Student Enrichment and Support
Student Enrichment and Support
Academic Advising
What is Academic Advising?
Academic Advising at Melbourne connects you with an academic within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, helping you to make the most of your time at the University of Melbourne. Advising sessions provide a space to think, share ideas, talk about your goals and explore opportunities with an academic member of our (University) community.
Academic Advising at Melbourne, in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, is available to students in the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Bachelor of Oral Health.
Our academics reflect on how their involvement in advising has been an essential part of their career progression and share their greatest pieces of advice for current and future students regarding career choices and personal development.
Being an Advisee
Being an advisee gives you a new level of unique access to the highly experienced academics at the University of Melbourne. This opportunity is something that should be used to help you connect, discover and learn about everything you can to set you on the path to success!
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How does it work?
You will be matched with an academic adviser and will be able to see their details via the student portal. The structure of the sessions is as follows:
- Year 1 - Second Semester: A one-on-one session (approximately 30 minutes) with your academic adviser
- Year 2 - First and Second Semester: 2 x one-on-one sessions with your academic adviser. One session in each semester (approximately 30 minutes each)
- Year 3 - First Semester: A one-on-one session (approximately 30 minutes)
We encourage you to connect with your academic adviser outside of the scheduled sessions to build that connection and get the support that you need.
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How do I get involved?
You don't need to do anything! You will automatically be allocated to an academic adviser and notified who they are. You can get it touch with us if you have any questions.
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What are the benefits?
Academic advisers are experienced members of our community who can help you adjust to study and life at University. Your academic adviser will take an active interest in your progress, success and challenges. Using their extensive networks, they can help you to connect with your faculty and the broader University community, as well as external professionals and industry representatives.
The sessions provide a space to think, share ideas, talk about your goals and explore opportunities with an academic member of our (University) community
Making sure you are prepared before each meeting and arriving on time can help build a good rapport with your academic adviser. Over time, your academic adviser will be a friendly face on campus, someone you can call on for advice, or even ask for a reference at the end of your degree.
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What kind of support can my academic adviser give me?
- Academic advisers come from a discipline broadly aligned to your studies and will help you explore opportunities to build on your interests and strengths. If you do have a specific area of interest, they may be able to connect you with other academic staff or suggest ways that you can make these connections for yourself.
- Academic advisers are not experts in everything, but they can help you identify when you may benefit from seeking specialist support and advice.
- Meetings with your academic adviser are designed to support your growth and development, so you can discuss a range of goals and challenges with your adviser. There is a limit to the confidentiality of advising meetings, and there may be some cases when an adviser needs to disclose information to help you access support.
- Academic advisers can help you with general advice on study skills and routines that support your academic success, however it is not their role to tutor you or review specific pieces of academic work. Academic support services are available, and your academic adviser may encourage you to access this support.
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I want more information
You can find more information about Academic Advising at Melbourne here.
If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us.
Want to know what motivated our academics to be a part of Academic Advising at Melbourne? What their personal experiences with mentoring are? Who were their mentors? Found out below!
How can mentors work to create a strong, supportive, and thriving relationship with their mentees? What are the most important traits for a mentor to have? Our Academic Advisors discuss their top tips for becoming an effective advisor and a great mentor
Breadth
Breadth subjects are an exciting part of the Melbourne Curriculum. They allow undergraduate students to expand their horizons by taking subjects offered outside their degrees.
Why study MDHS breadth subjects?
Studying undergraduate breadth subjects in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) will give you a variety of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers and applicable in a variety of contexts. These include critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal and decision-making skills, as well as an understanding and high regard of social and cultural diversities, human rights, equity and ethics.
The Faculty teaches six undergraduate breadth subjects. These subjects are available to all undergraduates to take as breadth, even those studying within MDHS.
Find out more about breadth at the University of Melbourne.
Breadth Subject Showcase webinar
Hear from the coordinators of three breadth subjects from the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health that offer perspectives on the big issues for the health of our planet, our people and our societies:
- Indigenous Cultures and Knowledges (UNIB20022) *NEW SUBJECT*
- Inequalities: Causes and Consequences (UNIB20021) * NEW SUBJECT*
- Our Planet, Our Health (UNIB10017)
Breadth Subjects Showcase 2021 from Faculty of MDHS on Vimeo.
