Indigenous students at UWA

Gnalla Moorditj Bullargar – We are strong together

Kaya, wanjoo
Welcome to UWA

Our campus on the Derbal Yerrigan has been a place to gather and learn for tens of thousands of years, sharing life lessons through stories that have been passed down from generation to generation of the world’s oldest continuous culture. It is our past, present and future.

And that’s where you come in.

As an Indigenous student at UWA, you’re part of this story, with our entire community at the Indigenous Portfolio behind you each step of the way. You’ll take your learning beyond the books and build skills and connections that will set you up for a career you’re passionate about.

Have a yarn with our team

If you’re a prospective or current Indigenous student, our team can help with information about university entry, scholarships, accommodation, tutoring, postgraduate studies and more.

Get in touch today at (+61 8) 6488 3428 or sis@uwa.edu.au

To all the mob out there who are considering uni, I would say, ‘Take the leap!’

Taleah

Bachelor of Science

Getting into UWA

There are many entry pathways to get into university as an Indigenous student. Have a yarn with our team about the best option for you.

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Meet our Indigenous students

Indigenous studies majors

Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage major

Gain a strong grounding in Indigenous world views in this practical, multi-disciplinary major that explores often-contested colonial histories, memory, culture and language through an Australian and global Indigenous lens.
Taught by the School of Indigenous Studies (SIS), this major is available through the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), or as a second major for students in any undergraduate degree.
Individual units are also available as broadening for any undergraduate students.

Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing major

Explore the many factors that influence the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples, families and communities in Australia. You’ll gain an understanding of particular health problems and their impacts within Aboriginal communities, as well as practical experience in Aboriginal health settings.
Taught by UWA’s Medical School, the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health (CAMDH) and SIS, this major is available through the Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), or as a second major for students in any undergraduate degree.
Individual units are also available as broadening for any undergraduate students.

Scholarships, accommodation and wellbeing

Starting uni often marks a new chapter in your life. At UWA, we make this transition easier with help finding on-campus accommodation, along with tutoring, and financial and wellbeing support throughout your studies.

Scholarships

There are many scholarships available for Indigenous students at UWA. Here are just a few on offer. 

UWA Connect Scholarship

All commencing Indigenous undergraduate and postgraduate students are automatically eligible for this scholarship.
$5,000 per year (with an additional $1,500 in the first year)

Commonwealth scholarships 

Indigenous Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship, from $3,000 per year
Indigenous Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship, from $5,000 per year
Indigenous Commonwealth Achievement Scholarship, from $3,000

Academic and other scholarships 

Even more scholarships are available for academic achievement, specific degrees, accommodation and more.

Explore hundreds more scholarships below or have a yarn with our team at (+61 8) 6488 3428 or sis@uwa.edu.au

Browse Indigenous scholarships

Browse all scholarships

ABSTUDY

You might also be eligible for ABSTUDY – this program provides financial help for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students with living expenses, study costs and travel costs, if you’re living away from home or travel as part of your study.
You’ll need to be enrolled in an approved course and be either studying full-time or have an approved concessional study load.

Find out more about ABSTUDY

On-campus accommodation

Living on-campus is a great way to make friends and save on travel. Many students choose to live at our residential colleges, located just across the road from our Perth campus. Here, you’ll have your own room, daily meals provided and access to shared facilities. 

A number of places are reserved just for Indigenous students at University Hall, St Catherine’s and Trinity College. Many colleges also have Indigenous programs offering social events, tutoring and ongoing support. 

View all accommodation

Fees and support 

If you’re eligible for ABSTUDY and are a regional student, your total UWA accommodation fees could be covered. We recommend applying as early as possible. Have a yarn with our team at (+61 8) 6488 3428 or sis@uwa.edu.au  

Accommodation scholarships are another great option.

UWA also has an accommodation concierge who can help you apply for college and/or find temporary or crisis accommodation.

Email accommodation-concierge@uwa.edu.au

Tutoring support

The Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) is a tutoring program just for Indigenous students. Once you’re enrolled in uni, our team can match you with a tutor to help with tutoring throughout your degree. 

Health and wellbeing 

Support from SIS 

Our Indigenous Student Services team is always on-hand if you need someone to yarn with about uni or just life in general. We can also connect you to other free university services, like the below. 

The Living Room
This is a drop-in service for any UWA students needing advice, support or just someone to talk to. You don’t need an appointment to visit, so drop by during their opening hours and have a chat with one of their peer supporters.

UniAccess
This free, confidential service supports students with a disability, illness or medical condition. They can help with access support, liaising with other faculties on your behalf, advice and more.

