Indigenous Access Scheme

The Indigenous Access Scheme is a pathway to undergraduate study that recognises the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. By looking beyond your ATAR and academic results to consider all the skills, experience and community work that make you unique and prepare you for study, we can reward your hard work with a place at university. Here’s how it works:

Choose your course from a wide range of study areas, including business, arts, the environment, science, sport and more. Deakin courses are designed by industry leaders and all courses are undergoing a transformation process to embed Indigenous Knowledges and perspectives, ensuring our teaching meets the needs of all students in a contemporary Australian society.

When you study at Deakin, you’ll be joining the most satisfied university students in Victoria* and the largest cohort of First Nations students at a Victorian university. Here are just a few of the reasons why students thrive at Deakin on their way to becoming tomorrow’s leaders.

• Access a range of culturally specific support services, including orientation, tutoring, mentoring and financial support, as well as social and emotional wellbeing services.
• Our focus on practical learning, industry exposure and training in world-class facilities prepares you to make a confident transition into your future career.
• Find a career you love at every stage of your life with lifetime support from DeakinTALENT – Australia's #1 careers service^.

In addition to the Indigenous Access Scheme, NIKERI Institute also offers alternative entry pathways into its community-based delivery mode, which has supported over 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to obtain qualifications while staying connected to their communities.

Pathways also exist for Indigenous Australians applying for courses that lead to in-demand jobs.

• Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry
• Bachelor of Medical Imaging
• Doctor of Medicine

If you’re interested in studying one of these courses, you can find out more on our Indigenous Entry Stream page.

While applying for special consideration, you should also check for scholarships you might be eligible for.

• Ernie Williams Indigenous Scholarship – up to $40,000
• Dr (Aunty) Mary Atkinson Scholarships – payment of all student contributions (tuition)
• IGNITED Scholarship - Igniting female interest in engineering, information technology and construction management – $625 per credit point plus an academic mentor
• Rotary District 9780 Master of Dietetics Rural Placement Scholarship – one-off cash payment of $2000

Browse all scholarships