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Our Planet, Our Health (UNIB10017)
https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2018/subjects/unib10017
This interdisciplinary subject will introduce students to the core concepts of One Health in its broadest sense, as a concept that describes the interconnectedness of the health of humans, animals and the environment. Students will gain a deeper and broader understanding of the complex interplay between human, animal and ecosystem health including the historical and current influence of anthropogenic change in different cultures and contexts.
This subject is offered in conjunction with the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences. Find out more here: http://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/opoh
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Drugs That Shape Society (UNIB20008)
https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2018/subjects/unib20008
This subject is a compelling story of drugs that provides insight to us as individuals and as a society. Drugs impact our lives in many ways and social responses to their use have shaped our laws, the health system, commerce and foreign policy. Using a case-study approach, students will explore the scientific, social, historical and legal issues associated with alcohol, opiates, tobacco, penicillin and thalidomide.
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Global Health, Security & Sustainability (UNIB30002)
https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2018/subjects/unib30002
Global Health, Security & Sustainability is an exciting subject that explores the root causes of disease, poverty, injustice and inequity that exist in the world today. Students are encouraged to draw on disciplines in law, arts, engineering, economics, biosciences and medicine to explore and understand the depth, complexity and multi dimensionality of current global health challenges.
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Living Longer: A Global Diagnosis (UNIB30005)
https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2018/subjects/unib30005
Since 1800, human life expectancy at birth has doubled globally and tripled in the most favoured nations. The subject will explore in historical sequence the social interventions, economic changes and advances in scientific knowledge that have enabled increasing proportions of human beings to live longer. It will critically review the roles of public health; medicine; wealth, income and economic development; famine, malnutrition and diet; households and individuals; literacy and education.
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Indigenous Cultures and Knowledges (UNIB20022)
https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2020/subjects/unib20022
Indigenous Cultures and Knowledges will introduce students to the diversity of Indigenous culture, epistemologies, practices and engagements with the contemporary world. It will also introduce students to the immense body of scholarship on traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies, cultures, languages, history and prehistory in curricula, research and knowledge exchange.
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Inequalities: Causes and Consequences (UNIB20021)
https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2020/subjects/unib20021This interdisciplinary subject introduces concepts and theories from population health, the humanities, sociology, economics, geography, criminology and education to explore contemporary and historical trends and debates. It will be delivered by scholars and eminent guest speakers from varied backgrounds and areas of expertise and focus on understanding causes, consequences, and potential means of tackling inequalities, inequities and injustices from a range of disciplinary perspectives.
Chancellor’s Scholars
Student Profiles
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Garry Zhu
Auditioning for the University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was the best decision I’ve made. At first I wasn’t sure whether to put myself out there, but the scholarship helped because it eased pressure on the academic side of things and gave me the space to follow my passion for music.
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Emily Sun
As a whole, my undergraduate experience opened my eyes to the endless possibilities out there. I have learned a lot, grown, and made lifelong friends – for all this, I’m very thankful.
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Zahra Ataie
The Chancellor’s Scholarship has been a fantastic opportunity. The financial aspect was really helpful, but the highlight has been the constant support and mentorships.

You've worked hard for it, you deserve the rewards!
If you’re a high-achieving student, our Chancellor’s Scholars Program is for you. The Program, which had its first intake in 2012, gives you a guaranteed place in a graduate degree*, and you’ll also enjoy a wide range of other exciting benefits.
Clubs and Societies
Our Student Society & Clubs initiative enriches the student experience, provide valuable insight and feedback about University run services and can foster lifelong relationships with like minded individuals.
Faculty registered student groups, societies or associations have access to a range of support services provided by the dedicated student support team in the faculty's learning & teaching unit. These services and support advance initiatives and events that Faculty clubs facilitate.
If you are interested in joining one of our faculty clubs or societies, start with visiting our dedicated website below for more information or contact the team at health-hub@unimelb.edu.au.
MDHS Clubs and Societies Home
Health Hub
The Health Hub centralises services common to current and prospective students across the schools of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
The Student Experience team is the face of the Health Hub. We are here to help you with research pathways advising, transition into first year undergraduate degrees, pre-placement compliance and more! We work alongside the Faculty’s Admissions, Research Higher Degree and Experiential Learning teams to give you the most up-to-date information on all things MDHS!
