Vice-Chancellor's Ancora Imparo Leadership Program
Empowering future leaders to drive positive change
Since its inception in 2006, the Vice-Chancellor's Ancora Imparo Leadership Program has been a catalyst for transformative leadership at Monash University. By participating in the program, you’ll gain the confidence, skills, and networks needed to create meaningful impact in your community and beyond.
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.
Alumni spotlight
Our alumni are leaders, innovators, and change-makers. From launching sustainable start-ups to influencing policy, Ancora Imparo graduates are creating a lasting impact across the globe.
Want to share your Ancora story? Reach out to us at leadership.development@monash.edu and inspire the next generation of leaders!
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
Industry leaders
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Program structure
Here’s a taste of what you can expect.
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.
Program outcomes
- Leadership confidence and competence: You’ll leave the program with practical leadership skills – including strategic thinking, public speaking and ethical decision-making.
- Positive social change: Ancorans lead initiatives that make tangible differences in local and global communities.
- Life-long networks: By the end of the program, you’ll have built lasting friendships and professional connections with like-minded peers across faculties.
Eligibility criteria
Participants must be second-year undergraduate students at a Victorian campus of Monash University. There are a limited number of positions available in the program each year.
To be eligible, you must be one of the following at the time of your application:
- a current first-year undergraduate student at Monash University
- a final-year student in a post-secondary course with a direct pathway into the second year of a Monash University course (e.g. a Monash College Diploma or a Diploma of Tertiary Studies)
- a mid-year intake undergraduate student beginning the second-year of your course
- a mature-age student who completed your first degree over 10 years ago and is, at the time of application, a first-year undergraduate student at Monash University
- an Indigenous student who is a current second-year undergraduate at Monash University and who has not applied in the previous year.
Successful applicants must be able to commit to the residential program, as well as eight evening seminars, held monthly.
Indigenous students
Please contact the William Cooper Institute for further advice on preparing your application.
Applications
The 2026 Ancora Imparo cohort has now been selected and will start the program in February 2026.
Check back later in the year for information on the next intake.
Important dates
Check back soon for the 2026 dates.
Contact for enquiries
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.”