Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

At Federation we have meaningful connection to culture and communities that surround our campuses. Our dedicated staff are here to support your education journey and wellbeing.

Information for you

Early school leavers

Regional students Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students Parents and caregivers

Community connection and culture

Community, connection and culture is at the heart of Federation. The Aboriginal Education Centre host cultural events on our campuses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students throughout the year, so come along and join us.

Closing the gap in education

Study on Country

We acknowledge the oldest continuous living culture

Meaningful cultural connections

Pathways for community

Financial assistance

Our Deadly scholarships aim to improve higher education access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly those who need to relocate from regional and remote areas in order to access study.

Deadly Education Scholarship

$2,000 per semester (part-time students will be paid pro rata)

To be eligible you must:

be enrolled in a higher education course at Federation
not have received a Start-Up Loan from Centrelink.

How to apply
Apply directly via the Deadly scholarships and grants portal.

Deadly Accommodation Scholarship

$3,500 per semester in first year, $2,500 per semester thereafter (part-time students will be paid pro rata)

To be eligible you must:

be enrolled in a higher education course at Federation
have had to relocate to commence your studies
not have received a Relocation Scholarship from Centrelink.

How to apply
Apply directly via the Deadly scholarships and grants portal.

Dr (Aunty) Mary Atkinson Scholarship

$5,400 (one-off payment)

To be eligible you must be:

enrolled in an undergraduate course at Federation
in your first year of study.

How to apply
Apply directly via the Deadly scholarships and grants portal.

Deadly Reward Scholarship

Up to $3,000

To be eligible you must:

have achieved exceptionally high standards
participate in an activity related to your unit or contributed to your university or community.

Please note: you don't need to apply – these scholarships are awarded by the Aboriginal Education Centre (AEC).

Fee TAFE tuition

If you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and eligible for a government-subsidised place at Federation TAFE, your tuition will be free. Find out if you're eligible for free TAFE tuition.

VET Student Loans

Eligible students enrolled in approved diploma or advanced diploma courses can defer all or part of their VET tuition fees with a VET Student Loan. If you get a loan, you won’t have to start paying it back to the Government (via your taxes) until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold. Find out it you're eligible for a VET Student Loan and how to apply.

ABSTUDY

You can apply for ABSTUDY if you're an Indigenous student or full-time apprentice. If you're eligible, you'll receive a fortnightly payment to help with the cost of living. The amount depends on your circumstances. For more information, visit the ABSTUDY page on the Department of Human Services website.

Pensioner Education Supplement

If you receive a Parenting Payment (Single) or the Disability Support Pension you may be eligible for extra assistance while you're studying. For more information, visit the Pensioner Education Supplement page on the Department of Human Services website.

Feel like you can’t study? Leave that shame at the door. With so many pathways and supports for everyone, we can assist you at any step of your education journey.

Aboriginal Education Centre

With dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, student success and wellbeing team, and spaces. The Aboriginal Education Centre is here to empower your journey. Click here to learn more.

Read about the AEC