Investing in Indigenous Knowledge and Future Leaders

PhD top-up grants at the University of Melbourne provide essential financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, helping reduce the pressures of balancing research with work, family, and community responsibilities.

By supplementing existing scholarships, these grants give students the stability to focus more deeply on their studies, pursue culturally informed research, and strengthen pathways into academic and leadership roles. In 2025, the Indigenous Development Team was able to support 12 students through this initiative, and we are excited to see it continue in 2026.

The Indigenous Development Team plays a key role in this success by offering tailored guidance, culturally safe support, and connections to academic networks. We encourage students to keep an eye out for when the next round of grants becomes available via the MDHS website under Indigenous Development. Together, the grants and the team’s holistic approach empower Indigenous PhD candidates to thrive, complete impactful research, and contribute Indigenous knowledge and leadership across the university and beyond.