MDHS Indigenous Student Success
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 like to acknowledge Elders past and present.
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 and present. Our respects extends to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students in our faculty.
Who we are
Hello! I’m Sam Whittaker, your Indigenous Student Success Team Leader here at MDHS. I’m looking forward to getting to know you and supporting you throughout your journey, whether you’re exploring pathways into one of our courses or are already studying with us.
I can assist with graduate pathway advice, navigating the University and its services, advocacy, student support, and more.
You’ll usually find me in the MDHS Student Hub on the Ground Floor of the Alan Gilbert Building, or upstairs on Level 1 in the Indigenous Student Study Space.
Please feel free to come say hi, have a yarn, or just hang out. I’m always happy for a chat!
Be sure to keep an eye on your student email for updates from me and for The Script, our student newsletter. I’ll regularly share opportunities, events, scholarships, and important updates through the newsletter, which is sent out every two months.
Contact Us!
Want to get in touch?
Please use the relevant form below:
- Prospective students – Submit your enquiry here
- Current students – Submit your enquiry here
Email
mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au
Phone
To speak to Sam via text message, current students can email mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au and look for the phone number in our autoresponse's email signature.
Address
Ground Floor, Alan Gilbert Building (104), 161 Barry Street, Carlton VIC 3053
More information
Drop by the MDHS Student Hub Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10-3 (or outside these times by appointment) to meet with Ruby. Appointments also available over Zoom.
If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student looking to take the next step, we have got you covered! The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) offers priority access for Indigenous students into select courses through the Indigenous Graduate Pathways program. Additionally, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders can use Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM) when applying for entry into graduate coursework degrees.
Establishing Your Eligibility
All applicants identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander must submit documentation confirming their identity as part of the Indigenous Graduate Pathway application process.
For guidance on this process, please contact the Access and Participation Coordinator at Murrup Barak, the University’s Institute for Indigenous Development: access-participation@unimelb.edu.au
Alternatively, you can visit the Establishing Your Eligibility page for more information.
Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)
Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM) is the University’s equity program for domestic graduate coursework students. Under GAM, being an Indigenous Australian will be considered in relation to admission and bursaries. For more information on how GAM can impact your admission into a degree, please visit Graduate Access Melbourne.
To understand what kind of evidence is required for a GAM application, please visit GAM Eligibility.
Graduate Pathways - Course Spotlight!
The Master of Genetic Counselling and Master of Genomics and Health interpret the language of DNA. This allows people to discover more about their genetic story, empowers them to communicate with medical practitioners and make informed decisions about their health.
The Victorian Indigenous Genomics Indigenous Scholarship program is for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders interested in pursuing these programs. The Scholarship will be tailored to each student and will include the payment of course fees, academic support and mentoring, conference travel and more. It can also support up to a year of prepatory study for students who need more experience before entering the program.
These courses offer a rare opportunity to have your course fees and many other expense covered by a scholarship. The coordinators are keen to talk to you and tell you more about their area of study. Please email us at mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au to be put in touch.
- The gene whisperer: Looking forward while honouring Indigenous genetics’ past Master of Genetic Counselling Alumnus Sidney Ruthven
Indigenous Graduate Pathways and Priority Access
Some courses have established different entry requirements for Indigenous students and/or priority access to attract more applicants and address workforce shortages. We hope to be growing this list in the future!
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Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are given priority access to the Doctor of Dental Surgery.
Please contact us for application and admission support or for advice on meeting the prerequisites.
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Indigeous applicants who meet the nominated GPA cut off will be invited for a multi-mini interview. If successful in satisfying both the GPA and multi-mini interview requirements, there is an additional interview with a panel chaired by the Associate Dean (Indigenous). There is no requirement to sit the GAMSAT.
For more information please see the Doctor of Medicine Study Page.
Please contact us for application and admission support or for advice on meeting the prerequisites.
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Applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent are given priority access to the Doctor of Physiotherapy.
Indigenous applicants who meet the requirements and pass the multi mini interview may be invited for a second interview with a panel of key Indigenous staff members and course staff.
Please contact us for application and admission support or for advice on meeting the prerequisites.
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Applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent are given priority access to Master of Clinical Audiology at the University of Melbourne.
Please contact us for application and admission support or for advice on meeting the prerequisites.
