Dhumbali

A group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples stand in a large group, smiling and wearing blue t-shirts with the word 'Dhumbali'
First-year students and staff, Dhumbali 2023.

Dhumbali means 'commitment' in the local Woi-wurrung language.

Dhumbali offers a valuable opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students beginning their journey at the University of Melbourne to connect with the Murrup Barak community. You’ll build relationships with key staff, receive guidance from our Student Ambassadors, and immerse yourself in a supportive network as you settle into university life.

Dhumbali 2026

Undergraduate and Graduate: 17 - 20 February, 2026

Location: Murrup Barak, Building 168, Level 6

Registrations: Invitations will be sent to students who have received a University of Melbourne offer for 2026.

There is no cost to participate in Dhumbali. All expenses including food, accommodation and activity costs will be covered by Murrup Barak.

Explore campus

A great benefit to attending Dhumbali is that you get to experience living on campus at a Residential College - a unique experience that many students enjoy.

Meet other mob

Starting your degree alongside mob from across Australia means that you can connect with people you may not usually cross paths with.

Preparing for study

We'll point you in the right direction to ensure that you are ready for your first class.

This is an opportunity for you to begin university on the right foot, preparing yourself to succeed in your course.

Dhumbali runs the week before Melbourne Orientation.

Past students and alumni have found Dhumbali invaluable for connecting with mob and gaining confidence before starting university. We highly encourage you to take part and make the most of this opportunity to build friendships, explore support services, and prepare for a strong start to your studies!

Are you a graduate or PhD student?

While Dhumbali is designed for students who have not studied at university before, we also deliver a condensed version of the program if you are a student in a graduate degree (coursework/research) or doctoral research degree.

We have staff focused on our graduate and research cohorts who will reach out to you to register your interest. If you have not received an invite to register, please submit an enquiry to the Student Success team.

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