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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs for high school students
Immersive on-campus and academic enrichment experiences
We design and deliver programs to build educational confidence and motivation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, providing support to access and succeed in higher education.
We offer opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to:
- experience university life
- engage in educational activities in a supportive and inclusive environment
- attend on-campus and online events along with week-long residential summer and winter programs
- participate in in-school programs with their peers.
Our programs
The Tahgara Program is an intensive week-long residential program at the University of Sydney, designed to prepare Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 students for their final exams and equip them for their journey into higher education.
Students attend workshops presented by exam markers, expert tutors, faculty academics, and university staff and students. Designed to build educational capacity and motivation, students participating in the Tahgara Program will experience an individually tailored program, guiding them through scholarship applications, university pathways, exam preparation, as well as receiving one-on-one subject specific tutoring.
There is no cost for the schools or families of students who participate in the Tahgara Program. The University of Sydney will pay for travel, meals, accommodation and all other expenses associated with the program.
This program is open to all Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across Australia. The program is held in the second week of the July school holidays and applications open here in May each year.
Tahgara program highlights
The Gadalung Program is a week-long residential program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 11 -12 in 2024, who want to explore their future at university.
This program gives students the chance to experience university life, explore world-class facilities and meet current university students and staff. Students will learn useful skills for their final years at school and get a heads up for their future at university and beyond.
There is no cost for the schools or families of students who participate in the Gadalung Program. The University of Sydney will pay for travel, meals, accommodation and all other expenses associated with the program.
This program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students commencing Years 11 and 12 in 2024. Applications open here in September 2023.
Program dates: 15 – 19 January 2024
The Ngara Program offers an immersive on-campus experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from NSW metropolitan schools, designed to build their confidence in preparing for and sitting the HSC exams, as well as equipping them with useful tools and resources to help prepare for life after school.
Each cohort will visit the University of Sydney campus, where they will participate in a Future Friday event comprised of interactive academic skills development and personal capacity building workshops, relevant to the stage of their high school journey. In addition, students will have the opportunity to connect with the community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students at the University of Sydney.
Participation in these days is by invitation.
Upcoming Ngara events:
- Year 9 and 10 Ngara Future Focus day – 20 October 2023
- Year 11 and 12 Ngara Future Focus day – TBC, March 2024
How to apply
Tahgara Program dates: Applications have closed for 2023. Applications for the 2024 program will open here in May 2024.
Gadalung Program dates: Monday 15 – Friday 19 January 2024.
Applications will open here in September 2023.
Ngara Future Focus events are held throughout the year and participation is by invitation.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at indigenous.recruitment@sydney.edu.au
Hear from program participants
Hamani's journey from school to university
With dreams of pursuing music in his future, Hamani believes his purpose in life is to entertain through his vocal talent and to inspire others like him to be their authentic selves.
Caitlyn's journey from school to university
From Townsville, Caitlyn grows in confidence through her final years of high school, and learns more about who she is and where she wants her future self to be.
Jack's journey from school to university
Jack meets other Indigenous students through this program, and connects with his Aboriginal culture. Jack dreams of becoming a social worker, and uses his own mental health struggles as a way to help others.
