Apply

Application process

Our online application is comprised of four sections:

• Eligibility questions: These short questions help our Selection Committee to determine your eligibility for the program.
• Experience and political journey: These questions help us understand more about your political aspirations, experience, and your motivation and commitment to run for election. Free text questions have a word-limit of 250 words.
• Your ‘elevator pitch’: You will be required to upload a 90 second video. Tell us what issue(s) are important to you and what you would highlight about your values and life experience that might connect with voters and persuade them that if elected you would make a difference.
• CV: You will be required to upload your CV. Please ensure it is no longer than two pages and includes two referees.

Eligibility guidelines

Pathways to Politics to Women programs are open to women across Australia. If you are not a resident of Victoria, please visit pathwaystopolitics.org.au to find the Pathways to Politics program in your state/territory.

Pathways to Politics embraces an inclusive definition of 'women', acknowledging the diversity of women we work with and aim to support, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people.

To be eligible to apply, you do not need to be enrolled at the University of Melbourne, be a graduate of the University, or hold any tertiary or higher education qualifications.

You will need to meet the following criteria:

1. Be over 18 years of age.
2. Be an Australian citizen/Australian permanent resident/holder of a New Zealand Special Category Visa or permanent Humanitarian Visa.
3. Currently reside in Victoria.
4. Identify as a woman (noting we embrace an inclusive definition of ‘women’, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people)

All eligibility requirements will be clearly outlined in the application form.

We are committed to minimising barriers to enter politics. As such, applicants identified by the selection committee as coming from an equity cohort will be prioritised. To be eligible to apply for a position in this equity category applicants must satisfy the application selection criteria, and also meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Identify as LGBTQIA+
• Previous status as a refugee or current holder of a humanitarian visa
• Culturally and linguistically diverse background
• Disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances
• Disability or chronic medical condition
• Difficult personal circumstances, or
• Coming from a regional, rural or isolated area.

If you have any other queries relating to Pathways to Politics for Women, please see our frequently asked questions section or contact us.