Vice-Chancellor's Ancora Imparo Leadership Program

For students ready to make a difference

The Vice‑Chancellor’s Ancora Imparo Leadership Program gives you the chance to step into your potential. Since 2005, it’s helped Monash students grow into values‑driven leaders who know how to create real impact. Through this program, you’ll build your confidence, sharpen your decision‑making, develop your capacity to contribute with influence, and join a community of peers who are ready to shape the future – starting now.

Take a look at the About tab to learn more about the Vice-Chancellor’s Ancora Imparo Leadership Program and how you can become part of the next generation driving change.

You can also complete one of our Leap into Leadership Online modules to start building your leadership skills today.

A message from the Vice-Chancellor

A Monash University education is transformative, combining excellence with experiential and immersive experiences, and fostering a global outlook to take on the challenges of the age. It's about honing the skills to shape a successful career and making a global impact. In the dynamic tapestry of Monash, leadership is not just a trait; it's a key thread woven into the fabric of your education.

The Ancora Imparo program is an immersive experience designed to unlock your leadership potential, guiding you through engaging interactions with renowned community leaders, distinguished alumni, our dedicated Monash staff, and the brilliant minds around you — your fellow students.

I wholeheartedly recommend it. It's not just an opportunity; it's a catalyst for growth and a pathway to discovering leadership potential that will set you apart in your endeavours.

Join us in the quest for knowledge, empowerment, and leadership that transcends boundaries.

Professor Sharon Pickering
Vice-Chancellor and President, Monash University

Benefits

Program structure

Here’s what your journey will look like:

You’ll join a network of over 800 alumni who have learned to lead by empowering others – creating lasting relationships that will shape how you create impact throughout your career.

What you’ll experience

Program outcomes

The program supports you to grow as an ethical, inclusive and adaptable leader. Across three interconnected areas — leading yourself, leading with others and leading in the real world — you’ll develop the confidence and practical skills to apply in any future.

Lead self

Ethical leadership foundations
LO1: Articulate and apply core concepts of ethics and leadership.

Values-aligned purpose and planning
LO2: Construct a personal ethical leadership plan that aligns with your values.

Lead with others

Ethical collaboration and teamwork
LO3: Collaborate effectively in teams to develop an ethical response to a complex leadership situation or dilemma.

Inclusive leadership across differences
LO4: Value diversity of perspectives and foster inclusion in your leadership practice.

Lead in the real world

Complexity, uncertainty, and ethical judgment
LO5: Analyse how leaders navigate complexity and uncertainty.

Eligibility criteria

The Ancora Imparo Leadership Program is open to students from all faculties. You will usually apply during your first year of undergraduate study and participate in the program during your second year.

At the time of application, you must be:

• a current first-year Monash undergraduate student
• a final-year student in a post-secondary course that provides direct entry into the second year of a Monash degree, such as a Monash College Diploma or Diploma of Tertiary Studies
• a mid-year intake student preparing to begin the second year of your undergraduate course
• a mature-age student completing the first year of a new undergraduate degree, where your previous degree was completed more than 10 years ago, or
• an Indigenous student currently in the second year of a Monash undergraduate degree who did not apply in the previous year.

Places are limited, and meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

Additional requirements

To participate, you must:

• Maintain a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 50
• Remain in good academic and conduct standing and uphold the Monash Student Charter
• Commit to active engagement and attendance at the residential program, six evening leadership sessions and other key in-person activities
• be available throughout the program year; extended travel or exchange may affect your eligibility
• formally accept your offer by the nominated deadline.

Places not accepted by the deadline may be offered to waitlisted applicants.

Equity places

For 2027, 10 of the program’s places will be reserved for students from designated equity groups. This supports a diverse cohort and helps make the program more accessible to students who otherwise face barriers to participation.

You may be considered for an equity place if:

• You are experiencing financial, personal or educational disadvantage
• You or your family receive an income-tested Centrelink benefit, such as Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, a Health Care Card or Family Tax Benefit Part A
• You hold a humanitarian visa, or
• You are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student.

Any unfilled equity places will return to the general applicant pool. If you nominate an equity category, you may be contacted for supporting information or verification.

Information for Indigenous applicants

Indigenous students are encouraged to contact the William Cooper Institute for advice and support in preparing an application. Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage may be required for consideration under the Indigenous equity category.

Information session

Curious about growing as a leader? Join our info session to learn more about the Ancora Imparo Leadership Program.

In this session, you’ll get a clear overview of what the program involves across the year – from the residential experience to the syndicate sessions and final retreat. We’ll break down how the program works, what you’ll gain from it, and what makes it different from other leadership opportunities.

Whether you’re already thinking about applying or just exploring what’s out there, this is a great place to start.

Applications

Applications for 2027 are not yet open.

Important dates

2027 program commencement

The 2027 Ancora Imparo Leadership Program begins with a fully funded, three-day residential experience in mid-February – and it’s a key part of the journey you won’t want to miss.

To take part, you’ll need to be available between 10–12 February 2027, plus a few other dates throughout the year (we’ll share more details soon).

Contact for enquiries

Email: leadership.development@monash.edu

Kristy, Bachelor of Health Sciences, 2023 Ancoran

I walked into Ancora with nothing to lose, but the power to gain everything - and that, I did.”

Jamal, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce, 2023 Ancoran

There’s something almost magical about surrounding yourself with those who are innately curious. Ancora brings these students together, and I’m grateful that it’s planted the seeds of many lifelong friendships. I find that opportunities to feed our curiosities with friends are extremely rare, and I was glad that our syndicates facilitated this. The crowd favourite residential program is genuinely something special and sets the standard of what to expect for the rest of the program.”

Frank, Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, 2023 Ancoran

I loved the constant stimulation of the Ancorans’ diverse views and values. The group enriched my experience and helped me further develop my own interpersonal skills and thought processes.”

Ashleigh, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce, 2022 Ancoran

Almost three years later, I am still frequently bringing up Ancora Imparo, mostly due to the enduring connections that were forged during the program, which have had, and continue to have, a tangible impact on my personal and professional life.”

IGA (Gabriel-Ange), Bachelor of Architectural Design, 2022 Ancoran

For me, leadership involves personal growth and empowering others to create positive change in the community. The Ancora Imparo Leadership Program provided the ideal environment for honing these skills and learning from peers who share similar values.”

Rosie, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Global Studies, 2022 Ancoran

Ancora inspired me to think big and question solutions to real world issues whilst collaborating with students from different faculties.”