Our Student Experience team is divided in two main areas:
Student Support
Our Student Support Officers can help you with:
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Research Pathways Advice
Nobody knows MDHS Honours and graduate research entry requirements better than the Health Hub. Talk to us about your research study plans early and we can help you stay on track to achieve your goals. Besides Biomedicine and Psychology Honours, we advise on the Master of Biomedical Science and major graduate research programs such as the Doctor of Philosophy and the Master of Philosophy.
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Specialist Cohort Support
At the Health Hub, we support Chancellor’s Scholars students and have a dedicated Indigenous Student Support Officer on the team. We are well versed in graduate entry requirements for your cohorts and initiatives for current students.
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Student Society Enrichment
One of the things we love to do is enrich student experience. We often do this by facilitating academic enrichment and social events run by your student societies. Study/life balance is important so get involved!
Student Life
Student Life in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences consists of the Melbourne Peer Mentor Program and Academic Advising at Melbourne. These programs give you access to social and academic connections, to ease the transition to University life and provide guidance and support in your journey at the University of Melbourne.
Professor Jane Gunn, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences provides a welcome to the faculty.
Meet The Team
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Anthony Johnson, Team Leader
Greetings! My name is Tony and I joined the team at the end of 2022 as Team Leader, Advising and Mentoring. I love connecting with people and creating an environment for people to connect to each other. I am a lifelong learner who loves solving crimes on my weekends and who lives with 6 chickens and a cat!
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Matt Williams, Program Officer
Hi, my name is Matt and I’m a Program Officer here at MDHS. I have been working at the University since 2021 but have been in this faculty since December 2022. Prior to that I worked as both a Primary and Secondary school teacher. I look forward to assisting all students in their transition to and through their studies at the University of Melbourne as well as ensuring that you get the most out of your university experience!
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Rhys Morgan, Student Experience Officer
I joined the University of Melbourne in 2022 as a Course Planning Adviser and joined the MDHS Student Life team in 2023. Student wellbeing is at the heart of my work, and I strive to deliver the best student experience possible by facilitating exciting and meaningful opportunities through the study journey. I am excited to help make sure you have an enjoyable and rewarding time during your time at the University. In my spare time I enjoy food and travel and am happiest cooking for family and friends!
Contact Us
We are located on Level 1 of the Brownless Biomedical Library and available for drop in visits from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. You can also contact us by phone or email if you are not on campus. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
Address: Level 1, Brownless Biomedical Library
Parkville Campus, Building 182
Email: health-hub@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 8344 5807 (option 3)
You can also follow the Health Hub on social media for updates:
Facebook: healthhub.uom
Instagram: uom.healthhub
Honours Alumni Mentor Program
The Honours Alumni Mentor Program connects commencing Honours students with a PhD student mentor to assist in the transition from an undergraduate course to entering the world of research at the University of Melbourne. This mentor has completed an Honours year and can give personalised advice about the experience, help their mentee make connections with their peers, and help them learn more about the coursework/research options available to them after their studies.
At the beginning of the program, Honours students are matched with a group of their peers and a mentor from the same research institute. This group will provide students with a solid support network that will be there each step of the way and are expected to meet regularly throughout the year. In addition to meetings, participants are invited to program-exclusive events and workshops to upskill their academic and professional abilities along with networking within groups and with participants of other faculty mentoring programs.
You can find out more about the program and what it is like to be a mentor or mentee in the program handbook.
Here is what previous mentees have to say:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Honours Alumni Mentoring program and it gave me the opportunity to meet with other honours students from MDHS, which is great since we tend to be based in many different institutes, so meeting each other in any other way is difficult.”
“I like how I've made a connection with a mentor that has done the honours program, and seeing where they are now, and the processes they went through to get there. My mentor is a PhD candidate, and this is a potential pathway that I am interested in, so it is very insightful. I also like how I've been connected to other honours students in my group from different specialties. Honours can be very isolating, so it is valuable for me to have other honours students I can talk to about difficulties or challenges that I might be facing and hear about theirs too.”
“My favourite part of the Honours Alumni Mentoring Program is having the opportunity to interact with other students and mentors about their honours experiences. It helped me particularly when I was worried that I might be falling behind but knowing we were all going through the program together stopped me from becoming too stressed. The events were also all very well put together and we're all very enjoyable.”
