By Dr. Monika Buljan Jones
The Victorian Croatian Chamber of Commerce (VCCC) is a non-for-profit organisation, aiming to strengthen ties between Australia and Croatia through trade, investment, education and cultural exchange. Australia and Croatia have many initiatives to support STEMM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical careers. The VCCC is working on getting you better Cro-nected (Croatian connections). The VCCC recently kicked-off the fourth youth STEMM Challenge with guest co-host Her Excellency Betty Pavelich, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. We kindly thank her for her enthusiasm and support.
The 2025 STEMM Challenge has ten new students from across Australia, who meet online. They engage with Croatian STEMM professionals globally, build skills, and work on their STEMM Project. Before our grand plan to take a group of students on a Study/Work Tour in Croatia in 2026 or 2027, we are starting local. The success of the STEMM Challenge has inspired the VCCC to connect the Australian-Croatian STEMM network via the 2025 STEMM Summit in Canberra. This includes new student scholarships to support mladi to attend the Summit. For the first fundraiser, the VCCC has teamed up with the Croatian School of Language and Culture Melbourne to host a Family Trivia Night in St Nikola Tavelic Clifton Hill Hall, on Saturday 5 July 2025 at 6pm. As well as a fun night, we will be on site to meet you and answer your questions.
Two past STEMM Challenge students reached out to the VCCC to share their incredible stories of the opportunities beyond the STEMM Challenge.
Melbourne Engineering Student Gains Global Edge Through Internship in Croatia
Martin Buljat, a final-year Master of Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Melbourne, is proof that international experience pays off. He was one of the early participants in the VCCC STEMM Challenge. He completed the program twice and became the first student in Australia to secure a three-month engineering internship in Split, Croatia — an opportunity that was formally recognised by his university and contributed credits towards his degree. Martin’s internship not only enriched his academic journey but also gave him a significant head start in employability. Australian students who engage in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and international placements are increasingly seen as highly competitive by future employers.
The opportunity was made possible through a connection Martin made during the VCCC STEMM program. His host employer in Croatia was initially surprised to receive interest from an Australian student, but welcomed Martin enthusiastically. During his time abroad, Martin gained hands-on experience building ship components and developed his business communication skills. He also formed lasting friendships — all while immersing himself in a new cultural and professional environment. Martin speaks highly of the experience, crediting it with broadening his perspective. It equipped him with both technical and interpersonal skills that will serve him well in his engineering career.
Building Bridges: Australian STEMM Challenge leads to Study Scholarship in Croatia
Lucija Filipovic has completed her Bachelor of Biotechnology at Australian National University, Canberra and completed three STEMM Challenges. Last year she reached out to the VCCC to be referees for the scholarships she was applying for. This month, Lucija said:
“…The [STEMM] program has helped me reconnect with my Croatian roots and has undoubtedly influenced my early career choices. Over the past semester, I’ve been living in Zagreb, studying the Croatian language through a scholarship from the Croatian Ministry. This experience has opened up many new opportunities and sparked a strong desire to stay in Croatia or the EU long term. … I feel proud to call both Croatia and Australia home, and I truly hope the program continues to inspire Croatian youth to celebrate and preserve our culture and traditions. Living here has shown me the value of building connections and the power of community.”
Lucija is now giving back in her own way. She recently volunteered to meet a past STEMM student from Melbourne in Zagreb, offering to show her around the city and share her personal journey through the program. It’s a powerful example of the ripple effect the VCCC STEMM Challenge continues to create — connecting young people not just with Croatia, but with STEMM professionals and with one another across borders.
Connecting STEMM opportunities between Croatia and Australia
This growing network of students and professionals in the STEMM Program demonstrates the long-term value of international exchange. As interest grows, many more Croatian companies, research institutes, and universities may be open to hosting Australian students and early career professionals. Likewise, Australian students are increasingly keen to explore opportunities for volunteering, working, and studying in Croatia. Those interested in getting involved or learning how to build these kinds of meaningful connections are encouraged to contact the VCCC via their website. The team is ready to support students, professionals, and organisations in making the most of this exchange.
The first Australian-Croatian STEMM Summit, Canberra, 11-12 Oct 2025
The VCCC invite mladi (youth; students), early career and established professionals in STEMM to the first Australian-Croatian STEMM Summit in Canberra, October 2025.
It will be a weekend of catching up with old friends, making new Cro-nections, and looking at your next study and career options. Both in Australia and abroad, attendees can benefit. Activities may include plenary talks, networking events, professional development, a visit to the Croatian Embassy, and more. Pencil it into your diary and keep an eye on our website vcccproject.com.au for a registration page in early July.
VCCC commence exciting new STEMM Mladi Scholarships
To support mladi from all over Australia to attend the 2025 STEMM Summit, the VCCC is establishing new student scholarships. Economy flights, one night accommodation and conference costs can add to $AUS800-1000. This is a lot for a student. To keep costs down, we are currently looking for sponsorship from businesses and individuals – this could be a once off gift, hosting your own fundraising event for/ with us or becoming an official sponsor at the event. We have Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorship packages from $AUS500. Contact Dr Monika Buljan Jones on vcccprojects@gmail.com for details.
STEMM fundraising event – Family Trivia 6pm, Saturday 5 July 2025
All Croatians, family and friends are invited to attend the Family Trivia night after the 5pm Youth Mass. Proceeds will support the Clifton Hill Community and STEMM Mladi. We plan to have:
- Trivia Games — Fast-paced rounds of general knowledge and creative challenges (in English).
- Hot Food and drinks available for purchase at bar prices (hot chips, chicken tenders + more).
- Tombola and Mini-Games — Bring some coins or a card to join in the fun.
- Prizes for the winning team and other surprises throughout the night.
Teams of 8–10 are ideal. Don’t worry if you don’t have one, we’ll help you join a team on arrival. Come up with a fun team name and get ready to compete! We ask for a small donation at the door. However, reservations are encouraged (free) via www.eventbrite.com.au/e/family-trivia-fundraiser-night-tickets-1420058205319.
Visit us at www.vcccprojects.com to get in touch and find out more about our STEMM and other initiatives.