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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pathway

Your path to Sydney
We look at more than your ATAR by focusing on your interests, motivations and goals.

We have two dedicated pathways available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students: the Gadigal Program and the Extended Bachelor's Programs. 

Gadigal Program

The Gadigal Program is our Indigenous student pathway that supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to study at the University of Sydney.

Through the Gadigal Program you will have:

  • the opportunity to apply for a Gadigal early conditional offer
  • lower minimum ATAR requirements
  • access to an academic skills program before commencing University
  • ongoing academic and personal support throughout your degree.
  • up to $5,000 global mobility award  for eligible exchange programs. 

Year 12 and post-high school applicants are eligible to apply.

Meet Olivia and Corey, and hear about their pathways to USYD via the Gadigal Program.

  • Follow these instructions to apply for an undergraduate course through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
  • When applying, ensure you self-identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
  • Search our courses, and put at least one University of Sydney course in your UAC preferences.
  • If you satisfy the eligibility criteria, you will see the Gadigal Program alert on the UAC home page. Click ‘Apply’ or ‘Review your application’ to open the Gadigal application form within UAC.
  • Complete the additional Gadigal Program application form.

For consideration in our Gadigal Early Conditional offer round, please submit your complete Gadigal application through Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) between the 5th April and 7th August 2023. Successful students will receive their conditional offers in September 2023.

Please get in touch with our Indigenous Recruitment Team for further information and support. Email us at indigenous.recruitment@sydney.edu.au

All students who apply and are eligible for a Gadigal application, can have the UAC application fee reimbursed to them by the University of Sydney up until 30 September 2023. To do so, follow these steps:

  • Pay the UAC early bird application fee of $73AUD by 30 September 2023 and obtain a receipt of payment.
  • Once you have completed both your UAC application and Gadigal application, email your payment receipt to indigenous.recruitment@sydney.edu.au.

Learn more about application processing fees and exemptions, or contact indigenous.recruitment@sydney.edu.au to discuss financial assistance.

If you are applying for a postgraduate degree, you apply by:

If you are a domestic student applying for the Juris Doctor, apply through UAC.

Email indigenous.recruitment@sydney.edu.au if you have any further questions.

Before you submit your application
  • You can save your application and come back to it via the link on the UAC home page.
  • You can only submit your application once, so ensure you are satisfied with your application.
  • Contact us at indigenous.recruitment@sydney.edu.au if you would like any support with your application.

Extended Bachelor's Programs

New in 2022, the University has introduced a dedicated pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to study some of our humanities, science and health degrees.

The Extended Bachelor's Programs include an additional year of study and allow Indigenous students to undertake studies in an academically and culturally supported environment.

All students commencing in one of the Extended Bachelor's Programs in 2023 will be automatically awarded the Extended Bachelor Program Scholarship worth up to $20,000 per year. 

As part of the program, you will have access to tailored academic support and tutors, mentors through our Mentoring our Brothers and Sisters (MOBS) program, with a wide range of courses and residential scholarships available.

Learn more about the Extended Bachelor's Programs: