For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teenagers who have never pictured themselves at university, a single week at the University of Sydney in Camperdown is helping challenge that belief, with hands-on campus programs showing students from across Australia that higher education is not out of reach, even without traditional academic pathways.
The programs, run through the University of Sydney’s schools engagement initiative, bring Indigenous high school students to campus for immersive residential experiences designed to build confidence, connection and knowledge about university life. The initiatives focus on students in Years 9 to 11, offering early exposure to lectures, workshops, accommodation and student support services in a culturally safe environment.
Building Confidence Through Experience
Students who take part stay on campus and spend their days attending sample classes linked to their interests, from health and science to creative fields. They also meet current university students, many of whom are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and learn how they navigated their own pathways into higher education. University-published information states that these interactions are intended to support students’ sense of confidence and connection on campus.
The experience aims to familiarise students with university life. Students are shown where they might live, how classes work and what support is available if they need help academically or personally. University materials state that early exposure is intended to give students practical information about university study and available support services.
Pathways Beyond ATAR
A key part of the program is explaining that there are multiple ways to enter university. Participants learn about alternative entry options for Indigenous students, including the Gadigal Program and the Extended Bachelor’s Program, which allow students to demonstrate potential beyond their ATAR results. These pathways may be unfamiliar to students whose families have limited experience with higher education.
The program also provides clear information about scholarships, accommodation assistance and academic support available once students enrol. University materials note that information about costs and support is especially relevant for students from regional and remote areas who may be uncertain about whether university is financially achievable.
Connection and Community
Students from cities, regional towns and remote communities attend the residential programs, creating a diverse cohort that reflects Indigenous communities across Australia. Some participants form friendships that continue after the program ends, with a number returning to the University of Sydney in later years as undergraduate students. Ongoing support is available through the university’s Gadigal Centre, which offers study spaces, mentoring and cultural support for Indigenous students.
University leaders involved in the initiative state that the programs are not about pushing students to make immediate decisions, but about giving them time, space and information to consider their future options. By showing students that university pathways are flexible and supported, the programs aim to increase long-term Indigenous participation in higher education.
Published 5-Jan-2026
