Indigenous Entry Stream
Your pathway to study health at Deakin
In partnership with the National Indigenous Knowledge Education Research Innovation Institute (NIKERI), Deakin's Indigenous Entry Stream provides dedicated pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into selected health courses.
What can I study?
Deakin is deeply committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As part of this commitment, the Indigenous Entry Stream provides a specialised pathway for Indigenous students to become healthcare practitioners, improving cultural safety and health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the communities they serve.
The Indigenous Entry Stream is available across a number of selected health courses, including optometry, medical imaging, medicine, nursing and psychology. The following courses are open to applications via the Indigenous Entry Stream:
One of our key visions is social accountability and we aim to provide opportunities for students to join us from all walks of life to learn to become excellent doctors.
First Associate Head of School (Indigenous Strategy), School of Medicine
How to apply
Follow these steps to apply through the Indigenous Entry Stream.
- Choose your course: Visit the course page/s to view the entry requirements, then check the closing date and application process for your chosen course/s.
- Download the application form: Use the application form listed under your chosen course/s.
- Prepare your documents: Complete the application form for your course/s of interest and gather all required supporting documents, such as confirmation of Aboriginality, academic transcripts and your resume (where required).
- Submit your application: Return your completed application form by email to the relevant admissions team before the closing date.
Understand your eligibility and application requirements
View the information provided below to learn more about eligibility, application processes and key dates. Entry requirements are specific for each course and can be found on the relevant course page using the links provided.
Doctor of Medicine
Up to seven domestic places in Deakin's Doctor of Medicine course are held for Indigenous Australian applicants applying through the Indigenous Entry Stream. Indigenous Australian applicants can apply with any undergraduate or postgraduate degree and aren't required to complete the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admission Test (GAMSAT). The Indigenous Entry Stream is a partnership between Deakin's National Indigenous Knowledge Education Research Innovation (NIKERI) Institute and School of Medicine.
Application close date: 5pm, Friday 31 July 2026
Who can apply: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants applying for Deakin's Doctor of Medicine through the Indigenous Entry Stream. Applicants must:
- meet the academic entry requirements of the course, as outlined on the course page, and
- provide recognition as an Indigenous Australian and confirmation of Aboriginality from your community.
If your application is successful, you will need to provide the following documentation at enrolment:
- a current police check
- an immunisation history
- a Working with Children Check - this is a Victorian Government requirement, and more information will be provided prior to enrolment.
Note: Indigenous Australian applicants are not required to complete the GAMSAT. If you have completed the GAMSAT, your results can be included as part of your application.
How to apply: Complete the relevant form and return it via email to the School of Medicine Admission and Placements team. Please ensure you keep a copy of your application for your records and provide a current email address and phone number in your application.
Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry
The Indigenous Entry Stream for the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry provides a direct-entry pathway for Indigenous Australian applicants. This stream is for non-Year 12 applicants. Current Year 12 applicants can apply directly through VTAC.
Application close date: 5pm, Wednesday 30 September 2026
Who can apply: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants applying for Deakin's Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry through the Indigenous Entry Stream. Applicants must:
- meet the academic entry requirements of the course, as outlined on the course page,
- meet the relevant inherent requirements before undertaking professional placements as part of the course, and
- provide recognition as an Indigenous Australian and confirmation of Aboriginality from your community.
If your application is successful, you will need to provide the following documentation at enrolment:
- a current police check
- an immunisation history
- a Working with Children Check - this is a Victorian Government requirement, and more information will be provided prior to enrolment.
How to apply: Complete the relevant application form and return it via email to the School of Medicine Admission and Placements team. Please ensure you keep a copy of your application for your records and provide a current email address and phone number in your application.
Entry requirements for the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry
Bachelor of Medical Imaging
The Indigenous Entry Stream for the Bachelor of Medical Imaging provides a direct-entry pathway for Indigenous Australian applicants. This stream is for non-Year 12 applicants. Current Year 12 applicants can apply directly through VTAC.
Application close date: 5pm, Friday 31 July 2026
Who can apply: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants applying for Deakin's Bachelor of Medical Imaging through the Indigenous Entry Stream. Applicants must:
- meet the academic entry requirements of the course, as outlined on the course page, and
- meet the relevant inherent requirements before undertaking professional placements as part of the course, and
- provide recognition as an Indigenous Australian and confirmation of Aboriginality from your community.
If your application is successful, you will need to provide the following documentation at enrolment:
- a current police check
- an immunisation history
- a Working with Children Check - this is a Victorian Government requirement, and more information will be provided prior to enrolment.
How to apply: Complete the relevant application form and return it via email to the School of Medicine Admission and Placements team. Please ensure you keep a copy of your application for your records and provide a current email address and phone number in your application.
Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery
The Indigenous Entry Stream provides a direct-entry pathway for Indigenous Australian applicants. This stream is for non-Year 12 applicants. Current Year 12 applicants can apply directly through VTAC.
Application close date: TBC
Who can apply: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants applying for Deakin's Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery through the Indigenous Entry Stream. Applicants must:
- meet the academic entry requirements of the course, as outlined on the course page, and
- meet the relevant inherent requirements before undertaking professional placements as part of the course, and
- provide recognition as an Indigenous Australian and confirmation of Aboriginality from your community.
If your application is successful, you will need to provide the following documentation at enrolment:
- a current police check
- an immunisation history
- a Working with Children Check - this is a Victorian Government requirement, and more information will be provided prior to enrolment.
How to apply: To apply, complete the relevant form (form to come) and return it via email to the School of Nursing and Midwifery (email address to come).
Please provide the following information and supporting documents together with your application. Sighting of original documents may be requested if your application is successful.
- confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity
- a copy of your most recent academic transcript(s)
- a copy of your resume
Please provide a current email address and phone number in your application and ensure you keep a copy of your application for your records.
Entry requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Up to two places in Deakin's Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) course are available for Indigenous Australian applicants applying through the Indigenous Entry Stream.
Application close date: TBC
Who can apply: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants applying for Deakin's Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) through the Indigenous Entry Stream. Applicants must:
- meet the academic entry requirements of the course, as outlined on the course page, and
- provide recognition as an Indigenous Australian and confirmation of Aboriginality from your community.
If your application is successful, you will need to provide the following documentation at enrolment:
- a current police check
- an immunisation history
- a Working with Children Check - this is a Victorian Government requirement, and more information will be provided prior to enrolment.
How to apply: To apply, complete the relevant form and return it via email to the relevant course team.
- confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity
- a copy of your most recent academic transcript(s)
- your resume
Please ensure you keep a copy of your application for your records and provide a current email address and phone number in your application.
Entry requirements for the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Postgraduate clinical psychology courses
Through the Indigenous Entry Stream, Deakin will reserve a minimum of three places for eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants across our current postgraduate clinical psychology programs.
Application close date: 11 October 2026
Who can apply: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants applying for the Master of Clinical Psychology (Post Registration), Master of Psychology (Clinical), or Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) through the Indigenous Entry Stream must:
- meet the academic entry requirements of the course/s you are applying for, as outlined on the relevant course page: Master of Clinical Psychology (Post Registration), Master of Psychology (Clinical) or Doctor of Psychology (Clinical), and
- meet the inherent requirements of your chosen course/s prior to undertaking professional placements as part of the course, and
- provide recognition as an Indigenous Australian and confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity from your community.
If your application is successful, prior to course commencement you will need to obtain:
- Working With Children Check – this is a Victorian Government requirement
- registration as a provisional psychologist with Psychology Board of Australia (*not for Master of Psychology (Post Registration))
- up-to-date immunisation history
- current police check
More information about these requirements can be provided to you once you are enrolled.
Note: This Indigenous Entry Stream applies across the current postgraduate clinical psychology programs listed above. Indigenous Australian applicants are not required to complete the Casper test. If you have completed the Casper test, your results can be included as part of your application.
How to apply: To apply, complete the relevant form and return it via email to the School of Psychology.
Please provide the following information and supporting documents together with your application. Sighting of original documents may be requested if your application is successful.
- confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity
- a copy of your most recent academic transcript(s)
- a copy of your resume
Please provide a current email address and phone number in your application and ensure you keep a copy of your application for your records.
Entry requirements for the Master of Clinical Psychology (Post Registration)
What you can look forward to at Deakin
When you study at Deakin, you will join a supportive university community with dedicated services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Here are just a few reasons why students thrive at Deakin:
- access a range of culturally specific support services, including orientation, tutoring, mentoring and financial support, as well as social and emotional wellbeing services
- build your confidence through practical learning, industry exposure and training in world-class facilities
- Find a career you love at every stage of your life with lifetime support from DeakinTALENT – Deakin's award-winning careers service.
How Deakin's Indigenous Entry Stream opens up a world of opportunity
Current Deakin Doctor of Medicine student Oceania Henry shares her experiences of study and how the Indigenous Entry Stream allowed her to take the next step towards her career goals.
*Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2023, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
^Australian Graduate Recruitment Industry Awards, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 winner for most popular career service in Australia; Employability award, 2021 Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards
Artwork by Kelsey Love. All rights reserved.
Contact us
For further information or any enquires please contact the relevant course team using the contact details below.
Medicine, optometry and medical imaging enquiries: Email the team
Nursing and midwifery: Email the team
Psychological science honours: Email the team
Postgraduate clinical psychology: Email the team
