Indigenous Internationalisation

The University of Melbourne is committed to ensuring Indigenous voices are at the forefront of our engagement with tertiary institutions and networks globally.

The Indigenous Internationalisation Plan 2025-2030 aims to establish the University as a global leader advancing the internationalisation of Indigenous research, student mobility, engagement and staff development. Recognising that collaboration with global partners and communities and learning from local and Indigenous solutions enriches our work, the plan extends our capacity to address global challenges and opportunities while reaffirming our commitment to academic excellence and respect for all.

Implementing this plan will enable us to:

  • identify barriers for Indigenous staff and student participation in international experiences
  • surface new initiatives to boost engagement
  • position the University as an institution of choice for Indigenous Australians
  • strengthen partnerships with global universities committed to Indigenous knowledge and community connections.

We recognise the profound importance of collaborating with Indigenous and First Nations communities worldwide, fostering mutual understanding and building enduring connections across global Indigenous networks.

Read the full Indigenous Internationalisation Plan 2025-2030 (PDF 1.9 KB)

The University’s identity and approach to education, research, and global partnerships are shaped by our Place on Country, and across Asia and the Pacific region. With campuses on the unceded lands of the Kulin Nations and Yorta Yorta Nation, and partnerships extending to Yolŋu communities in North-East Arnhem Land, the University is inherently international.

We are committed to strengthening global partnerships, advancing truth-telling, and advocating for Indigenous self-determination, bringing together Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori, and Asia-Pacific communities. Through collaboration with institutions and communities worldwide, we harness our convening power to elevate diverse Indigenous and Pacific perspectives and voices.

The University is committed to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and knowledge systems across the curriculum, expanding intercultural learning opportunities, and recognising Indigenous knowledge sharing as a vital intercultural exchange. Through tailored programs and dedicated support, we aim to equip Indigenous graduates with a global mindset, ensuring they are confident and capable in diverse cultural contexts.

The University is committed to fostering a respectful, culturally safe workplace where Indigenous staff can thrive through international engagement, leadership, and research opportunities. Supported by the Office of Indigenous Employment and Development and strengthened through global collaborations, Indigenous staff are empowered to expand networks, participate in cultural exchange, and contribute to global Indigenous discourse, with mentoring opportunities enhancing their growth and impact.

The University will highlight its Indigenous research programs on the global stage, lead dialogue on Indigenous knowledge and reconciliation, and cultivate ethical international partnerships. Through these efforts, Indigenous staff and graduate researchers will be empowered to build global networks, engage in rich intercultural learning, and develop the skills needed for meaningful and influential international careers.

The University will celebrate and elevate Indigenous arts and culture worldwide through its new Place for Indigenous Arts and Culture, international exhibitions, and collaborations with leading global institutions. By leveraging our international presence, we will showcase Indigenous creativity to a global community, foster connections among First Nations artists, lead vital conversations on preservation and repatriation, and honour 65,000 years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge.

Supporting resources

APRU Indigenous and First Nations Knowledges Network

The Indigenous and First Nations Knowledges Network unites members of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) to exchange knowledge, strengthen research connections, and enrich teaching in Indigenous and First Nations studies.

Its annual workshop offers a dedicated forum for APRU members to share best practices, address common challenges, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Find out more about the University’s Indigenous and reconciliation strategies.