The First Nations Health Education Hub (FNHEH) is a new initiative of CDU’s Faculty of Health. The FNHEH supports First Nations students on their path into health careers. We work with a range of internal and external stakeholders to create a culturally safe space for First Nations students at every step of their journey.
The FNHEH contributes to the goals of Closing the Gap.
Our purpose
The FNHEH aims to provide a sense of belonging for First Nations students through
- Offering culturally responsive education, mentorship and support tailored to students interested in becoming a health professional
- Collaborating with stakeholders to build culturally safe community around First Nations Health Pathways
Additional information
The CDU First Nations Health Pathway Program is designed to help First Nations students build the skills and confidence to start a health degree at CDU. This program can open doors to a rewarding career in health and shines a spotlight on the important role of First Nations people as health professionals.
Who can apply?
The program is for Australian First Nations peoples, including those in remote communities who:
- Are aged 17 or over
- Want a supportive and culturally safe learning environment
- Would like to study for a career in health but aren't sure where to start
- Would like to develop their academic literacy, numeracy and digital skills in the context of health studies
- May not meet other course entry requirements
First Nations health professionals bring unique perspectives, cultural insights, and deep understanding that significantly enhance culturally appropriate healthcare services, making a real difference in closing the gap in health outcomes.
Program structure
- Nine units offered in total
- Each unit comprises two-week blocks of on-campus attendance (and some online participation)
- Modelled on successful community-based programs
- Combines foundational academic units with health-specific content
- Skill-building in literacy, numeracy, and digital capabilities
Benefits for students
- Builds language and literacy skills, confidence and academic readiness for university
- Offers a supported learning environment that respects cultural and community contexts
- Opens pathways to careers in nursing, midwifery, medicine, and allied health sciences
Benefits for employers
- Strengthens the local health workforce by supporting staff to gain formal qualifications
- Enhances retention and professional development of First Nations employees
- Aligns with strategic goals to improve health outcomes and workforce participation
Support for Students
Our Culture Support Team at the First Nations Health Education Hub provides culturally safe support to students from first enquiry right through to graduation, and beyond.
In the Classroom
Our specially trained tutors provide extra support, working alongside health and academic literacy staff to provide both ways learning that draws on First Nations knowledges. Each student is provided with a laptop for use in the classroom.
For Remote Students
Students from remote areas will have accommodation, all meals, return flights and an incidental allowance provided.
Stakeholders
The FNHEH Stakeholder Advisory Group meets quarterly and includes a representative range of ACCHOs and other experts in the field of Aboriginal health workforce development and training, from across the Northern Territory.
2025 Student Testimonies
"I wasn't sure what to expect from the program. I live in an outstation in Arnhem Land, so coming to CDU was a big step. But I gave it my best, and I'm proud that I did. This was a great learning experience for me. I have a better understanding of health courses and what I can study. I want to learn more, and I am coming back to do more learning in the Health Pathway Program."
"The program was structured really well, and the teachers and mentors were really helpful. It's been a great journey, and I feel more confident now. I'm excited to keep going and complete the Health Pathways Program because I know it will help me build and open a pathway for me in a career in health."
"This journey has been amazing. I've made great connections and learned so much. The program was well set up and really helped me grow. I'm excited to tell my family what I've achieved—they're going to be so proud! The course was respectful of culture, and I'm proud to have graduated. I'm looking forward to coming back and doing the next units in the Health Pathways Program, because I'm on my way to becoming a nurse."