Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Key takeaways
- Scholarships and Opportunities: Access scholarships, training, and programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, including the Indigenous Youth Mobility Pathways Project and VET pathways like MobReady.
- University Support: Universities offer dedicated support through Indigenous Units, with special consideration options and helpful camps for transitioning.
- Financial Support: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can receive financial help through ABSTUDY and Commonwealth supported places for tertiary education.
- Start Early: Begin scholarship applications early, track deadlines, and seek support from school officers or organisations like Career Trackers.
If you're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student in Year 12, there are many resources and opportunities available to help you with your next steps.
Whether you're thinking about further study, training, or jumping straight into work, here's some useful information to get you started.
Opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
There are scholarships, programs, and training opportunities specifically for you. For example, the NSW Post-school options fact sheet lists scholarships, government-subsidised training, and sporting academy opportunities.
The Indigenous Youth Mobility Pathways Project helps young people from rural and remote communities move to a host location for further education, training, or apprenticeships.
Thinking about a VET pathway?
If you're considering Vocational Education and Training (VET), there are several Group Training Organisations that offer traineeships and apprenticeships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Some of these include:
Tip
- Search what is available locally: Try searching your State or Territory for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander VET opportunities to see what is available locally.
- Explore organisations: Reach out to these organisations early to find out about application deadlines and what documents you need to prepare.
Exploring university
All Universities provide support through an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Support Unit. If you are planning on going to university, research the ones that will best suit your needs and contact the specific unit to find out what additional supports are available to you.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people may apply for special consideration under the specific schemes at each university and/or under the Educational Access Schemes (EAS). Check your preferred university's website for their scheme.
Tip
- Explore support: Your school's Aboriginal Education Support Officers or Koori/ Aboriginal support officers at TAFE/ University can provide advice on applications, or scholarships.
- Find a camp: Most universities run camps for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander senior high school students to introduce them to university and build relationships between students.
- Attend open days: Attend university open days and ask about support services for Indigenous students. This can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
Career Trackers also provide internships (work experience) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students.
Scholarships for high school, university and VET Students
There are many scholarships available to help you financially. Here are a few resources:
- YourCareer website links to information on post-school options, scholarships, and support services.
- Study Work Grow outlines a wide range of scholarships available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
- Aurora Education Foundation provides information about scholarships and runs an internship program.
- Charlie Perkins Scholarship Trust offers scholarships to study at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge.
- Marrung Education Scholarships support students in Victoria to complete Years 11 and 12 with $5,000 scholarships ($2500 over two years).
- GO Foundation Scholarships provide financial support and access to mentoring, homework support, internships, and more for students in Sydney.
Tip
- Start early: Start your scholarship applications early and keep track of deadlines. Make sure to gather all required documents and ask for help if you need it.
Financial support
There are various payments and supports available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students:
- ABSTUDY helps with school fees, boarding fees, living costs, travel costs, and school materials.
- From 2024, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are eligible for Commonwealth supported places. Check if your TAFE/ Uni provider is approved for Commonwealth assistance before enrolling. More info on the Study Assist website.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are eligible for fee-free TAFE. Find out more.
Tip
- Use a checklist: Keep a checklist of all the financial support options you qualify for.
- Apply early: Apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Remember, there are plenty of resources and people ready to help you succeed. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to talk to a teacher, a career advisor, or your Family Partnership Coordinator.
End of article
