Wattle Fellowship
Passionate about sustainability and looking to make a difference?
The Wattle Fellowship is looking for you.
We are after budding designers and policy makers; artists and engineers; advocates and economists. There is no singular type of person that we are looking for in this personal and professional development program, recognising that leadership can be practiced in many ways. Applicants at any stage, including the start, of their leadership journey are welcome to apply.
If you are not sure that you meet all of the requirements – we would still strongly encourage you to apply. You might be exactly the type of person we are looking for!
Students that face financial difficulties in participating in this program may be eligible for additional funding in the form of an Equity Grant to assist their participation.
If you are a University of Melbourne staff member and would like to recommend a student for this program, please contact us wattle-fellowship@unimelb.edu.au.
-
About
The Wattle Fellowship is an extracurricular leadership development program focused on sustainability. It is a fully-supported Fellowship, and the program covers the following:
- All program activities (retreats, workshops, events) including facilitators, educational content, accommodation, catering, and program coordination.
- Funding and support to develop and work on a student-led sustainability Action Project and personal Leadership Development Plan.
- Recognition as a Wattle Fellow on your University transcript and ongoing engagement as a program Alumni.
-
Eligibility guidelines
Applicants must:
- Be a current undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral student at the University of Melbourne.
- Have completed at least one semester of an undergraduate degree prior to the commencement of the program.
- Be in good academic standing. There is no WAM requirement for the Fellowship.
Domestic and international; part-time and full-time students are eligible for this program.
-
How to apply
Students will submit:
- Written answers to questions that correspond to the selection criteria.
- Evidence that demonstrates the applicant’s leadership qualities and ability to succeed in the program (this could take shape in the form of a reference letter or a portfolio of previous efforts for example).
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a short interview with the Wattle Fellowship selection committee consisting of program staff, a University of Melbourne expert and external practitioner. This interview, along with the submitted information will be assessed across the four selection criteria.
-
Selection criteria
Note that we are committed to creating a diverse cohort, so we encourage people from all backgrounds and levels of experience to apply.
Commitment to sustainability
- Applicant demonstrates a genuine passion for sustainability issues in a global context, and making a contribution to these issues.
- Applicant has the knowledge and ability to apply sustainability solutions and actions in their relevant discipline and in an interdisciplinary manner.
Leadership potential and vision
- Applicant can clearly articulate a vision for their role leading sustainability initiatives, including through contributing to and/or leading interdisciplinary projects as part of the program.
- Applicant demonstrates strong leadership potential and related skills including teamwork, communication, and self-reflection.
Motivation and experience
- Applicant can demonstrate instances of initiative, motivation and resilience through previous involvement with other formal and informal experiences.
Personal and professional attributes
- Applicant demonstrates the attitudes, commitment and skills to successfully complete the program, collaborating and working alongside a diverse cohort.
- Applicant is likely to make a strong and positive contribution to the Leaders for Global Sustainability program including ongoing engagement as an alum.
-
Program dates
Date
Event
Saturday 20th of July
Orientation
Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th of August
Retreat 1
Tuesday 13th of August
Workshop 1: alumni panel
Saturday 7th of September
Workshop 2: project in practice
Tuesday 17th of September
Workshop 3: peer consultation
Tuesday 1st of October
Workshop 4: place-based change
Monday 18th of November
Workshop 5: working with lived experience, resilience
Friday 28th of February to Saturday 1st of March
Workshop 6: ethics in practice
Saturday 22nd of March
Workshop 7: preparing for spotlight
Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th of May
Spotlight
Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th of May
Closing retreat
-
FAQs
Are there extra supports for students studying at Creswick, Shepparton or Dookie campuses?
Yes. Students who are based in these areas automatically qualify for an additional $500 funding to cover the cost of travel to and from Melbourne for workshops and events.
Can I apply if I’m currently overseas?
Yes. The application process is entirely online, so you can apply allowing that you will have an internet connection over the interview period. However, you will need to be in Victoria for the commencement of the program.
Can I apply if I’ll be away from Victoria for one (or more) of the fellowship semesters?
No. While shorter stints away are acceptable, it is important that fellows are able to attend workshops and retreats in-person wherever possible.
Can I apply if I’ve already graduated from the University of Melbourne?
No. You must be a current UoM student to apply.
Can I apply if I will graduate during the fellowship?
Fellows need to be enrolled students when they begin the fellowship. However, if a student graduates prior to the conclusion of the Wattle Fellowship they can apply but must be planning to stay in Victoria after graduation.
Do you have a minimum WAM requirement to apply?
No. However, you do need to be in good Academic Standing.
Can I apply as an International Student?
Yes.
Can I apply if I’m completing a degree by research rather than coursework?
Yes.
Can I apply if I’m doing a PhD?
Yes.
Are there any hidden expenses associated with the fellowship?
No. All expenses for workshops and retreats are covered.
Can I apply for this round if I applied last time and was unsuccessful?
Yes, and we encourage this, assuming you still fit eligibility requirements.
Program
Delivered by academic experts and external practitioners, students will gain access to a range of expertise in the areas of: project design, values-led decision-making, tools for collaboration, impact storytelling, community organising, advocacy, measuring social impact and public speaking amongst other things.
Wattle Fellows are:
- Committed to active leadership on global sustainability.
- Expected to participate fully in all aspects of the program and make progress on their individual project and leadership journey. (There is a formal attendance requirement of 80% of all official activities).
- Approaching the program in a positive, supportive, collaborative and respectful manner. (This holds true for anyone involved in the program as we believe everyone has a role to play in building an inclusive and learning-focused environment).
Wattle Fellows will:
- Participate in regular workshops to deepen your sustainability knowledge, learn practical skills and practice your leadership
- Have access to world-leading academic experts and external sustainability practitioners
- Attend residential leadership development retreats
- Be provided with mentoring, coaching and support to implement an action project
- Can receive up to $4,000 for your action project and leadership development plan. Additional funding (of up to $1,000) is subject to participation and progress within the program
- Learning and growing with a cohort of peers from across the University
- Formal recognition upon successful completion of the program on your University transcript