We're here to support you. If you have any questions or want to speak to someone about your study options, you can contact us by phone or email.
+61 3 5227 2538
1800 063 383
Email the NIKERI Institute
National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research Innovation Institute
We facilitate First Nations students’ participation in higher education through culturally appropriate, community-based programs.
Experience education that is culturally sensitive
The NIKERI Institute is committed to offering degrees based on shared cultural values and belief systems. NIKERI’s community-based delivery combines week-long intensives on campus with online studies at home.
NIKERI courses have been adapted to be supportive, culturally respectful and flexible, considering the obligations and commitments you have in your home communities, without compromising any quality or accreditations.
Week-long intensives
You'll attend on-campus intensives at the NIKERI Institute on Wadawurrung Country, with transport provided, and accommodation and meals included at our Kitjarra Residences.
Community-based delivery
Between the on-campus intensives, you'll be back home with family and community. Study your classes online through Deakin’s learning platform, where you can access lectures and resources.
Indigenous Tutorial Network
Access a tutor in your area to help with your studies – even if you’re in the most remote of communities. The network is set up to be responsive and relevant to your individual needs.
Be prepared for uni
NIKERI offers a week-long Indigenous Direct Admissions Program at Deakin’s Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus for all prospective students. Designed to give you the study skills to succeed at university, you’ll experience on-campus study blocks similar to the community-based delivery model and start to build relationships with classmates.
Apply to study at NIKERI
Experience the opportunity of gaining a fully accredited degree that encompasses Indigenous knowledges and experiences. All NIKERI Institute courses are adapted for community-based delivery to give you the flexibility to succeed. We also offer research and doctoral degrees.
Courses designed to meet community needs
NIKERI’s courses are chosen to meet the needs of our First Nations communities and incorporate Indigenous knowledges and experiences. To find other practical, industry-aligned courses not through NIKERI, visit our course search page.
Where you'll study – Kitjarra residences
Meaning 'learning place' in Wadawurrung language, the Kitjarra student study and accommodation residences will be your home away from home during study intensives. Located on the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, the healthy study environment includes:
- spacious, comfortable and fully equipped rooms
- social lounges and common room
- computer areas, and
- a kitchen where you can enjoy healthy and homely meals.
Along with accommodation and food, we cover your transport to Deakin and back home again.
Explore the NIKERI Institute
NIKERI is situated on Deakin's Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus (Wadawurrung Country).
Small class sizes mean personalised support.
Kitjarra residences are ideal for meeting other students.
Kitjarra residences provide comfortable accommodation.
NIKERI's expert staff and board
NIKERI Institute’s strength is our highly experienced and friendly academic and professional staff. All staff have experience with education in a culturally inclusive environment. Professor Karinda Burns is the Director of NIKERI Institute.
NIKERI Institute Advisory Board
The Advisory Board provides governance advice around key areas including Indigenous knowledge, courses, student engagement and community aspirations and partnerships.
Board membership reflects the national scale of the Institute, advising on cultural context and strategic direction. It is comprised of external representatives from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and internal representatives from the Institute, the Faculty of Arts and Education and the broader Deakin community.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
We deliberately use the terms Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Indigenous, First Nations, First Peoples interchangeably and in doing so acknowledge that while people have personal preferences, none of these terms are perfect and with that imperfection each carry nuanced residual forms of colonial power. This content is developed with the core value of respect.
*This course is only offered through the NIKERI Institute in Trimester 1.
