Course Overview

About This Course

The RMIT Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) scheme supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars to lead research that shapes knowledge, communities, and institutions. It responds to national priorities to boost Indigenous participation, retention, and success in higher education, as outlined in the Universities Australia Indigenous Strategy and the Australian Universities Accord. By investing in Indigenous-led research from the very start of the academic journey, RMIT's VCIDF scheme ensures fellows can set their own research agendas, advance Indigenous knowledges, and influence institutional culture. Aligned with RMIT's 'Grow Our Own' strategy, the scheme provides structured early-career pathways, combining mentorship, professional development, and cohort-based support to tackle barriers like isolation, underrepresentation, and limited tailored guidance. Through the VCIDF scheme, RMIT is helping meet national targets for Indigenous HDR enrolments and completions, while fostering long-term academic leadership and research excellence.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne City Campus, RMIT University, Melbourne VIC, Australia

124 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Special Condition (Mandatory/Essential): Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply under 'Special Measures' of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 2010. Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage is required at both time of application for the VCIDF role and PhD candidature.
A bachelor's degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average (70% or higher) in the final year; OR
A master's degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average, or a master's degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average (80% or higher); OR
Evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

The scheme fosters long-term academic leadership and research excellence, providing structured early-career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars to establish themselves and evolve as researchers through a PhD.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for the Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) Scheme?

The VCIDF Scheme is offered under the 'Special Measures' provision of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 2010 and is open exclusively to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage is required at both time of application for the VCIDF role and PhD candidature.

What is the application process for the VCIDF Scheme?

There are four key steps: Step 1 is submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the RMIT application portal. Once eligibility is confirmed, successful candidates are invited to complete a Full Application (Step 2) in the same portal. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to attend an interview with the VCIDF selection panel (Step 3). If successful at interview, candidates are invited to apply for the advertised VCIDF position through Workday, which includes completing an online form, uploading a cover letter and CV, and providing a document confirming Aboriginality (Step 4).

What are the key dates for the 2026 VCIDF Scheme?

The 2026 VCIDF Scheme opens for EOIs on 1 September 2025, with an EOI deadline of 30 September 2025. The Full Application deadline is 11 November 2025. Interviews by the VCIDF Selection Panel commence from 24 November 2025, Conditional Offer Letters for Admission are issued from 2 December 2025, successful prospective VCIDFs apply via the HR portal on 3 December 2025, and the Workday application closes on 10 December 2025.

What happens if I am not successful in the VCIDF Scheme after being admitted to the PhD program?

Candidates who are not successful for the VCIDF may still be considered for the RMIT Indigenous HDR Scholarship (RIHS), which provides an alternative pathway to support their higher degree research candidature.

What support is available for VCIDF applicants during the application process?

Graduate research and recruitment specialists are available to guide applicants through every step of the process. Applicants can contact the recruitment team at VCIDF@rmit.edu.au for support or questions not answered in the applicant guide. Additionally, RMIT's Ngarara Willim centre provides support for Indigenous staff and students.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $65,000 to $95,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $95,000 to $120,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $120,000 to $161,000 per year

Career Paths

University Lecturer (Art / Visual Art / Fine Arts)Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor (Art)Professor of Fine Arts or Visual CulturePostdoctoral Research FellowGallery Curator

Key Skills

Independent research design and executionPractice-led and practice-based research methodologiesCritical and theoretical analysis of art and visual cultureAcademic writing and scholarly argumentationExegesis writing and contextualisation of creative work

Full Course Overview

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