What is the National Indigenous Business Summer School?
NIBSS is an exciting week-long program developed for Indigenous high school students entering Years 11 and 12 who are thinking about studying business, starting their own business, becoming an entrepreneur or are simply curious about university study. The program has been designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to experience what daily life as a university student is like, to learn about the various pathways into business studies, and to see business in action by working as a team on a real-world business case! All students are supported throughout the week by our Indigenous mentors.
NIBSS is an initiative of the Australian Business Deans Council. In 2027, this program will be supported by the University of Melbourne, Monash University and Swinburne University.
When and where will NIBSS be held?
The program will be held from 17-22 January 2027 in Melbourne, Victoria.
All program participants are sponsored to travel to Melbourne and stay on campus at the University of Melbourne in our student accommodation.
What does NIBSS involve?
A full program of activities are organised across Melbourne campuses. The 2027 program is still being finalised (watch this space).
The 2025 program included:
- Visits to Monash University and the STARLab, RMIT University and the Ngarara Willim Centre, and Melbourne Museum;
- Networking opportunities with First Australians Capital, Murrup Barak, Wanyara, Blakground Prouductions and indigenous mentors;
- Case study presentations with representatives from Indigital, ABDC and the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership;
- Social activities included a visit to Tennis Australia HQ during the 2025 Australian Open on Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day and a Celebration Gala Dinner at the Melbourne Museum.
Who can apply?
The National Indigenous Business Summer School is open to high school students who:
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Will be commencing Year 11 or 12 in 2027
- Are currently undertaking a maths subject, and
- Display a genuine interest in studying at university
Questions? Please contact us:
Faculty of Business and Economics
The University of Melbourne
fbe-nibss@unimelb.edu.au
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