At ACU, Indigenous Knowledges are understood as dynamic, place-based, and intergenerational systems of knowledge held and practised by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and by Indigenous peoples globally. These knowledges are deeply embedded in relationships to Country, community, language, spirituality, and law/lore.

Drawing on the work of Potlotek scholar Marie Battiste (2005), Indigenous Knowledges encompass:

“All knowledge pertaining to a particular people and its territory, the nature or use of which has been transmitted from generation to generation… including all kinds of scientific, agricultural, technical and ecological knowledge, including cultigens, medicines and the rational use of flora and fauna.”

Indigenous Knowledges are not separate from the people or land from which they arise; they are lived, practised, and continually renewed. These knowledges are often expressed through story, song, dance, ceremony, art, language, and systems of governance and kinship.

As noted by Terri Janke and Muriel Sentina (2018), Indigenous Knowledges also include:

“Traditional cultural expression such as songs, dances, stories and languages; and traditional knowledge including ecological knowledge of biodiversity, medicinal knowledge, environmental management knowledge and cultural and spiritual knowledge and practices. Indigenous Knowledge is the intangible cultural heritage of Indigenous people… intrinsically linked to the tangible heritage of Indigenous people.”

ACU invites expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants who meet any of the following criteria:

• A Bachelor degree (4 years) including a substantial research component that demonstrates and evidence of research preparedness
• Honours degree/Graduate certificate of research or equivalent, or
• A Master’s by coursework or research, or
• A qualification, or combination of qualifications and relevant professional experience or recognised cultural knowledge and/or research experience deemed equivalent.

ACU will consider applications that acknowledge significant Indigenous cultural or research expertise, allowing Indigenous applicants to qualify based on demonstrated leadership, cultural knowledge, or achievements within their communities.

Yes, flexible study is available. You can choose full-time or part-time enrolment to suit your life, including community, work, and family commitments. Remote or on-campus study may also be possible, depending on your project and supervision.

Applicants may request guidance from ACU’s office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) or the Graduate Research School.

Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous)

Email: pvci@acu.edu.au

Graduate Research School

Email: grad.research@acu.edu.au

Applicants are invited to complete a short EOI form, outlining:

• A short description of their research interest or topic.
• Their relationship to Indigenous Knowledges and communities (and to their topic).
• Their qualifications or equivalent cultural/professional experience.
• Any potential community validation or support.

EOIs should be emailed to the office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) pvci@acu.edu.au.

Download EOI Form

EOIs will be assessed for suitability by an Assessment Panel, which includes:

• Indigenous Elders or knowledge holders.
• Academics with experience in Indigenous research methodologies.
• Faculty representatives (as required).

The panel will assess:

• The applicant’s potential to undertake research at the doctoral level.
• Cultural integrity and community accountability of the proposed topic.
• Alignment with the principles of Indigenous research ethics and protocols.

Based on this assessment, applicants may be invited to proceed to a full application.

Applicants invited to proceed will submit a full application as outlined in the How to apply instructions, which includes:

• A full research proposal (developed with or without a supervisor).
• Evidence of qualifications or equivalent experience.
• Community letters of support or validation (where appropriate).
• Statement addressing engagement with Indigenous research ethics and protocols.
• Between 3-4 folio pieces of work which represent your anticipated approach to the research (optional – if applying through an Arts entry)

Applicants will potentially be required to attend an interview to share the research proposal with the panel

Applications will be assessed holistically, considering:

• Knowledge & Experience - Formal academic qualifications and/or equivalent professional or cultural knowledge, including validation of applicants' community/communities.
• Cultural Accountability - Letters of support, community validation, or demonstrated permissions to work with Indigenous Knowledges.
• Research Capacity - Demonstrated ability or potential to engage in independent research, including clarity of research topic and purpose.
• Ethical Preparedness - Understanding of Indigenous research ethics, cultural protocols, and respect for community sovereignty.

Outcomes of the application will be provided from the Graduate Research School, with one of three outcomes provided: 

1. Offer of entry into the PhD program at ACU

Successful applicants will be offered a place in the PhD program if the assessment panel is satisfied that:

• Your proposed research aligns with Indigenous Knowledges and methodologies;
• You demonstrate sufficient academic, cultural, and/or professional experience;
• You have community/communities validation or accountability where relevant;
• Suitable supervisory arrangements can be established.

2. Offer of entry via a supported research skills pathway

If your proposal shows strong potential but further development is required (e.g. in research methods, academic writing, ethics, or community consultation), you may be invited to undertake a supported preparatory pathway. This may include:

• Enrolment in targeted research training units or a Graduate Certificate;
• Mentorship from Indigenous researchers and/or knowledge holders;
• Tailored workshops in Indigenous research methodologies and ethics.

Completion of the supported pathway can strengthen your readiness for future admission into the PhD program.

3. Application not progressed at this time

If your application is not progressing, you will be provided with constructive feedback and, where possible, guidance on alternative study or research development opportunities. We encourage applicants to remain connected and to reapply in the future if appropriate.