rooms, or join us for a free lunch every Tuesday during semester.
Acknowledgment of Country
Murrup Barak acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways where we work and learn, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, Boonwurrung, Bunurong, Dja Dja Wurrung, and Yorta Yorta Peoples. We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present.
We recognise the diversity of First Nations peoples throughout Australia and the unique relationships they have with Country since time immemorial. We also recognise the important place of Indigenous knowledges within the academy.