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Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Empowering our students throughout their studies and careers
We offer continuous support for our Indigenous students – from high school, admission pathways, scholarships, student and social support to career and job support.
Meet Dana Cutmore-Farina
Dana is a Kamilaroi woman studying a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science, hear about her experience at the University.
Preparing for uni
Our high school programs allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to experience university life while in high school.
We offer week-long on-campus programs for students in Year 10, 11 and 12, to experience university and meet current students. We also offer exam support, where students can receive one-on-one tutoring from our teachers and exam markers in the lead up to the HSC.
Getting into uni
The Gadigal Program is an entry pathway for Indigenous students who are interested in studying an undergraduate or postgraduate course with us.
The program assists you with admission, allows you to apply for an early conditional offer, participate in a two-week academic skills program and gives you access to academic and personal support throughout your degree.
Through the Extended Bachelor's Programs, we have also introduced a dedicated pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to study some of our humanities, science and health degrees.
The programs include an additional year of study in an academically and culturally supported environment.
Scholarships and financial assistance
We offer a range of scholarships available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Search hundreds of scholarships, or view all the scholarships available by your level of study:
You may also be eligible for a scholarship provided by other organisations. Visit the Aurora Education Foundation Scholarships Portal to view all their scholarship opportunities.
The Australian Government also offer a range of allowances to full-time students through ABSTUDY, which can help with your study costs and rent.
Accommodation services
The Gadigal Accommodation Scholarship is an accommodation subsidy for recent school leavers who are about to start studying full-time with us. The award reduced your weekly rent to $50 and will give you a guaranteed spot in one of our student accommodation buildings in your first year.
There are also many residential scholarships for first-year students offered in partnership with the Women's College, St John's College and Mandelbaum House.
Explore all of our student accommodation options.
Meet Kyle and Alana, hear about their experiences moving from Woolgoolga and Thursday Island to Gadigal land.
Study and social support
Our Mana Yura team provides access and support programs to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students throughout your degree.
Once you start uni, you can access individual or group tuition every week through the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS).
The Mentoring Our Brothers and Sisters (MOBS) Program connects senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with new students. MOBS mentors will share their experience and give advice and guidance to you during your first year.
At uni, you will have access to culturally safe spaces on campus, including a student and staff common room with kitchen facilities, photocopying, a research library, computer lab and tutorial rooms.
The Wingara Mura Resource Centre was established around 1992 as the Koori Centre Research Library and started with a small collection of resources for the use of block mode students. The centre holds a unique collection of nearly 7000 items relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and affairs, including rare and out of print materials.
The centre provides other services including access to local and Indigenous newspapers, photocopy and printing facilities and a quiet study area, as well as on-site staff to help you find the items you need. As this is a resource centre, items are not available to borrow or take off-site.
Download the Wingara Mura Resource Centre brochure (pdf, 377KB) for more information.
Career support and jobs
The University's Careers Centre provides support to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to help you plan and build your career.
The Centre has dedicated staff who can offer guidance and support with your career direction, as well as finding and applying for jobs.
Throughout the year, there are careers fairs on-campus where employers come to meet you, as well as a range of workshops and events.