Yagilaith

Yagilaith means ‘learning’ in Woi Wurrung language.

Applications for Yagilaith 2026 are now open!

In consultation with Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, this name was chosen as Yagilaith seeks to empower high school students with knowledge about future possibilities and inspire the pursuit of lifelong learning, whilst also providing students the opportunity to explore their own ideas, interests, and aspirations.

About

Hosted by Murrup Barak, Yagilaith brings Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 11 & 12 students from across the country on-campus to the University of Melbourne in Narrm (Melbourne) for an immersive university experience.

Yagilaith does not focus on one discipline and therefore students with interests in all fields are encouraged to apply.

In 2023, Yagilaith was awarded the University of Melbourne Excellence Award for Excellence in Building and Strengthening Student Diversity.

Experience

During Yagilaith, participants will:

  • Learn about the offering of the University of Melbourne including study options, scholarships, and on-campus accommodation
  • Attend the A Day at Melbourne event. During the event students get to sit in a lecture, tour the campus, and ask questions from Student Services
  • Connect with current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander University students and learn about their experiences
  • Participate in workshops and activities led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples which focus on aspirations, goal setting, and future planning
  • Meet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff from various faculties
  • Stay on-campus at a Residential College. Students will have their own room with shared bathroom facilities.
  • Visit Murrup Barak
  • Explore Melbourne city including significant places in the Koorie Community
  • Meet other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 11 and Year 12 students

Dates

Yagilaith will run in the Victorian school holidays Monday 6 July - Friday 10 July, 2026

If these dates clash with the school term, Murrup Barak can provide schools with a letter of support.

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in Yagilaith, applicants need to be:

  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and
  • In Year 11 or 12 in 2026, and
  • Completing graded Year 12 such as VCE (or equivalent) with an ATAR/IB** OR be interested in pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Music***

Please note, meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

** University of Melbourne undergraduate degrees (except for Fine Arts and Music, see below) require high school applicants to have completed graded Year 12 with an ATAR/IB, hence this is a requirement to participate in Yagilaith. The University does not offer bridging courses for vocational Year 12 students. 

*** Entry to the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music is talent-based via a folio, performance, audition and/or interview. If you are interested in pursuing either of these degrees, you are still eligible to apply for Yagilaith.

Cost

There is no cost for the schools or families of students who participate in Yagilaith.

Travel, meals, accommodation and all other expenses associated with the program will be covered by Murrup Barak.

Application Process

Applications for 2026 are now open and close at Friday 1st of May, 5pm AEST.

We receive many applications each year and so late applications will not be considered.

Please note, completing this form is an application and does not guarantee you will be selected to attend.

Application outcomes will be sent by Friday 8 May, 2026.

Apply here 

Alternatively, copy this link: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/er82

If you have any questions about Yagilaith, please contact the Outreach Team

Frequently asked questions

  1. What makes a strong application?

    Each year, we receive more applications than we have places for. We encourage you to spend time writing your application to ensure it stands out and meaningfully reflects your aspiration to attend Yagilaith.

    We recommend you:

    • Research study options. Learn more about Yagilaith and the study options available at the University of Melbourne.
    • Use your own voice. Applications with overly complicated language or written by Artificial Intelligence read inauthentically. We are interested in you and your aspirations. Using your own voice in your responses communicates honestly and genuinely who you are and your ambitions.

  2. What other programs are available at the University?

    The University offers a number of on-campus experiences. For more information, please visit: Outreach.

    If you are interested in a one-day visit to campus with your family, we recommend you attend Open Day in August.

    If you do not want to come to campus but would like to yarn with a Murrup Barak Outreach Officer about your study aspirations, you can book an online consultation by submitting an enquiry.

  3. Can parents/teachers attend Yagilaith?

    Yagilaith is an experience for high school students from all over the country. We encourage students to challenge themselves and come to Yagilaith by themselves.

    Most students won’t know other people participating and may also feel a little bit nervous.

    During Yagilaith, Murrup Barak facilitates a welcoming, inclusive environment. Staff and Ambassadors 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 Yagilaith independently is a barrier to you attending, please get in contact to discuss accessibility requirements.

Looking for more information about study options?