The next NIBSS program will take place from 17 – 22 January 2027.
Applications open 1 October 2026, and close midnight 1 November 2026.
Applications are currently open from 1 October – 1 November 2026.
Visit the Apply Now page for more information on the applicaion process.
To be eligible for the NIBSS Program, applicants need to be:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Commencing Year 11 or Year 12 in 2027
- Be completing a Math subject/s in Year 11 and/or Year 12
- Curious about business studies at university
**NIBSS is specifically for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Applicants will be required to submit one of the following documents establishing their eligibility to attend.
To apply, the following forms need to be completed by you, a teacher and a parent/guardian/carer:
- You must complete the Student Application Form
- A school teacher must complete the Student Recommendation Form
- A Parent/Guardian/Carer must complete the Parental Consent Form
Please note: All forms listed above must be completed to be considered for a place in the program.
****Successful applicants will be required to submit one of the following documents establishing their eligibility to attend.
NIBSS is specifically for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Applicants will be required to submit one of the following documents establishing their eligibility to attend.
Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Heritage
A properly excited confirmation document or letter from an incorporated Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation in your name which affirms you meet the three criteria.
OR
University of Melbourne Community Declaration Form
If you are unable to provide Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage, we will accept a completed University of Melbourne Community Declaration Form, which must be signed by an approved community member who affirms you meet the three criteria.
Please note:
Applicants may submit their indigenous eligibility document at the time of application or at a later date. Successful applicants will be required to provide their indigenous eligibility document prior to commencing the program.
If you do not already have documentation, we recommend you speak with your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisations or the Indigenous Liaison Officer at your school to discuss attaining a document. These may take some time to complete, so we suggest you begin the process as soon as possible.
You’ll get confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted.
All applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee in November, and successful applicants will be notified in early December.
**NIBSS is specifically for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Applicants will be required to submit one of the following documents establishing their eligibility to attend.
Everyone will be staying on campus at Newman College.
If you’ve ever wanted the true university college experience, then Newman College is the best place for any aspiring university student. Located on Swanston Street beside the University of Melbourne Parkville campus, Newman College combines historic architecture with a vibrant university residential experience.
Opened in 1918, the College was designed by renowned architect Walter Burley Griffin, designer of Canberra, and architect Marion Mahony Griffin. Listed on both the Australian National Heritage List and the Victorian Heritage Register, Newman is particularly known for its distinctive design and iconic domed dining hall.
Newman College offers comfortable accommodation, dining and shared spaces in a unique setting that brings together history, community and university life.
All NIBSS participants’ will be staying in student accomodation at the University of Melbourne. Students will be required to bring clothes only, linen and towels will be provided.
We recommend bringing the following:
- 4-5 pairs of shorts/jeans/tracksuit pants
- 7 changes of underwear
- 5 shirts and/or t-shirts (NIBSS will provide 1 t-shirt and and other items/merchandise)
- 1 extra pair of comfortable footwear (closed)
- 2 sets of pyjamas
- 1 sports appropriate clothes (T-shirt, track suit)
- 1 Smart casual outfit to wear to the Celebration dinner at the Melbourne Museum
- Plastic bags for laundry
- Toiletries: Soap, Toothbrush/toothpaste, Shampoo, personal hygiene products, etc.
- Optional: Camera, books, playing cards, spending money
No, all expenses are covered. We pay for your travel to Melbourne, accommodation while you are here, tickets to events and all meals. You just have to cover your personal expenditure like gifts and souvenirs.
Everyone from across Australia is welcome! We’ve had students coming from NT and WA! It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded people to think through what to do after high school. Most decide to enrol in degrees in their home state and NIBSS gives you the chance to experience what a typical university might be like.
NIBSS was created exactly for this reason. It can be hard to decide what to do after high school. NIBSS gives you the chance to explore whether business studies or even university life is for you without any pressure. Some past NIBSS participants have enrolled in business studies, but we’ve also had others who decided to do TAFE or non-business studies or go directly into a trade. That’s been the positive outcome of NIBSS – just helping you to understand that you have lots of options.
We’ll consult with your parent/guardian about travel arrangements and will plan the trip with you so that you always know what will happen. At the airport, someone will be there to meet you and introduce you to the group. An Indigenous mentor will always be available. You won’t ever be on your own and there will always be someone to make sure you at OK.
Our residential college has health safety plans for all residents. Everyone fills in a form with details of their health requirements and we put in place a management plan which is confidential and is only between you and the people who are responsible for your welfare while you’re with us.
Contact the NIBSS Coordinates for any questions from students or parents. We will be happy to assist you.
Email: fbe-nibss@unimelb.edu.au