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Opportunities for Indigenous students

Find your mob and develop your career with regular events for Indigenous students, international and national conferences, industry cadetships and more.

Indigenous social events

Indigenous social events happen year-round at Bilya Marlee – home to UWA’s School of Indigenous Studies (SIS) – including BBQs, quiz nights and study nights where you can catch up with other Indigenous students and staff.

Indigenous Nationals

Indigenous Nationals is a must on the sporting calendar, bringing mob from universities across the country to a different state each year.

International opportunities

International opportunities see many of SIS’s students participate in professional conferences all over the world, such as New York, New Zealand, Japan and Peru. We also run an overseas trip through the Indigenous Ways of Knowing unit to engage with other Indigenous cultures and people.

Berndt Museum

Berndt Museum is an Indigenous-led institution housed at UWA that holds one of the most significant collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural material in the world. You can learn about caring for collections by interning through the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program.

Indigenous cadetships

Indigenous cadetships are a great way to gain paid professional experience with businesses and institutions while studying. Cadets often work over summer or one day a week during semester. These are organised directly with the organisation, but SIS can assist with finding opportunities and supporting your application.

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How do I apply to UWA?

If you’re thinking of applying for UWA, reach out to our team and we’ll support you through the process.

Contact the Indigenous Student Services

Our Student Services team is here to help! We can answer questions – no matter how big or small – and support with choosing your course and entry pathway, enrolling in university, finding accommodation, scholarships and more. Get in touch at (+61 8) 6488 3428 or sis@uwa.edu.au

Choose your degree

Explore our courses, watch videos of our students and alumni and get a sense if this could be the degree for you. There are also opportunities to transfer across degrees, if you change your mind later.

Check the entry requirements

Once you’ve chosen, check the ATAR needed or any other course requirements.

Choose your entry pathway

You can either enter ‘direct’ (going straight into your undergraduate degree with the required ATAR or relevant life/education experience) or you can take an enabling or bridging course, like the Aboriginal Orientation Course.

Apply online

If you’re a Year 12 student or recent high school leaver (within two years), you can apply via TISC.

Non-school leavers or those applying for Experience-based entry can apply via UWA.

To apply, you will need:

Proof of identification (such as a birth certificate)
Unique Student Identifier or USI – all Australian school students have one. If you don’t have a record of yours, visit Find your USI

Other material you might need:

Tax File Number (if applying for HECS)
CV/resume and references (only if applying for Experience-based entry)

Getting your offer

You’ll get the outcome of your application via email. If successful, login to the UWA portal to accept it!

If you didn’t get an offer, there might be an alternative pathway for university entry. Reach out to our team – we may be able to help.

Accept your offer

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Download our guide

A Guide for Indigenous High School Students [Loading...]

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UWA Indigenous Portfolio

Within the Indigenous Portfolio, the Indigenous Student Services team supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to follow your passions and shape your futures.

Our home is Bilya Marlee

At the UWA Crawley Campus in Perth, you’ll find us at Bilya Marlee, meaning ‘river of the swan’ in Noongar. Here you’ll find tutoring, career advice and wellbeing support from our Student Services team, along with study facilities such as a computer lab and common room just for Indigenous students.

About Bilya Marlee

Outreach programs for schools

We offer tailored programs for schools throughout WA, where Indigenous students can get a taste of university life and everything UWA has to offer. They’ll meet current students, learn about our courses and potential career pathways, do hands-on activities and discover the many ways you can get into uni. 

Book an on-campus tour or organise a visit to your metropolitan or regional school.

Learn more

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Have a yarn with us

Our Indigenous Student Services team can help with information about uni entry, scholarships, accommodation, tutoring, postgraduate studies and more.

Office hours
8.30am–5.00pm (AWST), Monday to Friday
Give us a call
+61 8 6488 3428
Email us
sis@uwa.edu.au
askUWA
Register
Register your interest

Indigenous students at UWA

Kaya, wanjoo Welcome to UWA

Have a yarn with our team

Getting into UWA

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Meet our Indigenous students

Indigenous studies majors

Scholarships, accommodation and wellbeing

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Opportunities for Indigenous students

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How do I apply to UWA?

Check the entry requirements

To apply, you will need:

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Download our guide

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UWA Indigenous Portfolio

Outreach programs for schools

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Have a yarn with us

Office hours

Give us a call

Email us

Register

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Check the entry requirements

To apply, you will need:

Download our guide

UWA Indigenous Portfolio

Outreach programs for schools

Office hours

Give us a call

Email us

Register

Kaya, wanjoo
Welcome to UWA