For Mentees
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How do I become a Mentee?
Mentee applications are open now until 4pm 17th February. If you're an eligible Honours student, you would have received an invitation to submit an application via your student inbox.
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What will I get out of the program?
- A strong support network to guide you through what can be a high-pressure and sometimes isolating year.
- An opportunity to connect with your peers and the wider faculty research community, making friends and professional contacts as you go.
- Access to program exclusive networking events, resources and workshops specifically tailored to the Honours student experience.
- An invitation to official program events to celebrate achievements within the program (catering and gifts included).
- You will strengthen your professional attributes such as reliability, confidence, and communication.
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Expectations
To get the most of out your experience in the program, as a Mentee you should:
- Actively engage with your group and mentor by responding to communication promptly and being punctual to your meetings.
- Behave respectfully towards others and provide an inclusive environment for all.
- Go to your mentor for support and guidance - in some cases they may refer you to different services to get specialised support or assistance.
For Mentors
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Why become a mentor?
Develop your skills:
- Gain leadership training and practical experience.
- Develop your interpersonal, communication and group facilitation skills.
- Expand your professional network within the University community.
Make a difference:
- Help honours students succeed in their first research project by sharing your experience and being a much-needed support along the way.
- Help new students develop a sense of belonging within their institute and university cohort.
- Make new friends and meet new people.
Be rewarded:
- Mentoring is a high-demand professional skill, add the program to your resume to strengthen job applications.
- Attend program-exclusive social events throughout the year.
- Receive an exclusive mentor hoodie!
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What is my role as a mentor?
As a mentor, you will be supporting a small group of students from your research institution as they embark on their Honours year. Mentors are not expected to have all the answers to questions a mentee might ask; instead, you will be able to share your own experiences, provide information and refer students to university services for advice, model how to seek help and guide students to gain the confidence to find their own answers. By sharing your own university experiences, you can encourage and motivate mentees to pursue their goals and consider their study and career options after they have completed their Honours.
There are no requirements for how many times you must meet with your mentees over the duration of the program, however, we recommend that you book in regular sessions (approximately one per month) with your mentor group to ensure they are appropriately supported.
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How to become a mentor?
To become a mentor in the Honours Alumni Mentoring Program, you will need to be:
A student studying a PhD within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne who has previously completed an Honours degree.
- In good academic standing (not at risk).
- A student with no history of academic misconduct.
- Able to attend compulsory training and orientation activities.
- Able to commit to at least 20 hours of volunteering throughout the year.
- Membership in clubs and societies
The application recruitment process:
- Submit an application – applications will formally open in January 2024, but you can register your interest in being a mentor below.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an assessment centre.
- Applicants are advised of outcome.
- Attend mandatory training.
- Allocated to a group of up to 5 honours students.
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What support will I receive?
We have a range of supports in place to help you throughout your Mentoring experience.
Student Intern
Our Student Intern is a current PhD student employed to assist in delivering the Honours Alumni Mentoring Program. They will check on you throughout the semester, be there for you to ask questions to and point you in the right direction to get assistance, if needed. They will also organise social and networking events throughout the year for our mentors.Student Life team
The Student Life team are the professional staff delivering this program. They can assist with any questions you might have, organise training and workshops for your professional development, and handle the day-to-day operation of the Honours Alumni Mentoring Program. Find out how to contact us.
Indigenous Graduate Student Support
Wominjeka!
The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our Parkville campus is situated. We are currently studying and working on the land of the Wurundjeri people and we would also like to also acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging.
We would also like to acknowledge and pay our respects to the Yorta Yorta Peoples, whose land is where our rural campus in Shepparton is situated, and acknowledge their Elders, past, present and emerging. Our respects extends to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students in our faculty.
About Indigenous Graduate Student Support
The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences offers support for our prospective and current Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. Student support includes our Indigenous graduate pathways, advocacy and course support. Our Indigenous Student Support Officer can assist you, whether you are a prospective or current student!
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Who is my Indigenous Student Support Officer?
Hi there! My name is Jess (she/her) and I am your MDHS Indigenous Student Support Officer and a proud Gunditjmara woman.
I can assist you with entry into our graduate courses, and support you throughout your journey with us! Please reach out anytime you want a yarn. About me... I am a Capricorn, I have a fluffy white cat called Clover, and I live in Carlton.
