First Nations students

Ormond College welcomes First Nations students enrolled at the University of Melbourne. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations students planning to study any course, at any level, in any faculty.

Financial assistance How to apply Commitment to reconciliation Undergraduate experience Graduate experience Book a tour Get in touch

At Ormond, First Nations voices are a vital part of our community.

Right now, 23 First Nations students call Ormond home, supported by 6 First Nations staff and Fellows, and connected to a network of more than 200 First Nations alumni.

We provide comprehensive support, cultural engagement, and leadership opportunities so that students can thrive academically and personally. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, vibrant community where friendships last a lifetime and where you’ll have the space to pursue your passions and make your mark.Download our brochure:

Ormond College Indigenous Program

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Moving to Ormond

Undergraduate First Nations students move to College prior to the start of semester to attend the University of Melbourne’s Dhumbali Camp organised by Murrup Barak, as well as Ormond’s own Orientation Week (O Week). Both events take place prior to the official start of the academic year. They are a vital part of your introduction to College and university life and an opportunity to become familiar with Ormond and Melbourne.

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First Nations support staff

First Nations students are supported by a dedicated team at Ormond. Kirsty Burchill (Kaybee), our Freemantle Fellow, provides day-to-day support, cultural guidance and a friendly face around College. She’s joined by other Indigenous fellows, who bring deep experience and cultural knowledge to their roles. In 2023 the then Master, Lara McKay, appointed Wuiradjuri academic and artist Dr Jessa Rogers as a residential fellow. As Indigenous Scholar in Residence, Dr Rogers is available to support students and staff.We also have a dedicated hang-out space for First Nations students to relax on campus.

Meet Kirsty Meet Jessa

Indigenous Subcommittee

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students play an important role in peer support, too. The Indigenous Subcommittee is a key portfolio of the Ormond College Students’ Club, led by an Indigenous Head and a Non-Indigenous Vice Head in an allyship role. The Subcommittee fosters a culturally inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds and runs a range of initiatives throughout the year, from hosting guest speakers and art shows to organising forums and damper-making nights for the whole College community. The First Nations Student Support Council representative also plays an important advocacy role, representing the needs and interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. These activities strengthen peer support, advance reconciliation, and help build cultural competency across the College.

Ormond’s Reconciliation Action Plan

Our commitment to truth-telling and self-determination is reflected in our ongoing efforts to promote reconciliation, respect and understanding within our community. This is further underscored by our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).In 2013, we launched our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to the community. The current Reconciliation Action Plan (Innovate 2024-26) is the College’s fourth RAP and its most ambitious. In this RAP, we acknowledge uncomfortable truths about the College’s past and outline our community’s priorities and commitments in advancing reconciliation.

Budj Bim On Country Experience

Each year, students from all across the College have the opportunity to travel to Budj Bim Cultural Landscape on a three-day guided experience. Budj Bim Cultural Landscape lies within the traditional Country of the Gunditjmara Aboriginal people in south-eastern Australia. Recognised by UNESCO, this site is home to one of the world’s most extensive and oldest aquaculture systems. It’s an opportunity to learn about First Nations knowledge, technology and culture.

First Nations celebrations and events

We hold a wide range of events throughout the year to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, to enhance understanding of First Nations cultures and to promote reconciliation at the College – from musical festivals, writing prizes and visiting guest speakers to NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week events.Recent First Nations speakers at Ormond have included activist Noel Pearson; NSW Treaty Commissioner and Ormond alumnus Dr Todd Fernando; educator, active mentor and alumna Alana Ryan, and Tent Embassy co-founder Uncle Ghillar Michael Anderson.

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Financial Assistance for First Nations Students

Full scholarships are available for First Nations students at Ormond College. Both Ormond College and the University of Melbourne offer generous support to help First Nations students thrive at university. Most students will be eligible for full fee coverage through the ABSTUDY Residential Costs Option (RCO). Additional financial support is available through the University’s Indigenous Accommodation Grant and Ormond College’s own Financial Assistance Program.

Explore support

Non-Residential Scholarship

Ormond is one of the few Colleges to have a non-resident option, and for Indigenous students, this is fully funded. Non-Residents are an integral part of our community, and enjoy a campus experience including access to Ormond’s learning, enrichment, wellbeing, sports and Students’ Club activities, they just don’t live here.

Find out more