Frequently Asked Questions

You can expect to be involved in a range of fun-filled activities including community service, social events, camps, weekly mentoring meetings, journaling, conferences, professional development workshops, and campus events.

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Typically... you will get out what you put into it. That said, we estimate participation in the program to be similar to taking an additional subject each session. We also know that academics should always come first, so we offer flexible options for meeting times, workshops, etc. to fit into your uni timetable.

Black Opal has students from every faculty of the University. We firmly believe that leadership is a journey that anyone - from any discipline - can take. It requires continuous learning and hard work, but the benefits can be seen in every aspect of your life.

Also, as a future Uni graduate, you'll need something to distinguish yourself from others. Employers from every field are looking for leadership, communication and interpersonal skills in their job applicants. Individuals around the world are discovering the importance of leadership skills in this increasingly connected world. Regardless of who you are or what you dream of, leadership is relevant to you and can help you get there.

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Yes! Generations ago leadership was thought to be a trait that only some white males were born with. Leadership is now recognized to be a skill set that involves building relationships, working towards common goals, continuous learning, and making a positive difference... all of which require experience and practice.

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As a Black Opal Graduate, you will have skill sets that you can utilize in uni and beyond. You will be able to understand how your profession or passions relate to leadership, and you will have a higher degree of interpersonal skills. In addition to the excellent academic education from the UOW, you'll be ready to implement what you've learned and leave your mark on the world.

Black Opal student fees are $300 a semester. This is only a small percentage of the program cost per student. The rest is covered by our sponsors. A limited number of scholarships that cover these fees are also available by application.

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Once you have paid your student fees, there are no additional costs to Black Opal. The only exception is if you are accepted for the Arizona Blue Chip Exchange, and even then Black Opal supports you financially far more than any other exchange opportunity.

Yes! Black Opal has several Support Scholarships available upon application to cover Black Opal student fees. Visit our applications page for more information.

Although we would like to accept everyone who applies to the program, we unfortunately only have positions for 100 students per year. However, each year a reserve list is generated in case spaces become available throughout the first year.

The greatest risk in life is to risk nothing at all. So apply today.

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YES! If you are a first year undergraduate at the University of Wollongong between the ages of 17-22, we encourage you to apply for Black Opal.

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Due to Black Opal's application process and the limited number of positions available, submitting the Expression of Interest is the best way to get your foot in the door. Expressions of Interest are used solely for the application process and so that we may provide you with additional information to inform your decision. You may withdraw from the applications process at any time.

No. While we do consider year 12 marks in the application process, they are not the determining factor of acceptance. We are searching for individuals genuinely interested in learning and practicing leadership.

Yes! We welcome applications from any international undergraduate student that will be attending the University of Wollongong for 3 years.

Black Opal is an intentional, 3-year program and while it may be possible to complete the program in two and a half years, any less time may present difficulties. Contact us in advance if this may apply to you.

After three years of active participation you will officially graduate from Black Opal. However we are currently discussing an honours type 4th year.

Black Opal began in February 2005 and was created in partnership with the Arizona Blue Chip Program at the University of Arizona in the United States. Blue Chip is recognized as being one of the top leadership development programs in the US. The partnership between Blue Chip and Black Opal is strong and growing year by year. In 2007 we will be beginning the first of the annual student exchange between the two programs.

The Arizona Blue Chip Program is one of the premier leadership development programs in the US. Blue Chip is a large, 4-year program accepting as many as 250 students per year from all degrees at the University of Arizona. It is Black Opal's ongoing partner for student, curriculum, and intellectual property exchange.

The Blue Chip - Black Opal exchange in the 3rd year of the program is a unique study abroad opportunity. We look for students within the program that have demonstrated a high level of commitment and who we feel would both benefit greatly and also represent Black Opal well while at the UofA. While abroad, not only will these students be studying at the Uni but they will be integrated directly into Blue Chip and get to experience a broad sampling of Blue Chip's activities and curriculum.

Vision:

We strive to reveal capability, nurturing it to potential through committment to lifelong learning.

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Black Opals are a precious Australian resource. When found, they are often recognised by a streak of colour or a flash of light that alludes to the potential within. Only after a period of cutting and polishing, is the fire and true value of the stone revealed.

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