Indigenous Student Mobility and Engagement Grant: 2025 Pilot Program Overview

The Indigenous Student Mobility and Engagement Grant, launched for the first time in 2025 within the Faculty of MDHS and coordinated by the Indigenous Development Team, marks an exciting new initiative designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in expanding their academic and professional horizons.

This inaugural year served as the pilot for the program, with nine students selected as the first recipients. The grant was created to remove financial barriers, strengthen student engagement, and open pathways for Indigenous students to pursue opportunities that enrich their studies, networks, and long-term career aspirations.

The 2025 pilot cohort used the grant to participate in a diverse range of experiences—both globally and locally. Students were supported to undertake placements and attend conferences across the world, including New York, Bangkok, Scotland, and France, as well as significant national events in the Gold Coast and Sydney. These opportunities not only provided valuable professional development but also amplified Indigenous student representation on international stages. The success of this pilot year highlights the importance of the grant and demonstrates the impactful role it will continue to play in empowering Indigenous students across MDHS in the years to come.