Planning your next steps: Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Key takeaways
- There are programs, scholarships and support services available to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students plan their next step after school.
- Support is available whether you're interested in further study, training or work.
- You may be eligible for scholarships and financial support to help with study and training costs.
- You don't have to figure it out alone. There are people and organisations ready to help.
If you're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student thinking about what's next after school, you don't have to navigate it alone.
There are programs, scholarships and support available to help you explore your options and take your next step towards further study, training or work.
There are programs, scholarships and support available to help you explore your options and take your next step towards further study, training or work.
Explore what’s available
Many organisations offer programs specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
These programs can help you:
- Explore study and career pathways
- Build skills and confidence
- Access work experience and internships
- Connect with mentors and support networks
You might like to explore:
- The Indigenous Youth Mobility Pathways Project supports young people from rural and remote communities to access education, training and employment opportunities.
- CareerTrackers offers internship opportunities that can help you gain work experience and build professional connections while you study.
- Organisations such as MobReady, Aboriginal Employment Strategy, Bamara, Busy At Work and SYC support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students interested in apprenticeships and traineeships.
Thinking about university or training?
If you're considering university, TAFE or another training pathway, support is available before you start and throughout your studies.
Most universities and training providers have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support teams that can help with:
- Applications and entry pathways
- Scholarships
- Study support
- Student wellbeing
- Connecting with other students
Many universities also run open days, camps and transition programs that give you the chance to experience university life before you start.
Tip
Visit the website of the university, TAFE or training provider you're interested in and look for information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support services, scholarships and entry programs. Every institution offers something a little different.
Help with costs
Financial support may be available to help with the cost of study or training. Visit the Services Australia: Payments and support for Indigenous Australians webpage to explore the support available.
This may include:
- Scholarships to help with study costs and sometimes provide mentoring, internships or other support.
- ABSTUDY to help with study fees, boarding, travel, living expenses and study materials.
- Fee-Free TAFE, to reduce or remove course costs for eligible qualifications.
- Commonwealth supported places, to reduce the cost of university study.
Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
These resources can help you find scholarships and other support:
- YourCareer provides information about post-school pathways, scholarships and support services.
- Study Work Grow shares a list of scholarships available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
- Aurora Education Foundation provides information about scholarships and internships.
- Charlie Perkins Scholarship Trust offers scholarships to study at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge.
- Marrung Education Scholarships support Victorian students completing Years 11 and 12.
- GO Foundation Scholarships provide financial support, mentoring, homework support, internships and other opportunities for eligible students in Sydney.
Tip
Start exploring scholarships and financial support early, as application deadlines, eligibility requirements and supporting documents can vary.
Where to start
If you're not sure what comes next, that's okay.
A good place to start is by talking to someone who can help you explore your options, such as:
- Your Family Partnership Coordinator
- A teacher or careers adviser
- An Aboriginal Education Support Officer
- A university or training provider
They can help you explore your options, find support and take the next step that's right for you.
End of article
