Study support for Aboriginal students and Torres Strait Islander students

This page contains information to help young Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people, in consultation with their families and communities, consider a range of options for pathways after school.

Government support

Scholarships

Did you know that there are scholarships available for Aboriginal young people and Torres Strait Islander young people that can help pay for further education and training and/or living expenses while studying?

• The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme offers financial assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying towards an entry-level qualification in an eligible health-related discipline at an Australian university or TAFE (Certificate IV and above).
• The Aurora Indigenous Scholarships Portal lists resources and opportunities for scholarships, internships and cadetships for Indigenous Australians.
• The Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP),  run by The Smith Family, supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students living in remote or very remote areas of Australia to attend a high performing secondary school (government and non–government, day and boarding) and/or university to complete Year 12 and/or an undergraduate degree.
• Each of Queensland's universities offers awards and scholarships for Aboriginal students and Torres Strait Islander students.

University support

There are support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at each of Queensland's universities.

• Griffith University — The GUMURRII Unit can help students choose a course of study, enrol, and apply for grants and scholarships. The university's Hands Up! Tertiary Preparation program assists first year students to adapt to university life and improve their academic skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.
• Queensland University of Technology — Oodgeroo Unit staff members provide one-on-one support for students who gain entry to the university through the Oodgeroo Alternative Entry Program.
• University of Southern Queensland — The College for First Nations supports students before and during their studies at the university.
• James Cook University — The Indigenous Student Support Services unit provides financial and study support services for students.
• The University of Queensland— The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit provides personal and academic support services.
• University of the Sunshine Coast — The Indigenous Engagement team provides a range of support services, including an orientation program, tutorial assistance scheme and Indigenous Alternative Entry Program.
• The Australian Catholic University — the Indigenous Higher Education Units provide social, cultural, personal and academic support for Aboriginal students and Torres Strait Islander students.
• CQUniversity — The Office of Indigenous Engagement encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to take up every opportunity for success. This includes applying for and asking for assistance where needed. Tutoring can also be arranged for students in an undergraduate program.

TAFE support

• TAFE Queensland has a range of programs to support Aboriginal students and Torres Strait Islander students across the state.
• The Department of Trade, Employment and Training provides support for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people, including free and subsidised TAFE courses.