Indigenous education

UNSW is committed to educating teachers who can empower Indigenous students to reach their potential in the classroom and provide a culturally sensitive teaching of Indigenous knowledges and histories to all students. 

We provide specialised courses in Indigenous education and the integration of Indigenous perspectives across all our programs, as well as extensive research and professional development opportunities. We employ several Indigenous-identified staff and work in close partnership with a range of Aboriginal communities, including the Eastern Suburbs Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG).  

We have initiated innovative community-based research projects in Indigenous Education – such as the Culture, Curriculum and Community Project (CCCP) with the Little Bay Community for Schools – to grow and develop our knowledge, and have a growing research program.   

Teaching Indigenous knowledges & histories as a national priority 

At UNSW, we embrace the fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education is a National Priority Area. All our programs meet the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) professional standards for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and Indigenous knowledges and histories.  

Our teaching aims to promote active and informed citizenship and support reconciliation processes by building culturally sensitive and critically aware knowledge and skills, while fostering understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Students at UNSW are offered enriching opportunities to engage in teaching and learning experiences that focus on Indigenous education policy, curriculum and pedagogy during their degree. As part of their first year, all preservice UNSW students undertake a community-based course in Indigenous Perspectives in Education with Indigenous perspectives embedded in every course in their program.  

Our experienced academics continuously examine our teaching degrees, making improvements that reflect the evolution in policy, curricula and academic landscape of Indigenous education.  

Empowering Indigenous students to choose their own path  

We work to empower Indigenous students to realise their full potential in their chosen career paths, with support and pathway programs for aspiring Indigenous teachers. 

Our Nura Gili outreach program allows us to continually expand involvement with schools in Indigenous communities.  

Nura Gili Preparatory Education Program

The Nura Gili Preparatory Education Program for undergraduate students is an alternative pathway program for Indigenous students into study at UNSW School of Education. 

The program involves a 3.5-week intensive course to provide students with a structured introduction to university. In Australia, Indigenous Students’ university retention and completion rates are much lower than non-Indigenous students. This program is part of UNSW’s commitment to improving Indigenous education outcomes, allowing students to get a feel for university life and establish a support network prior to commencement.

What our participants say 

“I didn’t expect such personal, intensive treatment.”

“The program was very well structured and balanced – practical, theory and culture which was way beyond my expectations.”

“I loved the visit to Matraville Sports High School and getting insight into a school from an educator’s perspective.”