TAFE and University Koorie Units

Want to find a TAFE or University which can support Koorie young people in their studies? Below are links to all Victorian and some interstate TAFE and University Koorie units.

TAFE

Box Hill Institute of TAFE - A part-time Koori Liaison Officer assists with Abstudy, tutoring, and course information and provides cultural advice and assistance throughout the Institute through activities, class discussions, community information and cultural awareness. Tel (03) 92869222

BRIT Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE - The Echuca and Bendigo campuses of BRIT have Koorie Units to support all Koorie students in both Koorie specific and mainstream courses. The Echuca Unit works in partnership with the Local Education Consultative Group (LEACG) to provide training suited to and requested by the community. Courses include Certificate 11 in General Education for Adults, Certificate 111 and 1V in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts, Certificate 111 in Hospitality Operations and a Diploma in Aboriginal Visual Arts. The opening of the Dhungala Art Gallery, café and retail outlet, provides training for participants with pathways to employment in Hospitality, Retail and Tourism. Courses in Bendigo include Certificate 11 in Learning Pathways, Certificate 111 in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts, Certificate 111 in Community Services, Certificate 1 & 11 in General Education for Adults and Certificate 111 in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Visual Arts. Tel 1300 554 248

Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE - The Koorie Unit program raises student skills and provides employment opportunities in both Koorie and mainstream communities. The Unit introduces and encourages Koorie communities to participate in courses at campuses throughout the Latrobe Valley and West Gippsland. Courses include Certificate I, II & III in Learning Pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Certificate II in Conservation & Land Management (Specialising in Indigenous Land Management) and Certificate III and IV in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts. Tel (03) 5120 4500

Chisholm Institute of TAFE - The Indigenous Programs and Services area supports students and programs in Indigenous art, culture, and learning pathways for education, training and employment. Indigenous art students can exhibit their work in Chisholm’s on-campus gallery spaces. Many Indigenous students undertake mainstream courses. Courses in Arts include Certificate III and IV in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts, and in Education include Certificate I, II and III in Learning Pathways for Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Tel (03) 92125304

East Gippsland Institute of TAFE - The Koorie Unit is located at the Bairnsdale campus and provides support, study and course information to all Koorie students enrolled at the Institute. Tel (03) 5152 0770

Gordon Institute of TAFE - The Indigenous Education Unit, operating on a culturally relevant base, helps Indigenous people achieve their education, training and employment goals. It supports and mentors students in Indigenous specific courses or mainstream study across all campuses, including the Wathaurong Education Centre. Courses include preparatory or general education and women’s access bridging programs, VCE, VCAL, VET in Schools, Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas. Specialist Courses are available for short-term vocational, hobby or personal development. Tel (03) 5225 0859

Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE - The Koorie Education Unit meets the learning needs of local Koorie students. It supports students who are returning to study and has a computer study facility for Koorie students. It operates in alignment with the Wurreker Strategy and is recognised for its innovative approach to Koorie education and training. A dedicated bus provides student pick up and drop off. Tel (03) 5833 2540

Kangan Batman TAFE - The Koori Programs Unit provides a supportive environment for Indigenous students at the Broadmeadows campus – the Wurundjeri Kurnung Willam Balluk Learning Centre. The unit supports about 500 students from diverse backgrounds, aged from 14 to 50+. Courses offered include: the Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art & Design; Certificate II in Music Industry Skills; Certificate II in Horticulture; the Aboriginal Footballers’ Development Program; Certificate I in Learning Pathways for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People (covers literacy, numeracy, computer skills and Indigenous culture); Certificate I in Sport and Recreation; and the Koorie Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) Automotive course. The Unit also maintains the Victorian Catalogue for Indigenous Studies (http://www.ketro.com.au/) to support the delivery of quality, culturally appropriate training and assessment. Tel (03) 9279 2359

Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE - Located at NMIT’s Preston campus, the Koorie Services Centre offers a range of nationally accredited courses to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Community Radio, Cultural Art, Welfare Studies, Multimedia and Learning Pathways. The Centre encourages and supports the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in all courses at NMIT. Tel (03) 9269 1339