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How can I get in touch with the Indigenous Student Support Officer?
Jess is located on Level 1 of the Brownless Biomedical Library and available for drop in visits from 9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. You can also contact Jess by phone or email if you are not on campus.
Address: Level 1, Brownless Biomedical Library
Parkville Campus, Building 182
Email: mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.auYou can also follow the Health Hub on social media for updates:
Facebook: uom.HealthHub
Instagram: uom.healthhub -
Can I get in touch if I am an undergraduate student?
Certainly! If you want to have a discussion about your pathways into a master's degree, definitely get in touch. If you have other enquiries such as accommodation or ABSTUDY, I recommend reaching out to Murrup Barak.
MDHS Indigenous Graduate Pathways
Congratulations! You’ve finished your undergraduate degree and you want to know what the next steps are as an Indigenous Australian student. We got you covered! The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences gives priority access to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students at the University of Melbourne under the Indigenous Graduate Pathways.
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Does my bachelor’s degree need to come from the University of Melbourne?
No, absolutely not! We accept all undergraduate degrees from a recognised institution. We will need your official academic transcript on record and we look to see that you meet the minimum entry requirements.
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How do I submit an application via the Indigenous Graduate Pathway?
Please contact Jess at mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au for further information.
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What if I don’t meet the minimum entry requirements?
The conversation doesn’t end here. If you are not currently eligible, let’s have a discussion at how we can make you eligible.
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Can I submit an application for the Indigenous Graduate Pathway if I am not Indigenous?
No. You cannot apply if you are not Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Please contact future-study@unimelb.edu.au for MDHS coursework enquiries and the Health Hub for MDHS graduate research enquiries.
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Do I have to submit a Confirmation of Identity to be eligible to apply under the Indigenous Graduate Pathway?
Yes. Indigenous Australians must submit documents to confirm their identity as part of the Indigenous Graduate Pathway application process.
Confirmation of Identity
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Why do I need to confirm my identity? Do I have to?
Your Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage is something that is personal to you. You do not need a letter of confirmation to identify as an Indigenous person.
You do not need to have your identify confirmed by us to enter the University as an Indigenous Australian student.
However, if you wish to apply for and enter an MDHS graduate course through our Indigenous pathways (such as our Indigenous MD Pathway) and receive additional services such as ITAS , you must have your identity verified.
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How can I confirm my identity as an Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander?
Excellent question!
We accept the following documents:
- A Confirmation of Aboriginality with a common seal from a local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation in which you reside or Country area you come from.
and; - A completed and witnessed Statutory Declaration.
Please send your documents to mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au.
Please note that your Statutory Declaration of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity requires you to declare you live and identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and are accepted as such by the community in which you live or have lived.
Please note a Statutory Declaration is a legally binding document.
The University may request further information and/or documentation where it determines further verification is required or uncertainty exists.
Being dishonest about one’s identity and one’s connections to Indigenous communities damages the integrity and intent of service provision to address inequality and is harmful to Indigenous peoples.
If you intentionally make a false statement in a statutory declaration you can be charged with a criminal offence which carries the possibility of up to four years imprisonment.
- A Confirmation of Aboriginality with a common seal from a local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation in which you reside or Country area you come from.
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I don't have any connection with my mob. What can I do?
Many people are on their journey towards filling all parts of the definition and we can recognise that many people are disconnected their community through no fault of their own. However, in this instance you will need to supply a legal document that confirms you meet all three parts of the criteria to access certain Indigenous specific support, pathways, and degrees at The University of Melbourne.
What other perks are available as an Indigenous student at MDHS?
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Scholarships
What other Indigenous support services exist at the University?
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Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health
The University of Melbourne takes the approach that support for Indigenous research students should be tailored towards each student, and the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health supports Indigenous research students by identifying the tailored support required.
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Murrup Barak
The University of Melbourne welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to all courses and programs, and Murrup Barak is here to help future students discover their options and start studying. Murrup Barak supports the Indigenous student community and delivers an integrated educational and cultural program to ensure that Indigenous students have every opportunity for success in their studies.
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Indigenous Studies Unit
The Indigenous Studies Unit undertakes research aiming to improve outcomes in Indigenous health, particularly in relation to alcohol misuse and family violence, Indigenous data sovereignty, digital archives, cultural heritage, technology and resource management.
