A leader in Indigenous education and research

In the language of the Awabakal people "Wollotuka" means "eating and meeting place".

We are committed to the advancement and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at a local, national and global level. At Wollotuka you can connect with other students and community – a home away from home while studying.

Study with us

Study with us

There are many ways for you to gain entry to University. You don’t need to have completed your HSC or have an ATAR. We have a number of pathways which take your life experience and your goals for University study into account.

Celebrating 40 years of the Wollotuka Institute 7:34

We have supported thousands of Indigenous graduates whilst championing an academically enriching and culturally affirming education, and forging a reputation as a leader in Indigenous education in Australia.

Empowering Indigenous futures for four decades

Born from passion and persistence in the 1980s, we began as a small support unit for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student. From these humble beginnings, we grew into a leading centre for Indigenous education and research. Over four decades, we have expanded our reach through programs, earning international recognition for our work.

Our standards and accreditation

Ngarrama returns to shine light on reconciliation

News • 28 Mar 2025

Ngarrama returns to shine light on reconciliation

The night of reflection invites people to consider traditional life before 1788. It brings local community together to connect to Country and reflect and share in cultural knowledge. Traditional dance, music and storytelling celebrated the rich culture of the Awabakal and Worimi people, the traditional owners of the land upon which Newcastle now stands.

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Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to succeed

News • 28 Mar 2025

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to succeed

Growing up in Dubbo, Makaah Darcy dreamed of studying law at the University of Newcastle. As the proud recipient of the Claudia Sloan Scholarship for Indigenous Students, Makaah says believing in herself and receiving support from the scholarship turned her dream into reality.

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Ngarrama returns to light up Newcastle

News • 16 Jan 2025

Ngarrama returns to light up Newcastle

Ngarrama will illuminate King Edward Park on Saturday 25 January when the University of Newcastle proudly welcomes the community back for its annual reflection event.

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Dust yourself off and try again: you can do it and become a doctor

News • 12 Dec 2024

Dust yourself off and try again: you can do it and become a doctor

Failing doesn’t make you a failure, and it’s not a reason to give up on your dream. That’s what Shelby Edwards discovered while studying medicine at the University of Newcastle.

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Millie’s pathway to becoming an inspiring teacher and making a change in community

News • 08 Oct 2024

Millie’s pathway to becoming an inspiring teacher and making a change in community

The University of Newcastle is leading transformative change in rural and regional education, which is one thing that attracted proud Wiradjuri woman, Millie Mills, to the University. Millie relocated from Wellington and is currently in her second year of studying Education, something that she said is thanks to the Wollotuka Institute’s Yapug program.

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Why I donate

News • 01 Oct 2024

Why I donate

"Giving back to the communities we’re part of is very important to us. Providing scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people studying health degrees enables us to make a practical difference in the lives of people living in regional and remote communities."

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The Wollotuka Institute acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal owners of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal Nation, Darkinung Nation, Biripai Nation, Worimi Nation, Wonnarua Nation and Eora Nation. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past, present and emerging.

Call 02 4921 6863

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