Study Melbourne Empowered Series (Empowered) is a Victorian Government initiative investing in student empowerment and leadership development beyond the classroom.

It includes a strengths-based approach to international student capacity building, distilled across four key program pillars of: leadership and volunteering; equality and inclusion; digital skills and innovation; employability and entrepreneurship.

Through those pillars, the Empowered Series offers a suite of employability programs – co-designed by students, for students – which are now accessible for all international students studying with a Victorian education provider, in Melbourne, regional and rural Victoria or offshore.

With a variety of events and activities, ranging from career development workshops and one-on-one resume checking session to volunteering and leadership skills workshop and premium networking events, the Empowered Series programs are free and inclusive, to help you to develop your skills and increase your employability.

LEARN new skills, develop new mindsets and become the best version of yourself

CONNECT with mentors and free employability services, network with industry partners and fellow students

BUILD your capability, prepare your portfolio for your job applications and grow your sense of belonging

Available now

Leadership Labs

October 2022 – June 2025

A flagship leadership initiative for international students, with a student-centred, strengths-based approach to capacity building and leadership skills development, social entrepreneurship and volunteering. It includes a series of free events and streams designed to guide you through your leadership journey via engaging workshops and project-based streams.

Learn more

Available now

Career Catalyst 

October/November 2022 – June 2025

The program provides a full suite of support to improve international graduate outcomes through employability skills development, professional networking and industry partnerships. International students have access to tailored and on-demand career development services and bi-annual premium network events.

Learn more

Coming soon

Everyday Heroes

Early 2023 – June 2025

The program aims to increase international students’ social and community connection and support networks through a festival of events and workshops celebrating diversity. You will feel inspired by the stories from current international students and alumni through panel discussion and interactive workshops.

Coming soon

Global Gamechangers

Mid 2023 – June 2025

The initiative supports international student innovators and future tech leaders to develop industry relevant tech solutions through intensive workshops and team-based projects.

Future Founders Program

Find out more

Empowered Events

Join Study Melbourne’s free events and programs to discover new experiences, make new friends, and build your networks.

See all events