Oodgeroo Unit

Who we are

Established in 1991, the Oodgeroo Unit is the centre of QUT's activities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, studies and research. We're committed to developing better access to university education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and promote higher levels of participation in tertiary education.

Our main administration office is located at Kelvin Grove, and we have offices and more facilities at our Gardens Point and Caboolture campuses. On each campus we have computer labs, quiet places to study and work with tutors, and places to meet with other students.

Our staff

What we do

The Oodgeroo Unit:

• helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to enter university
• offers students academic, personal and cultural support
• conducts academic research in Indigenous studies, knowledge and associated areas of interest
• provides an Indigenous perspective to the university through teaching and learning
• organise events for staff students and the general public.

Indigenous education statement

Our Indigenous education statement outlines:

• our approach to improving and implementing higher education outcomes for Indigenous Australians
• how Indigenous perspectives are embedded in our strategic plan and key university documents.

2013 Indigenous education statement (PDF file, 380.33 KB)

2012 Indigenous education statement (PDF file, 636.44 KB)

2011 Indigenous education statement (PDF file, 198.07 KB)

Students

We have approximately 400 indigenous students enrolled at QUT, studying in:

• Business
• Creative Industries
• Education
• Health
• Law
• Science and Engineering.

About 60% of our students are from the metropolitan or near metropolitan area. Others come from as far north as the Torres Straits, Central Queensland and South-East Queensland and surrounding regional areas and interstate - ACT, NSW and NT.

What we offer

The Centralised Assessment Selection Program (CASP)

CASP is an alternate entry pathway to university study. We take into account prior learning and other personal achievements to give you a better chance of getting into the course you want, as well as a bursary to help you with study or living costs.

Find out how to apply for the Centralised Assessment Selection Program (CASP)

Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS)

The Commonwealth government funds the ITAS program, which provides additional tuition to eligible students.

Check your eligibility and apply for assistance through ITAS

Scholarships, prizes and bursaries

A number of scholarships, prizes and bursaries are available for our students across all faculties including the Equity Computer Scheme.

• Arrow Energy 2015 Go Further Indigenous Tertiary Scholarships
• Australian Tax Office Indigenous Intern Work Placements
• Creative Industries Faculty Indigenous Scholarship
• Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarships
• Indigenous Postgraduate Research Award (IPRA)
• Indigenous Student Continuing Studies Scholarship
• Laurie Cowled Indigenous Scholarships for Continuing Business Students
• Master of Laws by Coursework Equity Scholarship
• Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship
• Penny Tripcony Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship
• QUT/NIRAKN Indigenous Postgraduate Research Award (IPRA)
• School of Psychology and Counselling Undergraduate Scholarships for Indigenous Students
• Undergraduate Indigenous Scholarship

Indigenous Cadetship Support (ICS)

Indigenous Cadetship Support (ICS)S is a Commonwealth Government initiative that improves the professional employment prospects of Indigenous Australians.

Check your eligibility and apply for Indigenous Cadetship Support (ICS)

Pre-orientation program (POP)

Pre-orientation program (POP) week is designed to familiarise you with important aspects of university life, and to give you the best possible start to your studies at QUT.

Services

Indigenous community and support programs are run through the QUT Guild's Indigenous Portfolio, and through other QUT Guild programs.

QUT Guild

All services and facilities

Study

We encourage all students to develop their knowledge of Indigenous history, culture and current issues. The units of study we offer include:

• Yatdjuiligin: Cultural Safety in the Indigenous Australian Context (OUB100)
• "Am I black enough?" Indigenous Australian Representations (OUB110)
• Smash the Acts - Contemporary Indigenous Australian Politics (OUB120)
• Indigenous Knowledges: Research Ethics and Protocols (OUB130)

Find out more about our Indigenous Knowledges units

Indigenous research papers

Academics from the Oodgeroo Unit and guests to QUT have presented a number of research papers at our special events and guest speaker series.

View our collection of Indigenous publications and papers