Welcome to the Oodgeroo Unit

Established in 1991, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Unit began providing support for QUT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

In 1996, QUT recognised the profound contribution to Australian history by artist Oodgeroo Noonuccal by renaming the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Unit in her honour.

Now the Oodgeroo Unit caters to the diverse needs of over 800 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled whilst also providing vital programs for community and prospective students.

The Oodgeroo Unit is responsible for and committed to ensuring pathways to higher education and the academic success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This includes;

  • assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to enter University.
  • providing our students with academic, personal, and cultural support throughout their degree
  • providing a visible cultural presence at QUT
  • engaging in community events, representing QUT
  • promoting real-world opportunities for our students.

The Oodgeroo Unit operate across both Kelvin Grove and Gardens Point Campuses. On both campuses, we offer state of the art facilities including computer labs, places to study and work with tutors, and places to meet with other students.

Future students

The Oodgeroo Unit offers Indigenous Australian students an array of tailored programs and pathways, facilitating access to a wide range of undergraduate courses. Our signature initiative, the Centralised Assessment Selection Program (CASP), is designed to assist Indigenous students in gaining entry to most undergraduate programs at QUT. This program not only evaluates academic readiness but also considers personal and community achievements, providing a more holistic approach to university admissions.

Current students

The Learning Success Team are here to work with current students offering a personalised approach to university. This could involve one-on-one mentoring, academic tutoring, and study skills workshops. The team might also provide guidance on time management, essay writing, and exam preparation, ensuring that students not only stay on track with their studies but also excel.

Indigenous strategy

We aspire to be the university of choice for Indigenous Australians, and the Indigenous Australian Portfolio emphasises Indigenous perspectives in education, employment, and research, focusing on increasing Indigenous employment, student engagement, inclusive teaching, and collaborative research to uphold cultural respect and academic excellence.

Engage with us

Indigenous Pathway programs

The Centralised Assessment and Selection Program (CASP), is an admissions pathway that can assist Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people enter most undergraduate and some postgraduate (coursework) courses at QUT.

Find out more

High school engagement

We offer a great range of in-school and on-campus activities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from years 8-12, as a way of building aspirations for higher education.

Submit your expression of interest

First Nations STEM workshops 

Our hands-on workshops are designed to build enthusiasm for STEM, expose students to STEM industries and careers, and create links between Indigenous Australians, our past, our future and STEM.

Submit your expression of interest

Experience QUT

The Centralised Assessment and Selection Program (CASP), is an admissions pathway that can assist Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people enter most undergraduate and some postgraduate (coursework) courses at QUT.

Community engagement

The heart of the Oodgeroo Unit's mission is to not only facilitate entry into university but also to foster a deep and lasting connection. By doing so, the unit not only contributes to the academic success of Indigenous students but also plays a crucial role in transforming communities for a better future.

Scholarships

At QUT, a range of scholarships are available specifically for Indigenous students, designed to support their academic journey and alleviate financial burdens. These scholarships cater to different needs and stages of education.

Our space, your place

The Oodgeroo Unit provides a range of facilities and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across both campuses.

Discover

Getting started

Our Pre-Orientation Program is a series of academic and cultural activities designed to introduce you to the Oodgeroo Unit and QUT.

Pre-Orientation Program

Your success

Our Keystones of Success: Supporting our Future Leaders program, provides additional hours of tuition and study support to help you succeed.

Tutoring

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries specifically tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Browse scholarships

Our staff

Our staff and student ambassadors are always on hand to answer your questions and offer help and support. You can find us across both our Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses.

Meet our staff

Learning success

Our Learning Success Team at the Oodgeroo Unit are committed to enhancing the student experience to best help students navigate their studies at QUT.

CATSID for students

Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent (CATSID) may be required to access specific QUT services, programs and support.

CATSID requirements

Meet some of our students

Strong in Culture

Connecting over 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Do your community proud

Turn your passion into a career

+ Show more

Success stories

We're proud of our current students and alumni, and to have contributed to the success of some of Australia's most notable names.

The Carumba Institute

We work closely with staff from the Carumba Institute, a multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, research affiliates and postgraduate students. The Carumba Institute shares Indigenous knowledge, research and solutions through global connections.

The Carumba Institute

Latest news

14 Nov 2023

QUT announces Australian-first Faculty of Indigenous Knowledges and Culture

In an Australian-first, QUT has announced it will establish a Faculty of Indigenous Knowledges and Culture in 2024.

20 Sep 2023

Human rights passion takes QUT grad Kat to Canberra

QUT law and business graduate Kat Dorante’s passion for human rights has taken her all the way to Canberra and the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD).

Get in touch

If you have any questions about studying with us, or the services we offer, get in touch.

Oodgeroo Unit - Kelvin Grove

Find us at
Level 2, D Block
Kelvin Grove

Oodgeroo Unit - Gardens Point

Find us at
Level 3, B Block
Gardens Point