We’re committed to advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and enabling the next generation of leaders to thrive. Explore your study options and have the flexibility to learn in a way that suits you, in an environment that respects your cultural values and beliefs.
Have you found your dream course but don’t quite meet the entry requirements? At Deakin, there are pathways across a wide range of study areas that recognise the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, helping you to reach your career goals.
The National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research Innovation (NIKERI) Institute has a proud 35-year history assisting more than 1000 First Nations students to graduate, growing Indigenous Knowledges and pioneering research.
We’re committed to creating positive and inclusive experiences for our Indigenous students, with support that responds to your individual needs. Whether you’re looking for course advice, personal or financial support or something else, we want to help set you up for a bright future.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of our lands and waterways. We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
In 1986, a spark was ignited that became a lighthouse for the nation and a new chapter in Indigenous education commenced at Waurn Ponds. Deakin proudly builds on a rich three-decade history of Indigenous education, from humble beginnings in 1986 to our current day strategic commitment to the First Nations staff, students and communities that we serve.
The new Deakin Indigenous Strategy 2023–2028 builds on a rich heritage and solidifies our ongoing commitment to Reconciliation, Indigenous Knowledges and improving the experience and success of Indigenous students in higher education. The Strategy sets out principles for sustained and responsive action, setting out a shared vision for the future.
By acknowledging that we have a long way to go, we make a strong declaration for continuous improvement, working with our partners, staff, students and communities to raise the voice and influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Download the Deakin Indigenous Strategy 2023–2028 (PDF, 3.1MB)
Deakin University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of all the unceded lands, skies and waterways on which Deakin students, staff and communities come together. As we learn and teach through virtually and physically constructed places across time, we pay our deep respect to the Ancestors and Elders of Wadawurrung Country, Eastern Maar Country and Wurundjeri Country, where our physical campuses are located. We also acknowledge the many First Nations from where students join us online and make vital contributions to our learning communities.
Deakin showcases Indigenous Knowledges both academically, and to the wider community, through respectful, culturally safe and authentic research. We also support and empower First Nations researchers at all career stages through the NIKERI Institute.
The Deakin Indigenous Strategy builds on the three-and-a-half-decades that the University has been a lighthouse for many First Nations people who sought liberation for their families, communities and themselves through education.
Professor Mark Rose
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy and Innovation
We are focused on providing fulfilling and rewarding careers for staff in a supportive, understanding and respectful environment. Deakin strives to be an ‘employer of choice’ for First Nations peoples with a workplace that respects culture, recognises cultural load, acknowledges cultural safety and provides meaningful growth and professional development opportunities.
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 created with the core value of respect.
Artwork: ‘Learning Together, Growing Together’ by Nathan Patterson
We’re here to support you. If you have any questions or want to speak to someone about your study options, you can contact us by phone or email.
NIKERI Institute
+61 3 5227 2538
nikeri@deakin.edu.au
Future students
1800 693 888