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LIME Network
The LIME Network is a dynamic network dedicated to ensuring the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning of Indigenous health in medical education, as well as best practice in the recruitment and graduation of Indigenous medical students.
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AIDA
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UMMSS
Peer Mentoring
What is the Melbourne Peer Mentor Program?
The Melbourne Peer Mentor Program connects commencing undergraduates with an instant network of familiar faces to help make your transition to university life easy and enjoyable. This includes meeting your mentor group at the start of the semester so you are connected from the beginning and engaging in regular sessions throughout the semester to build those connections.
The Melbourne Peer Mentor Program, in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, is available to first year students in the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Bachelor of Oral Health.
The student portal supports your mentoring journey, providing information about your session times, dates, location and peer group members. You will also be able to chat with your peer mentor and group.
Mentees
As a new undergraduate student in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, you will be matched with a senior University of Melbourne student (your peer mentor) and a group of other commencing students. Your peer mentor and group will help you to build relationships and be connected with the University of Melbourne from day one. Your peer group will provide support and friendship as you commence your first year of studies at University of Melbourne and as you continue through your degree.
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How does it work?
As a new student you are automatically part of the program! Your dedicated Student Life Team matches you with a mentor and your group ahead of orientation.
Login to the student portal to get details of who your peer mentor is, when your meetings are scheduled, to chat to your group and more. You should also receive an email to your student email account at the start of the semester with information.
There will be 5 sessions across your first Semester of study. The sessions are themed around key stages in the semester such as getting to know the University and available services through to preparing for exams!
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How do I become a Mentee?
You don't need to do anything! If you are a new undergraduate student in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences you will automatically be placed in a mentoring group. If you have not heard anything by Orientation week, please get in touch with us so we can make sure you are not missing out!
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What will I get out of the program?
- Meet new students and make some friends
- Information about student engagement programs, workshops and events to get involved in
- Information on available student support services to help with questions and concerns
- Build relationships and be more supported be connected to the University
- Have a friendly group of familiar faces to help you navigate life at the University of Melbourne
- Opportunity to “find your people” or your place at University
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Expectations
There are some things that you can do, as a mentee, to make your time in the Melbourne Peer Mentor Program more enjoyable for you and your group. They include, but are not limited to:
- Actively engage with your group, sessions, and activities
- Behave respectfully towards others and provide an inclusive environment for all
- Go to your mentor for support and guidance - in some cases they may refer you to different services to get specialised support or assistance
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I want some more information
You can find more information about being a mentee here. This page has details about the structure of the program and some useful FAQ's.
If you still have some unanswered questions, please feel free to contact us.

"After a year of mentoring, I leave every session with a smile and watch my mentees do the same! I love hearing unique stories from first years of all backgrounds and sharing my experiences, and I continue to learn about myself and others through this process. "
Olivia, Bachelor of Biomedicine

"Being a peer mentor for the first year Bachelor of Oral Health students has made me proud of my journey as a student. Overtime, I could see that my mentees became really well acquainted and that the mentoring sessions felt natural, introspective and enjoyable."
Linna, Bachelor of Oral Health
Mentors
Being a Peer Mentor gives you the chance to support first year students with the transition to University life. This volunteer role will give you valuable skills in facilitation, communication, and leadership. There will also be opportunities throughout your mentor journey for professional development.
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Why be a Mentor?
Develop your skills:
- Gain leadership training and experience.
- Develop your interpersonal, communication and group facilitation skills.
- Build your professional network within the University community.
Make a difference:
- Help new students succeed in their first year by sharing your experience.
- Develop a sense of belonging with students and the University.
- Gain a deeper understanding of cultural differences and diversity.
- Make new friends and meet new people.
Be rewarded:
- Demonstrate your participation to employers with your co-curricular record.
- Access to specialised peer mentor professional development.
- Receive an exclusive mentor hoodie!
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How do I become a Mentor?
To become a peer mentor with the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, you will need to be:
- A current University of Melbourne student within the Faculty of MDHS - all faculties participate in Peer Mentoring so you can still apply to your current faculty!
