Frequently Asked Questions

• I don't have my HSC, can I get into university?
• Are there any scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian students?
• What kind of support is available while I am studying at UWS?
• Where is the Badanami Centre?
• What is at each Badanami Centre office?
• I am struggling with my studies, where can I find help?
• I dropped out several years ago, can I come back to university and can I get any credit for the subjects I have already done?
• I would like to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian culture and history, does UWS offer an Aboriginal studies course or subject?

I don't have my HSC, can I get into university?

There are many entry schemes and processes for entering university and can be described based on two basic categories. There are the pathways that use your ATAR score from your HSC performance to decide whether you meet the minimum entry criteria of a course. Plus there are programs like the Badanami Alternative Entry Program that use alternative criteria not based on your ATAR score. The alternative entry process takes into account different qualifications and considerations eg. Your work or life experiences.

Are there any scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian students?

There are several different types of scholarships available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Basically undergraduate university scholarships can be provided via the Commonwealth Government, your university, or other sources including community organisations, businesses, disability organisations or church groups (Donor Groups).

UWS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarships

There are two main types of scholarships that are administered by UWS to assist with the costs associated with tertiary study: UWS Indigenous Achievement Scholarships and UWS Indigenous Opportunity Scholarships.

Equity Scholarships

Equity scholarships are specifically designed to help students struggling to meet the costs associated with studying at university. To be eligible for an equity scholarship you must be able to demonstrate financial hardship which may be due to low-income, difficult family circumstances, living in a rural or remote area and/or the effect of extra costs associated with disability or medical condition/s.

Donor Scholarships

There are many donor related scholarships and cadetships available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian students. These scholarships provide opportunities to be associated with key organisations and some provide opportunities to undertake paid and unpaid work experience.

For more information, please see Scholarships.

What kind of support is available while I am studying at UWS?

At UWS, we provide a range of support services to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian students reach their academic and personal goals. Expert staff members are available to help and encourage students to explore, learn, grow and take risks to succeed. The services operate across the six UWS campuses and range from disability, counselling and chaplaincy services to life skills workshops and online learning resources.
Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education (Indigenous Support Centre), provides a range of services specifically to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian students. The Centre has specialist support staff that will be able to assist you or refer you to the appropriate areas of the University with your study or personal needs. Please refer to the First Year Central website for more detailed information about commencing your studies.

Where is the Badanami Centre?

A Badanami Centre office is located on:

Bankstown Campus: Building 12 (Main Office)
Campbelltown Campus: Building 3
Hawkesbury Campus: Building K8
Parramatta Campus: Building EY
Penrith Campus: Building P1

What is at each Badanami Centre office?

The Badanami Centre provides programs, services and facilities to encourage and support the involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in all aspects of tertiary education. The majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian students, who are new to university study, find the experience very exciting but sometimes overwhelming. Students are encouraged to access the Badanami Centre to feel a sense of familiarity and belonging to such a large and busy institution.

The Centre provides tutorial assistance, access to computers, study space, an orientation program at the beginning of the year and assistance in study and learning skills. The Centre also has kitchen and printing facilities.

I am struggling with my studies, where can I find help?

The Badanami Centre can assist you with seeking advice about academic and personal issues. In addition, the University has a number of areas to provide you with advice and guidance about your studies. There is a free and confidential Counselling Service for all students. Go to the Counselling Service for more information or to make an appointment. If you are having financial problems, please see Badanami or visit the Welfare Officer on your campus. The Student Learning Unit organise and run a variety of programs and courses to develop students’ academic literacy, mathematics and study skills. The Unit also is host for students wanting to access online resources and workshops including bridging programs. Contact the Student Learning Unit for more information.

Badanami also administer the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme which is available to current undergraduate students who are keen to do well in their studies. Eligible students are entitled to receive up to 2 hours of one-to-one or group tutorial assistance per unit per week and may receive up to 5 hours of tutorial assistance leading into examinations. Contact Badanami for more information.

I dropped out several years ago, can I come back to university and can I get any credit for the subjects I have already done?

Yes, you can come to back to study. Academic credit for previous study is not automatically granted; therefore you will need to apply to have your learning assessed. You should enquire with the Badanami Centre or Head of Program for your course before you submit your application. Contact Badanami for further advice about Academic Credit or Advanced Standing.

I would like to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian culture and history, does UWS offer an Aboriginal studies course or subject?

The University has a number of units to choose from when wishing to learn more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian culture and history. Please check with your relevant School. In 2011, the University will introduce an Indigenous Studies major for all courses across UWS. Please contact Badanami for more detailed information.

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