Preparing for graduation as an Indigenous student
If you've almost finished your course, now is the time to start preparing to graduate.
On this page, you'll find:
Complete the graduation checklist
To make sure you are eligible to graduate, follow the instructions on the graduate checklist.
This includes checking things like your personal details, that you've completed all academic units are complete and more.
Graduation ceremony discounts
Graduation ceremonies are held three times a year in March, August and December.
As an Indigenous graduate, you're eligible to have your graduation fees waived.
As part of the graduation ceremony, you will also recieve:
- academic regalia hire for the ceremony
- trencher (cap) and Indigenous stole to keep
- two guest tickets
- a graduation ceremony program
- ceremony refreshments.
A group of Indigenous students celebrating their graduation at a Swinburne graduation ceremony.
Recognition and Achievement Celebration
The Moondani Toombadool Centre (MTC) hosts the Recognition and Achievement Celebration for Indigenous student graduates to connect with graduate peers and the MTC community.
This special evening of connection is held annually in December.
Financial support is available so you can attend.
For more information, email Indigenous Student Services at indigenousstudents@swinburne.edu.au.
Did you know Swinburne has an Indigenous Graduate Program?
The Swinburne Indigenous Graduate Program is designed for recent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates who want to start their career in a supportive, inclusive university environment.
As part of the program, you’ll be employed at Swinburne in a role aligned to your qualification, interests and career goals.
Careers and employability resources for students
As a Swinburne student, you have access to a wide range of careers and employability information, guides and resources to help you on your career journey.
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Careers and employability for Indigenous students
Get tailored career and employability support as an Indigenous student at Swinburne.
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SwinEmploy resources for Indigenous students and graduates
SwinEmploy has career resources specifically for Indigenous students. Find jobs boards, careers events, AI job applications and interview tools, industry information and useful articles.
Support and resources for Swinburne graduates
After you have graduated from your course, Swinburne offers Indigenous students a range of support services and programs to help you thrive.
On this page, you'll find:
Recognition and Achievement Celebration
The Moondani Toombadool Centre (MTC) hosts the Recognition and Achievement Celebration for recent Indigenous student graduates to connect with graduate peers and the MTC community.
This special evening of connection is held annually in December.
Financial support is available so you can attend.
For more information, email Indigenous Student Services at indigenousstudents@swinburne.edu.au.
Indigenous Graduate Program
The Swinburne Indigenous Graduate Program is designed for recent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates who want to start their career in a supportive, inclusive university environment.
As part of the program, you’ll be employed at Swinburne in a role aligned to your qualification, interests and career goals. This gives you the opportunity to apply your skills in real-world settings while learning how a leading university operates.
You’ll gain hands-on experience through meaningful responsibilities or rotational placements, helping you:
- Build confidence and professional capability
- Contribute to initiatives that support reconciliation and Indigenous excellence.
- Understand how different parts of the university work together
- Develop cross-functional skills
Tailored career pathways
You’ll be appointed to an 18‑month fixed-term role at HEW4 or Academic Level A equivalent (approximately $75,000 per annum).
The role is designed to help you build a meaningful career aligned with your aspirations and community values.
You’ll gain hands-on experience through substantial responsibilities or rotational placements, with a clear pathway to ongoing employment and long-term career growth within higher education.
Individual development plans
You’ll co-create an individual development plan that reflects your goals and priorities. This plan can evolve as your interests develop.
- cultural leave
- community engagement
- professional and personal development
- further study opportunities.
Flexible learning and growth
You’ll have access to workshops, training and learning experiences that can be completed in your own time and in any order, encouraging self-directed learning, reflection and capability building.
Mentorship and coaching
You’ll be supported by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous mentors who understand the opportunities and challenges you may encounter.
Your mentors will help you navigate university systems, develop your career, and stay connected to community values throughout the program.
- foster cultural safety
- build professional confidence
- support career planning and personal growth.
Onboarding and transition support
You’ll take part in a culturally appropriate induction that supports a strong sense of belonging from day one.
- navigate university systems
- build relationships across teams
- access culturally safe spaces and peer networks
- use tailored resources that reflect diverse lived experiences
Valuing your story
Your experience matters. The program uses storytelling and narrative-based evaluation, giving you the opportunity to share your journey in your own words and focusing on meaningful outcomes rather than rigid metrics.
You’re encouraged to apply if you meet the following eligibility criteria:
Recent graduate
You’ve completed a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree within the last 1–2 years.
Indigenous identification
You identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and have a demonstrated connection to community.
Interest in higher education careers
You’re interested in pursuing a career in teaching, research or professional services within a university setting.
Commitment to community values
You align with Swinburne’s values, including equity, inclusion and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
You’re able to work collaboratively and engage effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Express your interest for the graduate program
Start your journey by expressing interest in the Indigenous Graduate Program today.
Our team will reach out to discuss your goals and answer your questions.
Careers and employability resources for graduates
As a Swinburne graduate, you have access to a wide range of careers and employability information, guides and resources to help you on your career journey.
-
SwinEmploy resources for Indigenous students and graduates
SwinEmploy has career resources specifically for Indigenous students. Find jobs boards, careers events, AI job applications and interview tools, industry information and useful articles.
-
Careers and employability
Improve your employability with expert advice and job application assistance, with a range of seminars, workshops, conferences and employer sessions to give you the edge.
The story of this painting named Awabakal is underpinned by the four principles of the Indigenous Student Charter, which are expressed as four message sticks holding the knowledges of Being and Becoming, Being and Belonging, Cultural Responsiveness, and Indigenous Perspectives and Standpoints.
The emu and kangaroo tracks
The tracks on the message sticks represent the students' journey forward mimicking the gait of the emu and kangaroo as they are both only able to walk forward.
The manna gum leaves
The leaves represent our connection to land, the beautiful lands of the Wurundjeri people.
The circle
The circle supporting the message sticks represents the coming together to listen and learn to share building strong relationships and understanding the importance of a diverse range of cultural knowledge and perspectives that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students bring.
The red space
The red space represents the importance of nurturing a sense of belonging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their connections to Mother Earth. The different surrounding dots are supportive of the unique relationship with the wider Swinburne community encouraging connectivity, inclusivity and a profound sense of belonging.
The tree
The tree symbolises a holistic way of teaching and shared ways of being connected. It incorporates growth and an inclusive learning environment.
The journey pathway
The pathway across the painting represents the students' journey, their ways of walking together and respectful shared connections. The circles along the pathways promote active participation and engagement through empowering self-confidence, courage, resilience and strength along their pathways to success.
Need more information?
If you have questions about graduation, our graduate program or other graduate resources, please email us on indigenousstudents@swinburne.edu.au.