Indigenous Admission Scheme
Interview-based entry pathway
What is IAS?
The Indigenous Admission Scheme is an interview-based entry pathway for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples pursuing undergraduate study at UNSW.
It is not ATAR dependent. Rather, your relevant life, work, educational and volunteer experience are considered as preparation for study (any formal qualifications will also be considered).
Interviews are semi-formal, with representatives from Nura Gili and the relevant Faculty/School in attendance. Interviews provide faculty staff the opportunity to determine your readiness to study while also offering you the chance to ask important questions about the degree and Nura Gili.
Study areas
No matter which undergraduate degree you want to study, we have opportunities and pathways to get you there.
IAS is the entry pathway for Mob looking to study degrees in Health, Arts, Design & Architecture, Criminology & Criminal Justice, or the Australian Defence Force Academy.
Assessment for entry is administered by Nura Gili in conjunction with UNSW Admission Office, Faculties and Schools across the university.
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If you're looking for a pathway into Business, Education, Law, Medicine, Social Work, or Science & Engineering that is not ATAR dependant, check out our Indigenous Preparatory Programs.
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You can apply for all the degrees offered under Arts, Design & Architecture through IAS, except Social Work and Education (entry into these degrees are through Indigenous Preparatory Programs).
These degrees include, but are not limited to:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Construction Management and Property
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Media
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
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You can apply for all the degrees under Health Sciences through IAS, except for Medicine (applications into Medicine are through Indigenous Preparatory Programs).
These degrees include, but aren't limited to:
- Dietetics & Food Innovation
- Physiotherapy
- Pharmacy
- Exercise Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Optometry
- Public Health
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You can apply for the bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice through IAS.
This Bachelor is designed to critically explore the causes of crime, deviance, criminalisation, social control and the legal system.
This degree is not part of the Indigenous Preparatory-Law program.
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Undergraduate fields through ADFA include:
- Arts
- Business
- Computing & Cyber Security
- Engineering
- Science & Technology
Non-defense applicants will follow the regular IAS admission process. Defense applicants must also have received a Defense job offer.
How to apply
The IAS application process is designed to give you an opportunity to showcase your interest and commitment to studying at universtiy.
Rather than focussing on your academic standing, faculties and schools will assess your life experience and interest in pursuing the degree.
Important information
- Read the following steps carefully, and follow all the instructions to ensure your application is valid.
- You must apply for your preferred degree via UAC before completing the IAS application.
- Once you've submitted your IAS application, we'll reach out with a date and time for your interview.
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Lodge an application with the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for the UNSW undergraduate degree program that you wish to study.
During the application process, you’ll receive an application number. This will be displayed on the page and emailed to you. This is the number that you will need for your IAS application.
UAC requires a processing fee for all applications.
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Complete an IAS application and attach all supporting documentation, including Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent.
If you are a recent school leaver, you'll need to supply copies of your year 11 & 12 school reports, transcripts of any other studies/courses undertaken; and any other awards or achievements such as work experience, extracurricular activities etc.
If you completed school before 2024, you'll need to supply copies of the final school read reports and details of the course(s), if recent; a CV/resume detailing work experience and education or training undertaken since leaving school; and anything else that can support your application.
There is no cost to submit an IAS application.
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Applications for accommodation and scholarships are done online. The sooner you apply, the better!
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Accommodation
UNSW accommodation provides more than just a place to live. If you live on campus, you’ll be part of a vibrant, enriching and supportive community. There are also scholarships available for accommodation.
Scholarships
There are a variety of scholarships you can apply for, many of which are specific to Indigenous students.
These include, but are not limited to:
- UNSW Accommodation Scholarship
- Balnaves Foundation Indigenous Medical Scholarship
- Faculty of Engineering Indigenous Scholarship
- School of Mathematics and Statistics Indigenous Scholarship
- UNSW Indigenous Undergraduate Business Scholarship
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Your application will be reviewed and if successful you will be invited to attend an interview.
You may also be asked to complete a written task related to your degree preference.
Thers is no cost associated with sitting the interview or completing the task.
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If your interview is successful, you’ll be made an offer to enrol in an undergraduate degree!
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Accept the offer and start your undergraduate degree!
Got a question?
We know the process of applying for university can be confusing and overwhelming, so if you have any questions at all, please get in touch.
Our friendly staff are here to help guide you through the process!
Frequently asked questions
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school leavers and non-school leavers looking to study degrees in Health, Arts, Design & Architecture, Criminology & Criminal Justice, or the Australian Defence Force Academy can apply.
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All completed applications will be offered an interview. However, an offer into your desired degree following the interview is not guaranteed.
If faculty staff do not offer you a place in the degree, you will be provided with alternative study options.
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Dates for the next round of interviews has yet to be finalised. We'll update this section as soon as we can.
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You will be asked to identify in the IAS application whether you’d prefer to attend your interview online or in-person.
We'll do our best to accommodate in-person interviews. However, you will be responsible for any cost associated with travelling to UNSW Sydney for an in-person interview.
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While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity is unique and sacred to every person, all applicants and students who participate or are involved in Nura Gili programs and/or activities are required to provide proof of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity and heritage.
Due to the historical nature of our peoples history we understand that sometimes obtaining an official Confirmation of Aboriginality can be challenging. Therefore, we accept either a Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Descent or a Statutory Declaration (with additional evidencing documentation).
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You can apply for Indigenous Preparatory Programs—our pathway into stuying Business, Education, Law, Medicine, Social Work, or Science & Engineering that is not ATAR dependant.
Discover more
Get in touch with us your preferred way
If you have any questions or would like more information about the program, please contact us or subscribe to Nura Gili to stay up to date with the latest news, updates, engagements and events.
Acknowledgement of Country
UNSW is located on the unceded territory of the Bidjigal/Bedegal (Kensington campus), Gadigal (City and Paddington campuses) and Ngunnawal peoples (Canberra) who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands where each campus of UNSW is situated.
