Curious about university as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person? Not sure where to start?
For many people, the idea of going to uni can feel exciting and overwhelming. But what if you had a culturally enriched educational experience, with dedicated staff, at a uni that helps you get started at your own pace?
Here are answers to some of the most common questions you might have about starting university.
Where can I get info about starting university?
The best first step is a conversation.
If you’re thinking about uni as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, it’s a great idea to talk with staff about your options. Ask questions and get advice specific to you before applying. At UNE, the Oorala Aboriginal Centre is here to guide your choices.
Our dedicated team are on hand from the time you start thinking about uni to the time you graduate, and everything in between.
“There’s no pressure and no expectations,” says Ms Samantha Fowler, Oorala Director and a proud Dunghutti woman. “It’s about knowing what’s possible and being prepared.”
What opportunities are there for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at UNE?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at UNE have access to:
- culturally enriched spaces
- academic assistance including one on one tutoring
- scholarships
- course advice
- a strong sense of community
UNE also has broader services such as counselling, accessibility services, healthcare, and advocacy, to make sure students have opportunities for wellbeing and success both academically and socially.
“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff at Oorala make a real difference, especially for students who are the first in their family to study at university. The staff in the Experience Team have all studied themselves and want to share what they learnt with you,” says Dr Vanessa Sewell, Lecturer at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre, and a proud Worimi woman.
Can I go to uni if I didn’t do Year 12, finish my HSC, or get an ATAR?
Yes. At UNE, there’s more than one way to get in! You don’t need an ATAR. You don’t need Year 12. And it doesn’t matter if you didn’t “do well at school”.
What matters is that you’re ready to study now.
Based upon a range of factors including previous education, work and life experiences, Oorala will work with you to decide which course is the right one for you, and how you get there.
Many of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students start uni with the free uni-ready TRACKS Indigenous Foundation Program.
“These programs recognise that learning doesn’t follow a single straight path,” Vanessa says. “Life experience, work, family responsibilities and community involvement all build skills that matter in university study. This isn’t about lowering expectations. It’s about preparing students properly so they can succeed.”
What is TRACKS at UNE?
TRACKS is a program at the University of New England that empowers individuals to prepare for university study. It’s designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students seeking to strengthen their academic foundations or gain confidence about studying before starting a degree. Its full name is TRACKS Indigenous Foundation Program.
TRACKS is delivered in partnership with the Oorala Aboriginal Centre, which provides a culturally enriching environment where you can thrive and learn. You will build confidence, learn how uni works, and develop study skills. You’ll also explore your options and decide what to study next at UNE.
“TRACKS is about giving students the opportunity, academic skills and confidence to find their feet at university and create their own success,” Samantha says.
What is Oorala Aboriginal Centre at UNE?
Oorala Aboriginal Centre is a dedicated study space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students on the UNE Armidale campus. On-campus students, as well as our online students visiting the campus, are welcome to call in, talk with our team, and use our amazing facilities.
All our students have access to the Indigenous Students Hub. This is Oorala’s virtual space where you can connect with us and other students and have access to a wealth of resources and opportunities to support your study at UNE.
“Oorala provides both a physical and virtual space where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can connect, and access opportunities during their studies,” Samantha says. “Whether students are on campus or learning online, Oorala is here for students throughout their time at UNE.”
Can I start uni later in life?
Absolutely.
In fact, most of UNE’s students begin their studies much later in life. They study around their job, their children, sport, and other commitments. Starting university in your 30s, 40s or older is very common.
“There’s no ‘right age’ to start university,” Vanessa says. “People come to study when it fits their lives.”
Can I study online?
You sure can! UNE is a national leader in online education, and most of our students choose to be online so they can balance study with work, family, and community commitments.
Online students have access to:
- culturally enriched virtual spaces like the Indigenous Hub
- academic assistance including one on one tutoring
- scholarships
- structured study periods
“You don’t have to move to study at university - you can study where you are and stay connected to Country and community,” Vanessa says.
What if I wasn’t good at school, or I hated doing assignments?
School and uni are different.
At university, you’re studying something you’ve chosen - something that interests you or will get you into the career or role you want. That makes a big difference for many people.
Life experience is also valuable - since you left school, you’ve probably learnt a lot through work, family, sport, and community, and these experiences help students succeed.
If study, writing, or keeping up with assignments didn’t come easily for you at school, don’t worry - you won’t be left to figure it out on your own. At UNE, opportunities are embedded to help you develop these skills.
“Many people who struggled at school or didn’t enjoy it go on to do well at uni - not because they suddenly become ‘good at study’, but because they understand better what motivates them and how study can help them achieve their goals.” Vanessa says.
Will I have access to Indigenous staff or mentors?
Yes. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at UNE can connect with Aboriginal staff, tutors and mentors who understand their experiences and priorities.
“For many students, seeing Aboriginal people working across the university is incredibly important,” Samantha says. “It helps build trust and confidence. Here at Oorala, our team have taken that study journey ourselves and we understand firsthand what students face and how to work through it.”
I’m not sure I can afford to go to uni ☹
This is a common concern for people returning to study.
The good news is, Foundation programs at UNE – like TRACKS – are fee-free programs, allowing you to get familiar with our uni, build some skills, connect with our staff and have some wins before committing to a degree.
When you move on to further studies you have the option of deferring your fees. Also, scholarships and other financial aids are available to help with study-related expenses. Check out Olivia O’Reilly’s story of getting a UNE scholarship here.
“We hear a lot of students say they’re unsure if they can afford to study,” Vanessa says. “Having fee-free pathways can help people give it a go without having to financially invest in it just yet.”
What scholarships are available at UNE?
UNE offers a range of scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students no matter what they are studying. This includes
- Oorala TRACKS Scholarship: $5400 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in TRACKS.
- Oorala Kickstart Scholarship: $3000 is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who have recently left school and now want to study at university (closes March 4).
- Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship: Up to $10,800 per year to go towards relocating to Armidale to study on campus. This is an option for people living at college or renting privately in town (remains open until all scholarships are awarded).
- Oorala Residential College Scholarship: $8500 per year for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying full-time and living in a UNE residential college (closes Jan 31).
- Oorala Wellbeing Scholarship: $500 per year for students registered with UNE’s Student Accessibility and Wellbeing Office with a Study Access Plan (closes January 4)
Access to university education for 70 years
For more than 70 years, the University of New England (UNE) has allowed people from a wide range of backgrounds to take their first steps into higher education. This includes mature-age students, parents, people returning to study after a long break, and students who need time to build confidence before starting a degree.
Within this long history, UNE also provides culturally enriched programs and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, through close partnership with the Oorala Aboriginal Centre.
What matters is having the right advice at the right time - and UNE has decades of experience helping people take that first step.
