Indigenous students at UWA
Be part of the story of
Indigenous education and growth
Gnalla Moorditj Bullargar – We are strong together
Our campus on the Derbal Yerrigan has been a place to gather and learn for tens of thousands of years — with wisdom passed down from generation to generation. It is our past, present, and future.
And that’s where you come in.
As a student at UWA, you are part of this story, with our entire community 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.
5 stars for Student Demand, Student: Teacher Ratio and International Student Progression Score (Good Universities Guide Undergraduate Ratings 2024)
More than 28,000 students enrolled from 115 countries
Join a welcoming community, not just a university, and make lifelong personal connections
Have a yarn with our team
If you’re a prospective or current student, our team can help with information about uni entry, scholarships, accommodation, tutoring, postgraduate studies and more.
Get in touch today at +61 8 6488 3428 or [email protected]
Holiday shutdown
Please note that UWA and the School of Indigenous Studies will be closed from Friday 20 December 2024, reopening Monday 6 January 2025.
Getting into uni
Below are just a few of the entry pathways to get into uni. Reach out to our team to have a chat about which is be the best option for you.
Provisional Entry Scheme
For WACE students who are expecting an ATAR lower than the course entry requirement OR for those who might not have completed WACE but have other valuable life, study and/or work experiences.
Aboriginal Orientation Course
A 14-week course that grants entry into most undergraduate courses. It’s also a great way to prepare yourself for university study and to make friends before you start.
Experience-based entry
Are you a mature-age student (aged 20+) or do you have other life, work or study experiences and achievements that might have prepared you just as well for uni? Experience-based entry is a great entry pathway for select undergraduate courses.
UWA Smart Start (Albany)
Based at UWA Albany, this 14-week course will prepare you for uni and can also provide entry into all undergraduate degrees at UWA Albany or be used to enrol in select degrees at our Perth campus.
Scholarships and financial support
There are plenty of scholarships available for Indigenous students at UWA. All commencing Indigenous students are eligible for the UWA Connect Scholarship, worth $5,000/year.
You can also apply for ABSTUDY, a government initiative which supports Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students with university fees, living costs and/or accommodation costs.
Explore hundreds more scholarships at the links below or have a yarn with the School of Indigenous Studies team at +61 8 6488 3428 or [email protected]
Finding accommodation
There’s a growing community of Indigenous students living on campus that you could be part of, with limited places reserved just for Indigenous students at University Hall, St Catherine’s and Trinity College. Many of UWA’s colleges also have Indigenous programs offering social events, tutoring and ongoing support.
Worried about the cost? If you’re eligible for ABSTUDY and are a rural student, your total UWA accommodation fees could be covered. We recommend applying as early as possible. Get in touch at +61 8 6488 3428 or [email protected]
UWA also has an accommodation concierge who can help you apply for college and find temporary or crisis accommodation. Email [email protected]
Join us at Bilya Marlee
In 2020, SIS moved into our new home, Bilya Marlee, meaning ‘river of the swan’. Here you’ll find tutoring, career advice, wellbeing and pastoral support from our Student Services team and other SIS staff, along with study facilities such as a computer lab, common room and library just for Indigenous students.
Bilya Marlee is also home to the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health (CAMDH) and Poche Centre for Indigenous Health.Meet our team About Bilya Marlee
Social and sporting events
There are year-round social events at SIS, including BBQs, quiz nights and study nights where you can catch up with other Indigenous students and staff.
Or you might like to join Indigenous Nationals, an annual sporting event that brings Indigenous uni students from across the country to a different state each year. Not to mention the numerous UWA clubs for almost every interest you could think of.
Indigenous study support
We encourage all Indigenous students to use our Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme or ITAS.
Once you’re enrolled, login to ITAS and set up your student profile. Our team will match you with a final-year, postgraduate student or graduate to help with tutoring throughout your degree.
Sign up for ITAS
Outreach programs for schools
We offer tailored programs for schools throughout WA where Indigenous students can get a taste of uni life and everything UWA has to offer. They’ll meet current students, learn about uni courses and the careers they can lead to, 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.
View Outreach programs
Have a question? Get in touch with us
Our School of Indigenous Studies team is ready to answer all your questions.
Office hours
8.30am–5.00pm (AWST), Monday to Friday
Please note that our office will be closed from Friday 20 December 2024, reopening Monday 6 January 2025.
Phone
+61 8 6488 3428
Email
[email protected]
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