Indigenous Experience

Welcome

Welcome to Indigenous Australians who are considering studies, are currently studying or are returning to study at Australian Catholic University (ACU National).

ACU National is a leader in Indigenous education, with a demonstrated commitment to Indigenous Australians through the provision of appropriate programs and a range of services to assist you achieve your goals.

ACU National has three on-campus Indigenous Education Units, so I encourage you to make contact with us to discuss study opportunities and whenever our assistance is required. I wish you well in your endeavours.

- Ken Ralph, Director ACU National Indigenous Education Units

Indigenous Education Units

Three on-campus Indigenous Education Units cater for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The centres are:

• Jim-baa-yer in Victoria
• Weemala in Queensland
• Yalbalinga in New South Wales

The staff of these units are Indigenous people, offering a range of services to help Indigenous students achieve their goals. These services include coordinating residentials.

Undergraduate studies

• Diploma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
• Associate Degree in Business Administration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies)
• Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies)
• Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Indigenous Studies)

In addition to these courses, ACU National Faculties offer an extensive choice of undergraduate courses.

Postgraduate studies

ACU National provides a range of services to assist intending and enrolled Indigenous students in their postgraduate studies.

Full-time postgraduate research degree candidates who are already enrolled at ACU National as well as new candidate applicants can apply for the Indigenous Postgraduate Research Scholarship.

Applications

The application process at ACU National depends on many factors and the right form. Prospective students are strongly urged to contact their nearest ACU National Indigenous Education Unit for advice on how to apply and enrol.

ACU National bursaries, prizes and scholarships

ACU National offers a number of bursaries, prizes and scholarships funded by the University Foundation and various benefactors.

Some are intended for Indigenous students or encourage Indigenous students to apply, including:

• James Carroll Scholarships
• St Vincent de Paul Society Indigenous Scholarships
• Bill Ritchie Prize for Excellence in Aboriginal Studies

Some bursaries, prizes and scholarships are open to all enrolled students; others are restricted to students in particular courses or even at particular campuses. Bursaries, prizes and scholarships are given at the discretion of the University and are subject to funding being available. For a full description of bursaries, prizes and scholarships, please refer to the bursaries section of the ACU National Handbook.

Indigenous research

ACU National's Indigenous Research Advisory Group (IRAG) has created a set of goals and procedures to establish a culture of indigenous research across ACU National, increase the participation of Indigenous students in postgraduate research studies, and ensure ethical research in Indigenous studies.

Indigenous Education Statement

• Australian Catholic University Indigenous Education Statement 2009 (PDF, 209kb)

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education & Research Strategy

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education & Research Strategy (PDF, 301kb)

Indigenous Employment strategy

• Indigenous Employment strategy (PDF, 301kb)

• Student Centre Contacts