Research
Ensuring that research is not only led by our voices but also grounded in cultural protocols and community engagement.
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Wollotuka Institute
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to succeed
We are committed to the advancement and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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
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.
Supporting strategies
Our standards and accreditation
News • 01 Oct 2025
Central Coast twins tackle university to support local mob
Juggling work, study and sport could be challenging for Wiradjuri/Gomeroi twins, Bailey and Leigtham, but there is a clear mission that drives them forward.
News • 21 Aug 2025
University recognised at AFR Higher Education Awards
University of Newcastle’s researcher Professor Matt Dun and the Wollotuka Institute were recognised at last night's Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards, which highlight the contribution that the Higher Education sector makes to Australian life.
News • 03 Jul 2025
Commonwealth Supported Place postgrad initiative empowers Kieran to pursue surgical dreams
Kieran Cubby, a proud Wiradjuri/Murrawarri man from Dubbo, is on a determined path to becoming an orthopaedic surgeon – a dream that once seemed out of reach.
News • 01 Jul 2025
Team Wollotuka named back-to-back national champions
The University of Newcastle has been announced as the 2025 Indigenous Nationals winner for the second year in a row, after a group of talented students retained the trophy at the annual university sport games.
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.
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.
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.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.