Everyone should have the opportunity to get a degree if they want to. We strive to advance the educational aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through our Indigenous Access Scheme, a number of entry scheme programs, plus special consideration that recognises your achievements.
The Indigenous Access Scheme recognises the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and considers the skills, experience and community work that prepares you for study. We look beyond your ATAR and academic results so we can reward your hard work with a place at university. Here’s how it works:
There are over 30 courses available through the Indigenous Access Scheme, all shaped and taught by industry leaders. Use our course finder to find a course that matches your passions.
Complete our online application form to apply. After submitting your application, we’ll guide you through the next step, which gives you the opportunity to tell us about the skills and experience that demonstrate your readiness for study.
When you join the largest cohort of First Nations students at a Victorian university,^ you’ll have access to qualified tutors and mentors, who can help you achieve success in tertiary education.
Advancing the educational aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples by providing access to education through inclusive pathways to university is at the heart of our strategy.
Professor Iain Martin
Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University
The Indigenous Entry Stream is a partnership between the School of Medicine and the NIKERI Institute, created exclusively to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to become healthcare practitioners. The Indigenous Entry Stream offers places to study the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry, Bachelor of Medical Imaging, Doctor of Medicine or Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours).
To help address workforce shortages in regional and remote areas, Deakin offer alternative entry pathways into relevant exercise and sport science, nutrition science, medical imaging, social work and vision science/optometry courses.
Our range of scholarships for Indigenous students provide financial support and help you to focus on achieving success in your studies.
The National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research Innovation (NIKERI) Institute provides courses to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through community-based delivery. We value knowledge gained through experience. Admission to the Institute is based on alternative entry, meaning that an ATAR or high school graduation certificate is not a necessity. Applications the NIKERI Institute are accepted based on answers to the online application, submission of required documentation, an assessment task and an interview conducted face to face or via phone.
Many students benefit from an alternate pathway to their ultimate course, like bridging units and campus transfers. Options like the Deakin Regional Access Scheme look beyond your ATAR to consider the skills, experience and achievements that make you unique and prepare you for study at university. You don’t have to live in a regional area to be eligible – it's available to all current Year 12 students looking to study at our Waterfront, Waurn Ponds or Warrnambool campuses.
We have a long history of supporting students from regional areas and under-represented groups, and this commitment continues through VTAC SEAS Category 1. We want to recognise your hard work and set you on the path to success at university.
^https://www.education.gov.au/higher-education-statistics/resources/2020-section-6-indigenous-students
We deliberately use the terms Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Indigenous, First Nations, First Peoples interchangeably and in doing so acknowledge that while people have personal preferences, none of these terms are perfect and with that imperfection each carry nuanced residual forms of colonial power. This content is developed with the core value of respect.
Contact the Indigenous Health Team for more information on course pathways.
Domestic student enquiries
1800 693 888
Indigenous Health Team
+61 3 5227 8031
ihmer@deakin.edu.au