- Studying for at least two more academic semesters
- In good academic standing (not at risk)
- A student with no history of academic misconduct
- Able to attend compulsory training and Orientation Week activities
- Able to commit to at least 20 hours of volunteering throughout the year
Desirable
- Experience as a mentor/mentee
- Participation in extra-curricular activities
- Membership in clubs and societies
Note: Students beginning their second and third year of undergraduate study will be prioritised. Priority will also be given to students who have completed a relevant undergraduate degree from the University of Melbourne
The application recruitment process:
- Submit an application. Applications open approximately three months prior to the commencement of the next semester
- Participate in an assessment centre
- Applicants are advised of outcome
- Attend mandatory training (30 minute online compliance training and 2 hour online group training)
- Allocated to a group of up to 10 first year students (if your timetable does not allow you to be matched, you will be placed in the stand-by pool)
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What do I need to do as a mentor?
Being a Mentor should be a rewarding experience for you. We want to make sure that you understand what we expect of you in relation to the role. The expectations include, but are not limited to:
- Attend all training to prepare you for your role
- Behave respectfully towards others and foster an inclusive environment for all
- Provide friendly and informative guidance to your mentees
- Support mentees and model help-seeking behaviours to find solutions to hurdles or queries they may have
- Use and share your experiences and knowledge to assist mentees in navigating life at University
- Be a point of contact for the mentees
- Hold a valid Working with Children Check (Volunteer check is sufficient)
- Abide by the Code of Conduct
- Refer any issues or unresolved conflicts to the Melbourne Peer Mentoring Staff
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What support will I receive?
We have a range of supports in place to help you throughout your Mentoring experience.
Peer Leaders
Our Peer Leaders are current students employed to assist in delivering the Melbourne Peer Mentor Program. They will check on you throughout the semester, be there for you to ask questions to and point you in the right direction to get assistance, if needed. They will also organise social and networking events throughout the year for our Mentors.Student Life team
The Student Life team are the professional staff delivering this program. They can assist with any questions you might have, organise training and workshops for your professional development, and handle the day-to-day operation of the Melbourne Peer Mentor Program. Find out how to contact us. -
I want some more information
More information is available here for current peer mentors or students wishing to become mentors. This includes useful session guides, resources, the application portal and more information about the structure of the program.
If you still have some unanswered questions, please feel free to contact us.
Research Pathways Advising
Hear from Dr Chris French, Director of Honours, Professor Erica Fletcher, Associate Dean for Graduate Research as well as Health Hub staff and past students as they discuss pathway opportunities for students after Honours.
This webinar was put together through the collaboration of the Student Life team and Honours Admissions staff members.
FAQs
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When should I apply for Graduate Research?
Graduate Research applications can be lodged at any time throughout the calendar year. We advise applying before October 31st. Commencing the program in January is not recommended. For more information, visit the Future Student page.
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Why is it not recommended to commence a PhD in January?
December and January is usually the time when supervisors and members of your academic committee may take time off. Your milestones for the PhD fall in line with your submission date. For example, if you commence on the 5th of January, all of your review meetings will take place on the 5th of January and it may not be possible to gather all of your committee members to have those meetings. However, if that is what will work for you and you committee, you can still commence in January.
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How can I apply for Graduate Research?
If you're a current student, you can apply through your my.unimelb account. If you're a new student, you can apply online via our online application portal. Remember to check any additional requirements!
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Can you apply to a PhD and then withdraw your application if you decide against it?
Yes, you can. If you have applied and have changed your mind, you can contact mdhs-gr@unimelb.edu.au.
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How can I contact a potential supervisor?
Personalise your enquiry email to the academic you reach out to, explain why you have considered them as a supervisor and refer to any relevant publications. Provide your academic transcripts showing your grades, CV and any additional supporting documentation.
Contact us
We are located on Level 1 of the Brownless Biomedical Library and available for drop in visits from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. You can also contact us by phone or email if you are not on campus. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
Address: Level 1, Brownless Biomedical Library
Parkville Campus, Building 182
Graduate Research Admissions email: mdhs-gr@unimelb.edu.au
Health Hub email: health-hub@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 8344 5807
You can also follow the Health Hub on social media for updates:
Facebook: uom.HealthHub
Instagram: uom.healthhub
Rural Health

The Department of Rural Health
Based at Shepparton in the Goulburn Valley, we have major nodes at Ballarat and Wangaratta and associations with nearly 40 smaller towns in rural Victoria.