South West Institute of TAFE - Koorie Liaison Officers support students and community members by developing specific education and training programs. They assist with the enrolment process, choosing courses, essay and assignment writing, computer skills, and referrals to support agencies. Tel (03) 55648985

Sunraysia TAFE - Dulka Yuppata - Koorie Cultural Centre supports Koorie students enrolled in Institute programs and works in the community to raise awareness of Institute and community programs. The Centre cooperates with other Koorie and non-Koorie organisations and individuals to provide leadership and direction in educational, cultural and social activities. Courses within the Koorie Training department include Conservation and Land Management, Art and Design, the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (Koorie Performing Arts), and are offered in Mildura, Swan Hill, and Robinvale. The Robinvale Campus works with the local Aboriginal Cooperative to ensure quality and interest in courses. Swan Hill Campus has a strong input into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art and Design courses, as does Mildura. Students are encouraged to develop a visual language of their own, a language which defines themselves as individuals and reflects their place within the local and national community. Tel (03) 5022 3621

William Angliss Institute of TAFE - A specialist centre for Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, the Institute has a Koorie Liaison Officer to assist indigenous students. Tel (03) 9606 2241

Wodonga Institute of TAFE - An Aboriginal Liaison Officer (ALO) is available at Wodonga TAFE to support and assist Indigenous students to successfully complete their chosen courses of study. Tel (02) 6055 6638

University

Australian Catholic University - ACU National provides education programs and related support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education. Three on-campus Indigenous Education Units cater for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The centres are:

• Jim-baa-yer in Victoria
• Weemala in Queensland
• Yalbalinga in New South Wales

The units provide social, cultural, personal and academic support to Indigenous people studying at the University. Tel (03) 9953 3004

Deakin University - Institute of Koorie Education (IKE) operates from the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus. Programs are structured around off-campus community-based delivery, supported by on-campus intensive study blocks and complemented by local tutors at regional study centres. Students from all areas; rural, remote and metropolitan, and across all age ranges, particularly mature age, are able to undertake studies without compromising their family and community obligations. Tel (03) 5227 2538

Latrobe University - The Ngarn-gi Bagora Indigenous Centre is a culturally appropriate space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to study, socialise, gather information and access Indigenous support services. As well as providing personalised assistance with enrolment enquiries and applications, orientation and skills training, careers advice and general student issues, the office provides tutorial assistance (ITAS) for all enrolled Indigenous students and referral to external agencies such as Abstudy and Centrelink. The Centre provides information on Indigenous cultural issues to non-Indigenous students and academic staff. Tel (03) 9479 3817

Monash University - At the Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies (CAIS) students from across Australia learn more about Australian Indigenous culture through a range of units and courses for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. Undergraduate units may be studied as part of an Arts BA or as electives in other degrees. Honours study and a Masters by Research are available. Research at CAIS focuses on current Indigenous issues and local history. Future Indigenous students are encouraged to consider pathways to tertiary study provided by the Monash Indigenous Access Scheme, and the Non-awards Pathways Scheme. The Indigenous Student Support Unit at CAIS offers companionship and support to Indigenous undergraduate students at all campuses. Tel (03) 990 54200

RMIT University - The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit assists students with re-enrolments, enrolments, deferments, Abstudy information, scholarships, housing, tutorial assistance and pathways planning, and provides a friendly environment for study and support. Staff can advocate for students on most academic and cultural matters. RMIT is committed to encouraging and assisting in the enrolment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, who may not have the prerequisite qualifications or experience to apply through the main system admissions process. Tel 1800 054885

Swinburne University - Indigenous Programs provides support services to Indigenous people undertaking university level studies, develops policy and procedures in the support of Indigenous issues, and promotes university and TAFE courses to Indigenous communities, groups and organisations. Indigenous support staff assist students with course and entrance requirements and enrolment, linking with the Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme, and with health, accommodation and finance services, student advocacy in academic matters and personal support throughout their university or TAFE studies. Tel (03) 9215 7168

University of Ballarat - The Aboriginal Education Centre provides educational and community support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at all campuses. Staff provide advice about Indigenous issues, and assistance with finance, scholarships, tutorial support, accommodation and childcare matters. Support is available across all campuses, with study, computer and common rooms on site at the Mt Helen, SMB and Horsham Campuses. Students at Ararat and Stawell have access to the facilities at the larger campuses. Indigenous courses are offered through the School of Behavioural and Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Education. The TAFE division also offers Indigenous programs. Tel (03) 5327 9795

University of Melbourne - The Centre for Indigenous Education is the main focus for recruitment and support services to Indigenous students. It assists students with course selection, tutorials, accommodation, study, personal support, community networking, cross-cultural development and career counselling. The Centre provides meeting rooms, study areas, computer equipment and a resource library. It provides an opportunity for liaison between the Indigenous community and the University and is an important information service for those interested in Indigenous history and culture. The university also has the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts & Cultural Development, through the Victorian College of the Arts (http://www.vca.unimelb.edu.au/wilin). Tel (03) 9685 9327

Victoria University - Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit assists Indigenous students with Abstudy, academic support (tutoring and mentoring, photocopying and computer facilities, assessments tasks, show cause presentations); employment and careers advice (work experience, job vacancies, cadetships and study awards); social support (cultural awareness activities, drop-in centre, community organisations and events); referrals and support in housing and finance matters; enrolment and course advice; counselling and discrimination advice; and access to the Indigenous Resource Library. The unit commenced a Bachelor of Arts (Kyinandoo) program in 2007. Tel (03) 9919 2891

Study in other States and Territories

Queensland

• QTAC Alternative Entry - To be a successful tertiary student, you do not have to have completed Year 12 or to have formal academic qualifications. You can use alternative qualifications and experience to apply through Alternative Entry.
• Queensland Preparatory Courses - Bridging and preparatory courses are designed to provide both the background knowledge and the opportunity to achieve a score sufficient to gain entry to tertiary studies, and can be studied full-time, part-time or through distance education.
• TAFE Queensland Information for Indigenous people - Search for courses designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Find out what support services are available for ATSI students. Read profiles on successful ATSI students. Find publications, websites and useful contacts.
• Australian Catholic University Weemala Indigenous Education Unit
• Central Queensland University - Nullo Yumbah
• Griffith University - Gumurrii Centre
• Queensland University of Technology - Oodgeroo Unit
• University of Queensland - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
• University of Southern Queensland - Kumbari / Ngurpai Lag Higher Education Centre
• University of the Sunshine Coast Indigenous Student Services
• Gold Coast Institute of TAFE Indigenous Unit
• Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE - Faculty for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

Northern Territory

• Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education
• Charles Darwin University

New South Wales

• University of Sydney Cadigal Program 
• Australian Catholic University Yalbalinga Indigenous Education Unit 
• Charles Sturt University Indigenous Education Unit 
• Macquarie University Institute of Aboriginal Studies and Research 
• Southern Cross University Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples 
• University of Newcastle Umulliko Indigenous Higher Education Research Centre  
• University of Newcastle Wollotuka School of Aboriginal Studies 
• University of New England Oorala Centre 
• University of New South Wales Nura Gili 
• University of New South Wales Indigenous Law Centre 
• University of Sydney Koori Centre
• Yooroang Garang - School of Indigenous Health Studies
• University of Technology, Sydney Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning
• University of Western Sydney Aboriginal Education Centre
• University of Wollongong Woolyungah Indigenous Centre

South Australia

• Flinders University Yunggorendi First Nations Centre for Higher Education and Research
• University of Adelaide Centre for Australian Indigenous Research and Studies - Wilto Yerlo/CASM
• University of South Australia has an Indigenous Support Unit, the Indigenous College of Education and Research, and the Unaipon School

Western Australia

• Curtin University of Technology Gunada Centre for Aboriginal Studies
• Edith Cowan University Kurongkurl Katitjin - School of Indigenous Australian Studies
• Murdoch University Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre
• University of Western Australia has the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health and the School of Indigenous Studies

Tasmania

• University of Tasmania Riawunna

Australian Capital Territory

• Australian National University Jabal Centre
• University of Canberra Ngunnawal Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

National

• Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)
• Higher Education Centres  - Links to the Indigenous Higher Education Centres located at universities in Australia, which provide support and information for Indigenous students currently studying or planning to study at university. Information provided by the centres covers university admission, bursaries, prizes and scholarships and tutorial programs.