Indigenous Preparatory Programs

Applications for Nura Gili Preparatory Programs are now OPEN! 

Faculties running pre-programs in 2020 are:

  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Science & Engineering
  • Business
  • Social Work

This year's pre-programs will include online and residential components. A one-week online component will run from 30 November to 4 December 2020 & the residential component will run from 6 to 16 December 2020. Students will need to complete both online and residential elements of the program. 

Extra COVID-19 safety precautions, procedures and cleaning will be in place for the residential component of the programs. 

Apply today

Applications will close 5 pm 2nd of October.

Contact Nura Gili for more information.

Are you seeking entry into UNSW in the area of Business, Law, Medicine, Social Work or Science & Engineering?

Nura Gili, in conjunction with participating Faculties and Schools at UNSW, has developed preparatory programs, open to Indigenous students who are looking to explore and apply for entry into undergraduate degree programs offered at UNSW in the areas of Business, Law, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering.

Venue and Accommodation: The residential component of the programs will be held on the Kensington campus of UNSW and accommodation is provided.

Who should apply? All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are seeking to qualify for entry into Business, Law, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering at UNSW.

What does it lead to? Successful completion of a Pre-Program may lead to entry into an undergraduate program at UNSW or a pathways (enabling) program. Please note that an offer into the Pre-Programs does not guarantee an offer into an undergraduate degree at UNSW or at any other university. 

Cost: The programs are free of charge.

How to Apply? Applicants need to:

Pre-Programs

Each Pre-Program has been developed in partnership with Nura Gili and UNSW faculties and schools to provide you with a steppingstone to your dream career and introduce you to university life within an environment that provides you culturally appropriate support. Throughout these programs you will be assessed on your commitment, attitude and aptitude towards your studies and your ability to participate academically in your selected discipline. You will have the opportunity to meet inspirational support staff and academics who will answer any questions you have about your studies. 

Pre-Business Program
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An intensive residential preparatory course designed to assist Indigenous Australians to develop the skills necessary to successfully complete studies in Business. The course surveys a range of business disciplines as well as study and learning skills. Also included is opportunity to apply your learning through case studies and site visits.

Pre-Law Program:
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An intensive residential preparatory course designed to assist Indigenous students to develop the skills necessary to successfully complete studies in law. The program includes a simulation of the law school experience, an introduction to university life and to the study of law within an environment, which provides culturally appropriate support for the participant. The program aims to prepare participants for a mainstream education in law and boost participants' access into legal higher education. Program content includes an introduction to legal process, Aboriginal Legal Issues, Criminal Law, Legal Writing and Academic Skills.

Pre-Medicine Program
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An intensive residential preparatory course, jointly managed by Nura Gili and the Faculty of Medicine, which is designed to provide support and training to better prepare Indigenous students for study in the Faculty of Medicine. Please note both application forms below need to be lodged as part of your application to this program. For additional info about entry to Medicine click here.

Pre-Social Work Program
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An intensive residential preparatory course designed for Indigenous students wishing to study Social Work. The program aims to prepare participants for a mainstream education in a Social Work Degree, boost participants' access into higher education and assist participants to find out if Social Work studies and University suit them. Course content includes an introduction to Social Work, acquisition of Academic Skills, History of Social Work and the Australian context, Psychology and Sociology, Community development in an Indigenous context and Indigenous Social Work.

Pre-Science & Engineering Program
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An intensive residential preparatory course, jointly managed by Nura Gili and the Faculties of Science and Engineering, the Pre-Program is designed to provide support and training to better prepare Indigenous students for study in the fields of Science and Engineering. Students will have the opportunity to have a taste of a range of courses including: Chemistry, Psychology, Biology, Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Computer Science and Engineering Design and Sustainability all underpinned by a firm foundation in Mathematics. Students will get a chance to explore labs, the local marine environment and hear from current students and alumni all while getting familiar with the incredible resources and learning spaces Science and Engineering have to offer. If you have any questions about this program please contact the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Project Officer at Science.EDI@unsw.edu.au

For more information about the pre-programs please call Nura Gili on 02 9385 3805 or email asknuragili@unsw.edu.au

How to Apply

How to complete your application:

  • Complete the online application form 
  • Attach relevant documentation to support your application. 
  • For recent school leavers: You will 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, extra curricular activities etc 
  • For applicants who completed school in 2018 & 2019: You will need to supply copies of the final school read reports and details of course(s), if recent; a CV/Resume detialing work experience and education or training undertaken since leaving school; and anything else that can support your application. 
  • For all applicants: Attach a certified copy of Confirmation of Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. Please refer to Nura Gili's Confirmation of Aboriginality policy for further information 

If you cannot provide an office confirmation of Aboriginality, please see some examples below of evidence to attach with your statutory declaration: 

  • Letter from school declaring you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander 
  • Proof of Abstudy 
  • Copy of Parents Confirmation of Aboriginality along with a copy of your birth certificate that shows they are your parent.