The University of Sydney has signed a new three-year partnership agreement with the Aurora Education Foundation, expanding pathways into undergraduate study and strengthening career and postgraduate opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The agreement builds on an existing relationship between the two organisations and supplements the University’s own programs promoting access and support, including outreach programs, admission pathways, scholarships and student support services. It will operate alongside these initiatives, strengthening available support and adding opportunities for current students including paid employment, mentoring, internships and international study places.
Aurora Education is an Indigenous organisation that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to access education and employment, with programs spanning high school, undergraduate and postgraduate study and leadership development.
The renewed partnership includes a significant increase in paid internship opportunities for Indigenous university students. Over the life of the agreement, 45 paid internship placements will be supported through Aurora programs, an increase from the previous 10 spaces available to students.
The partnership agreement also includes:
- 6 reserved places for University of Sydney students on Aurora international study tours to the United Kingdom or United States
- Employment of 12 University of Sydney students as paid mentors in Aurora’s High School Program
New opportunities to explore
Lachlan Sibir, a teacher, President of the Nurringingy Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and a recent University of Sydney graduate participated in Aurora’s United Statues Study Tour after being encouraged to apply through the University’s Gadigal Centre.
During the program, he visited Boston, Tucson and New York and attended a class at Harvard University. He said the experience shifted his perspective on postgraduate study
“One of the highlights was our time at the University of Arizona, seeing community programs, healthcare and education initiatives up close. That was the moment when my thinking shifted from “I’m just here to look around” to “maybe I really could study in America and do my Master’s here.”
Now back in Sydney teaching and exploring his postgraduate studies options with the help of Aurora, Lachlan is keen to encourage other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to apply for Aurora programs like the US Study Tour.
“I’d absolutely recommend the program to other students, particularly those willing to engage, ask questions, build relationships, and really immerse yourself in the experience.”
Lachlan Sibir participated in Aurora Education's United States Studies Tour. Image supplied.
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LinkThe agreement aligns with the University of Sydney’s One Sydney, Many People Strategy 2025–2032, which, among other priorities, highlights how partnership with Indigenous organisations supports participation and creates meaningful impact.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services), Professor Reuben Bolt, said the agreement reflects a shared focus on practical outcomes across education and employment.
“This partnership supports pathways to the University, adding another layer of support that helps students navigate key transition points from school to university and into employment.
“Our students are the heart of our institution, and this partnership enables them to go further.”
CEO of Aurora Leila Smith said that the ongoing relationship with the University of Sydney has been incredibly impactful.
“We are excited to be continuing this partnership and look forward to working together to support Indigenous students to achieve their education goals on their own terms.
“We hope that this continued collaboration will encourage other universities to engage in significant long-term partnerships with Indigenous-led organisations like Aurora.”
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