Indigenous engineering engagement
The Faculty of Engineering is committed to creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff feel culturally safe and supported to thrive.
Our programs support Indigenous students at every stage, from high school graduates to those advancing their careers. We focus on enhancing intuitive thinking, creativity, and technical skills. Participants will connect with peers and mentors, gain practical experience, and explore diverse career paths in engineering.
Our initiatives
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Faculty Contact
Tyson Namok is our Senior Program Officer (Indigenous Engagement) and provides support, resources and industry opportunities for our current Indigenous Engineering Students. Tyson is a Torres Strait Islander man, whose family come from Moa Island.
The Faculty of Engineering provides various financial support options and peer programs specifically for Indigenous students in different degrees within the faculty.
For further information about our support options, please contact Tyson at t.namok@unsw.edu.au.
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The Indigenous Pre-Programs are three-week intensive residential programs held at UNSW’s Kensington campus in Sydney. The pathway programs are delivered by Nura Gili in partnership with UNSW faculties and schools in the areas of Business, Education, Law, Medicine, Social Work, or Science & Engineering.
The Science and Engineering Indigenous Pre-Program is an alternative entry pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The three-week residential program is jointly managed by Nura Gili and the Faculties of Science and Engineering and is designed to provide support and training to better prepare students for study in the fields of Science and Engineering.
Students begin their STEM journey with tailored experiences that align with their interests and future goals. The program includes community-building activities to help them feel welcomed at UNSW. Participants develop academic skills, engage in hands-on STEM experiences, connect with staff and peers, and take part in cultural activities.
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The Indigenous Australian Engineering School (IAES) is a week-long residential program for Indigenous high school students in Years 10–12, run in partnership with Engineering Aid Australia. It offers hands-on activities and insights into engineering, highlighting its impact on communities.
You'll stay on campus, experience university life, connect with peers, and explore engineering as a study and career path.
Applications open in late 2025.
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UNSW Engineering offers Equity and Merit Indigenous Scholarships, as well as dedicated industry-specific scholarships for students pursuing eligible degrees.
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Nat Chenhall is a proud Yuin and Bidjigal woman and the Indigenous Employment & Engagement Manager at UNSW. For staff-related inquiries or to express interest in future job opportunities, please contact Nat at n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au.
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The First Nations Engineering and Science Society (FNESS) at UNSW is a dynamic community of First Nations students in science and engineering. FNESS strives to be a prominent society, providing support to its members and engaging in projects such as their Boomerang Drone initiative.
For any inquiries, please contact FNESS at fnessunsw@gmail.com.
UNSW Indigenous Engineering News
Nura Gili: Centre for Indigenous Programs
Nura Gili is the home for all Indigenous students on campus located in the heart of UNSW. A place of cultural inclusion and safety, a deep sense of belonging and connection to Indigenous communities that is built upon respect for all Indigenous students at UNSW.
Engineering Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2023-2027
A diverse university is one that understands and values the differences of staff and student members, including those who are underrepresented. At UNSW Engineering, we are creating fair access and opportunities for all, and building equity into our processes to remove structural barriers. We are engaging our staff and students in an inclusive culture, where their contributions and opinions are encouraged and valued, giving everyone a sense of belonging.
UNSW acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their knowledges and traditions as the oldest continuing cultures on earth. We pay our respect to Elders both past and present. UNSW is located on the unceded Country of the Bidjigal (Kensington campus), Gadigal (Sydney City and Paddington Campuses) and Ngunnawal peoples (UNSW Canberra) who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands where each campus of UNSW is situated.