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Essentials

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander pathways

The Indigenous Student Support team provides high-level support and assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

The team can provide assistance with admissions, academic support, pastoral care, advocacy and referral to mainstream CDU support services.

Pathways and bridging courses

If you don't meet the minimum entry, didn't complete year 12, or haven't studied in a while; we encourage you to enrol in the following entry pathways:

Preparation for Tertiary Success

Preparation for Tertiary Success (PTS) is a free program designed for Indigenous students wishing to further their studies. PTS can help you develop your skills, knowledge, and give you the confidence to pursue further study.

Successful completion of PTS will give you the minimum entry requirements for most Diploma and Bachelor programs at the Australian Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Education (ACIKE) and CDU.

Tertiary Enabling Program

Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) is an entry pathway open to all students. With TEP, you'll have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to succeed at university.

You can complete the free course online or on campus, full time or part time, and in as little as 16 weeks you'll meet the requirements to apply for entry to most CDU undergraduate degrees.

Student stories

  • TEP student at CDU

    I'm the first in my family to go to uni

    Beth Cooper is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Canberra; passionate about Australian history, design, communication and solving community development issues. Last year, she moved to Darwin to pursue her life goals; kick-starting her study dreams with CDU's free Tertiary Enabling program.

    Coming from a line of strong women, Beth is the first person in her family to go to university and is currently pursuing a combined Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws degree in the hope to become a workers’ rights advocate. We caught up with her to celebrate her first High Distinction grade and to hear about her story.

    Read Beth's story
  • Head shot of Haydon smiling

    Bored high school student to respected community leader

    Haydon Staines, a proud Indigenous man, went from being a bored high school student to becoming a respected community leader. It was a path that often took him out of his comfort zone. 

    Read more
  • Kenisha Gumbula banner

    'There is help wherever you turn': Kenisha on studying after kids

    Indigenous woman Kenisha never imagined she'd become a lawyer. But, after having two kids, overcoming family challenges and living all over Australia, she's studying law at CDU. And now she's emerging as a leader in her community.

    Read more