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Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are given priority access to the Master of Genetic Counselling.
The course coordinators would love to talk to you about their program, whether you currently meet the prerequisites for entry or not. Please contact us for application and admission support and/or to be put in touch with the course coordinators.
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Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are given priority access to the Master of Genomics and Health.
Please contact us for application and admission support or for advice on meeting the prerequisites.
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Applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent are given priority access to the Master of Speech Pathology.
Please contact us for application and admission support or for advice on meeting the prerequisites.
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Applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent are given priority access to Nursing at the University of Melbourne. There are multiple courses including Master of Nursing Science, Master of Advanced Nursing Practice, Master of Advanced Nursing Practice/Master of Public Health and Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (Nurse Practitioner).
Please contact us for application and admission support or for advice on meeting the prerequisites.
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Please check the course page for any updates to entry requirements and reach out to us to see if we have any new information by emailing mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au
FAQs
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No, absolutely not! We accept all undergraduate degrees from recognised institutions. Please reach out with your official academic transcipt and we will review it with the Admissions Team to check you are above the minimum entry requirements for your desired degree.
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Indigenous Graduate Pathway applications sit outside the standard application systems. Please contact the Indigenous Student Success Team via mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au.
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The minimum requirements are in place to address a number of factors including likelihood to succeed. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may benefit in undertaking additional studies to boost your knowledge and GPA or there might be a course better suited to you.
Please contact the Indigenous Student Success Team via mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au to discuss your options.
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The Indigenous Graduate Pathway is a dedicated initiative for Australian students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and have confirmed their identity with the required documentation.
If you are not eligible for this pathway, you can still explore a range of graduate study options at the University of Melbourne.
For more information visit the Study Hub.
MDHS Faculty Scholarships
As an Indigenous student you will automatically be considered for our MDHS Indigenous Student Bursary if you meet the following criteria.
- Be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person by descent, identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and be accepted as such by the community in which you live or have lived (established with Murrup Barak)
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree by coursework in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
The MDHS Indigenous Student Bursary is a living allowance administered by our team at the beginning of each semester. It is an unusual scholarship in that we aim to make payments before census date to alleviate cost-of-living pressures as you return to study each semester. The scholarship is for part-time and full-time students but is paid out on a full-time schedule so part time students are required to put money aside and plan ahead.
All Faculty and University scholarships can be viewed on the Scholarships website.
Murrup Barak also has a fantastic resource with links and FAQs around scholarships.
Other Faculty Scholarships
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The MDHS Indigenous Student Resources Bursary is awarded to Indigenous students who are enrolled in a coursework program in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and supports the purchase of study materials. It is equivalent to $500 per year paid in two installments of $250, one per semester.
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Introduced in 2025, a new application-only scholarship is the Indigenous Mobility and Engagement Grant. Administered by the Indigenous Development Team, the scholarship is a one-off payment awarded to students to support travel for the purpose of a placement, elective, community engagement and outreach activity or conference. For more information on eligibility please visit the website.
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The MSPS Indigenous Student Bursary was established to create pathways for Indigenous students to succeed in the field of psychological sciences and to increase the number of Indigenous students who receive training as professional psychologists. Eligible students will be automatically considered for the bursary. For more information on eligibility please visit the website.
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The MDHS Scholarship Fund - Rural Health (Indigenous MPH Facilitation Bursary) is for Indigenous students, with family carer responsibilities, undertaking a part time Master of Public Health, with local academic support through the Department of Rural Health in Shepparton.For more information on eligibility please visit the website. For more information on eligibility please visit the website.
The MDHS Indigenous Student Study Space is room 142 on level 1 of the Alan Gilbert Building. The space is swipe-access only and will require your student card to enter. All Indigenous students university-wide have access to this space so you can invite your peers from other Faculties to join you.
The Indigenous Student Study Space is set up for both study and relaxation with desks and task chairs, couches, an eating nook and a large bean bag. The fridge and shelves are stocked with food and beverages and there is coffee and tea available along with crockery, a microwave, boiling water and a toasted sandwich machine.
The artwork includes a mural of the Wurundjeri Seasons by Wurundjeri artist Alex Kerr, pieces from The Torch and assorted artists. If you would like to know more about any pieces, please ask Sam and/or Ruby.
