Learn more about what you’ll study, how we support regional students and what scholarships you might be eligible for.
Our Indigenous Student Services team can help with information about uni entry, scholarships, accommodation, tutoring, postgraduate studies and more.
An entry pathway for undergraduate studies
This 14-week course is ideal for Indigenous students who have not completed Year 12, received the required ATAR or have other diverse life and education experiences.
Running each semester, the course grants entry into most undergraduate courses, including Arts, Biomedical Science, Commerce, Nursing, Science, Social Work and Teaching. It’s also a great way to prepare yourself for uni study and to make friends before you start.
You’ll enrol in up to 4 units, including 2 core units and 2 electives from either the Arts or Science stream, depending on the undergraduate course you’d like to study. To be accepted into your chosen undergraduate course, you’ll need to receive at least 50% in all units.
The Aboriginal Orientation Course is taught by the UWA School of Indigenous Studies (SIS).
The Aboriginal Orientation Course is a free course.
The Aboriginal Orientation Course (AOC) runs in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.
All orientation students must complete the following 2 core units:
You’ll also need to choose 2 electives from either the Arts or Science stream. This is where you’ll start refining your learning to align with your chosen undergraduate course.
Our Arts stream is a great basis for subjects you might undertake in an Arts degree, such as Anthropology, Creative Writing and Literature, History, Political and Legal Studies, Psychology and Sociology. These units focus on critical and analytical thinking, essay writing, tutorial discussions and oral presentations.
If you’re interested in studying a Bachelor of Arts and/or considering a career in architecture, education, law, psychology or social work, enrol in:
The Science stream is designed for students interested in careers in commerce, engineering, health, science, among others.
If you’re interested in studying a Bachelor of Science and/or considering a career in engineering, geology, science or sports science, or are planning to follow your undergraduate degree with postgraduate studies in dentistry, engineering, medicine or podiatric medicine, enrol in up to 2 of the following:
If you’re interested in studying a Bachelor of Commerce and/or considering a career in accounting, economics, finance, management or marketing, enrol in up to 2 of the following:
*If you’re planning to study Science or Commerce, we strongly recommend taking the Foundations of Mathematics (MATH0013) unit, unless you have a scaled pass in ATAR Mathematics Applications or ATAR Mathematics Methods.
If you’re based in a regional or remote area, our team can help with organising travel and accommodation to attend the University Entrance Workshop (details below). You can also complete the workshop online if you’re unable to travel to Perth.
There’s also plenty of support for regional students to attend uni in Perth, including help finding accommodation and financial support. Ask our team about this when you get in touch.
If you’re enrolled in – or undertaking the Aboriginal Orientation Course – you might also be eligible for a scholarship. These might include:
Our Indigenous Student Services team is here to help! Reach out at the link below to chat about the Aboriginal Orientation Course and the undergraduate course you’re seeking entry into.
If you’re a Year 12 student or recent high school leaver (within two years), then you can apply for the course through TISC. Non-school leavers can apply through UWA’s website.
Applications for Semester 1 close in mid-February, while applications for Semester 2 close in in early July.
To apply, you’ll need to prepare:
Need help with submitting your application? Feel free to email or call us at any point at elaine.lopes@uwa.edu.au or (+61 8) 6488 3949.
You can also apply for uni during the University Entrance Workshop and get in-person support from our team.
Held at Bilya Marlee on UWA’s Perth campus, this information session is a chance to have a yarn about your career and study goals, your past life, work and/or study experiences, and what support you might need to complete your studies.
Our team will also work out which is the best entry pathway into uni for you, whether that’s through the Aboriginal Orientation Course, Indigenous Provisional Entry Scheme or Experience-based entry. If you haven’t already applied for uni entry, you can also complete this at the workshop.
The University Entrance Workshop is held in late January, June and November. Register your interest to attend.
You’ll get the outcome of your application via email. If successful, login to the UWA portal to accept it!