Indigenous Preparatory Programs (Pre-Programs)
Three-week intensive residential programs
What are Pre-Programs?
Indigenous Preparatory Programs are three-week intensive residential programs for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples pursuing undergraduate study at UNSW.
Through Pre-Programs, entry into select UNSW degrees is not ATAR dependant. Rather, your readiness for studying a degree is considered through assessments, exams and other measures.
Pre-Programs also introduce you to university life within a culturally inclusive environment. They prepare you for your specific degree and help you understand what to expect as a student at UNSW.
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Pre-Programs are an entry pathway into the degree of your dreams!
Over the three weeks you'll attend classes and complete assessments with your chosen faculty or school.
You'll also meet lecturers and tutors who'll give you valuable insight into your courses and career aspirations.
Upon sucessful completition of your Pre-Program, you may be offered a place in an undergraduate degree connected to it. For example, after completing the Pre-Law program you may be offered entry into a Bachelor of Laws.
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Pre-Programs run for three weeks at UNSW's  in Sydney.
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There are no costs associated with applying for or completing Pre-Programs. Nura Gili and UNSW cover all costs for travel, accommodation and meals during the program.
Please note that the application process for Pre-Programs involves lodging an application with UAC who charges a .
Study areas
No matter which undergraduate degree you want to study, we have opportunities and pathways to get you there.Â
Pre-Programs is the entry pathway for Mob looking to study degrees in Education, Social Work, Law & Justice, Science & Engineering, Business, or Medicine.
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 Health, Arts, Design & Architecture, Criminology & Criminal Justice, or the Australian Defence Force Academy that is not ATAR dependant, check out our Indigenous Admission Scheme.
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About Education
As a graduate from UNSW's School of Education, you'll contribute to improved educational experiences for First Nations students, as well as better education for all students about First Nations issues in Australia.
About the Pre-Program
In the Pre-Education program, you’ll gain practical insights into what it’s like to be a teacher by visiting a variety of sites and meeting experienced teachers, as well as current students.
You'll also grow more connected to the UNSW community, and to the First Nations communities and Country where you’ll be studying.
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About Social Work
A career in Social Work will help you become a driver of change in your community.Â
Studying Social Work at UNSW opens the door to a range of career options across many sectors, including private and government agencies, social welfare support organisations and community groups. Specialisations of industry practice include (but are not limited to:
- building and sustaining communities
- caring for elders and the elderly
- addressing gendered violence
- empowering people from diverse cultures
- promoting mental health and wellbeing
About the Pre-Program
In the Pre-Social Work program, you'll be part of strengths-based discussions, and engage with First Nations social work students and graduates making an impact advocating for human rights and social justice.
Join the program to develop connections in the UNSW community and begin a lifelong journey of curiosity and social leadership.
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About Law & Justice
At UNSW Law & Justice, you’ll develop the values, legal skills and qualities you need to become a qualified legal practitioner or kickstart your career in other related fields.
With an ethos of justice for all at its core, you’ll develop a strong sense of social justice.
About the Pre-Program
The Pre-Law program includes a simulation of the UNSW Law & Justice experience, an introduction to university life and the study of law.
Program content includes an introduction to the legal process, Aboriginal Legal Issues, Criminal Law, Legal Writing and Academic Skills.
You’ll experience:
- a three-week residential, intensive program to help you develop the skills and knowledge to study law at university
- a realistic insight into studying law at university, from attending lectures and tutorials to doing readings and assessments
- material taught in Introducing Law & Justice – the course that students take in Term 1 of their degree
- a visit to the NSW Bar Association, where you’ll see barristers at work in court and their chambers; and where you can talk to a judge after court
- the student life of UNSW Law & Justice by
- meeting current staff members
- working and socialising with current students
- attending any special lectures or events that are taking placeÂ
- discovering the Law Centres Precinct, including the Indigenous Law Centre
- learn about legal practice at Kingsford Legal Centre (KLC), the Law School’s on-site community legal centre
- developing mooting (legal debating) skills
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About Science & Engineering
As a Science and/or Engineering graduate, you'll be part of an Australian-first collective committed to creating positive change and tackling some of the world's biggest challenges.
About the Pre-Program
The Pre-Science and Pre-Engineering programs are designed to kickstart your STEM journey with tailored experiences, hands-on activities, cultural awareness and community-building activities.
These programs will help you integrate into the UNSW community, build lasting relationships, and explore your interests in STEM fields.
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About Business
UNSW's Business School puts innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability and technology at the heart of their work, supporting the next generation of business professionals to drive purposeful change.
About the Pre-Program
The Pre-Business program covers various business disciplines, and focuses on developing essential study and learning skills.
You'll gain practical experience through case studies and site visits, enhancing your understanding and application of business concepts.
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About Medicine
Forge an exciting career in health with the most . As a Medicine graduate, you'll be perfectly placed to positively impact the health outcomes of First Nations' peoples.
About the Pre-Program
The Pre-Medicine program is designed to provide support and training to better prepare you for study in the Faculty of Medicine and Health.
How to apply
Read the following steps carefully, and follow all the instructions to ensure your application is valid.
You must apply for your preferred degree via before completing the .
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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 Pre-Programs application.
UAC requires a for all applications.
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Complete a Pre-Programs application and attach all supporting documentation, including , before applications close.
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 2023, 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 a Pre-Programs 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 complete the three-week residential program at UNSW Kensington.
Thers is no cost associated with completing the program.
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If you successfully complete your Pre-Program, you may 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 Education, Social Work, Law & Justice, Science & Engineering, Business, or Medicine can apply.
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All completed Pre-Programs applications are reviewed, and those meeting UNSW's criteria for entry will be invited to join a program.
However, the successful completion of a Pre-Program, does not guarantee entry into your preferred degree.
If faculty staff do not offer you a place in your preferred degree, you will be provided with alternative study options.
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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 the Indigenous Admission Scheme—our pathway into stuying degrees in Health, Arts, Design & Architecture, Criminology & Criminal Justice, or the Australian Defence Force Academy, 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.