Access to the study space is Monday - Friday 7am - 9pm and Saturday 8:15am -5:45pm.
Events in the study space
Keep an eye on your student email for invitations to upcoming events. We aim to run 1-2 events per semester and in the past these have looked like welcome events, creative events, opportunities to network with Indigenous students outside of your cohort and meet Faculty leadership.
In Semester 2, 2025 we ran a "DIY tote bag workshop" with Haus of Dizzy founder Kristy Dickinson and personalised some fun totes (pictured) over a decadent catered lunch of mixed pastas! We look forward to our next Haus of Dizzy workshop in 2026.
Being a successful student requires making time for your physical and mental health and wellbeing. We are always up for a chat about anything going on impacting you and/or your studies. There are a number of people and services we can also refer you to for support.
We work closely with the Faculty's Indigenous Primary Health Practitioner Aunty Cathy who provides cultural and wellbeing support, including practical and social support to manage life as you navigate your studies.
Cathy Garlett - Indigenous Primary Health Practitioner (Parkville) Mon/Wed/Thurs/Fri
Cathy Garlett
Ph: 0468 713 864
E: cathy.garlett@unimelb.edu.au
University Services and MDHS Student Clinics
MDHS' Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics are discounted teaching clinics servicing students and members of the public while teaching the next generation of health professionals. These clinics are in addition to those available through the University which are generally bulk billed for domestic students and staffed by trained medical professionals.
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The University's Health Service is a General Practioner Clinic with GPs, nurses and specialists. The Health Service is generally a bulk billing services for Australian students with a valid Medicare card.
The Health Service participates in the Closing the Gap initiative and is working towards achieving Rainbow Tick accreditation
For more information and to make an appointment, please visit their website.
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Counselling and Psychological Services provides students with free, short term psychological support by mental health practitioners experienced in a university environment. In addition to individual counselling, it also provides workshops , training, group programs and online resources.
All counsellors have completed cultural awareness training.
For more information and to make an appointment, please visit their website.
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The Shepparton Medical Centre provides high-quality, comprehensive primary healthcare to people living in and around Shepparton.
For more information and to make an appointment, please visit their website.
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The Safer Community Program provides support and advice to members of the University of Melbourne community about inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour
You can speak to staff anonymously if you wish around topics such as bullying, sexual harrassment, discrimination, violence etc.
For more information and to get support, please visit their website.
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The University Mental Health Crisis Support Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 1300 219 459
- Text: 0480 079 188
If you are in immediate danger, please call emergency services on 000. For other urgent University matters, contact University Security on 03 8344 6666.
For more information and links to more services, please visit this website.
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The Melbourne Dental Clinic offers affordable general and specialist dentistry through students providing treatment under the supervision of specialists. This service is accessible to students and the general public.
For more information and to make an appointment, please visit their website.
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The University of Melbourne Pyschology Clinic offers services form both students and trained professionals . A full range of services is offered however the Teaching Clinic offers lower fees than the Private Clinic.
For more information and to make an appointment, please visit their website.
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The Melbourne Eyecare Clinic offers a full range of eyecare services from students, qualified optometrists and optical dispensers to students and the general public.
For more information and to make an appointment, please visit their website.
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The Hearing Care Clinic is training our future audiologists through using students to provide diagnostic and hearing care to students and the general public.
For more information and to make an appointment, please visit their website.
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The Melbourne Speech Pathology Clinic is a teaching clinic servicing students and the public while training the next generation of speech pathologists.
For more information and to make an appointment, please visit their website.
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MU Sport works actively to provide a friendly and inclusive program for all to enjoy. Through their Moondani Yalingwa program they offer free fitness centre memberships at the Parkville campus for students. The membership gives you access to the gym, swimming pool and group fitness classes. You can also participate in group sports.
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Students from all faiths – or of no faith – are welcome to make contact with a chaplain for pastoral and spiritual care, support in difficult times, or when you just need someone to talk to. For more information visit the Pastoral and Spiritual Care website.
First Nations Free Health & Wellbeing Services
Summary document of free services across Australia, online, Victoria based and within the University of Melbourne. These services encompass crisis support, mental health support, legal support, emergency housing and more. This document is on display in the Indigenous Student Study Space and now online for your reference.