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.
Indigenous Nationals 30th Anniversary
This year, Indigenous Nationals will be returning home to The Wollotuka Institute to celebrate 30 years. The games originally began as a student-led initiative three decades ago and has grown to what it is today.
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 • 30 Jun 2026
Blak Excellence Learning Exchange – “From the Sea to the Desert”
The Blak Excellence Reciprocal Learning Exchange brings together emerging leaders from communities across Australia and North America to connect, learn and collaborate.
News • 29 Jun 2026
Wukul Yabang Recognised as Finalist in the Indigenous Governance Awards
Wukul Yabang Aboriginal Health Research Community Panel has been named as a finalist in the 2026 Indigenous Governance Awards for embedding a Community Governance model that empowers local Aboriginal communities to shape the Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander research agenda.
News • 01 Jun 2026
Almost $3M to transform ageing and dementia care for First Nations Elders
Indigenous-led research initiative Deadly Dreaming has been awarded a major national grant, marking a powerful step forward in reshaping how ageing and dementia care is understood and delivered for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
News • 23 Apr 2026
Blueprint for FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses unveiled
Universities across Australia now have a blueprint to deliver free university pathway programs, following the launch today of national policy recommendations and a guidebook developed by the University of Newcastle.
News • 15 Apr 2026
From Ma & Morley Scholar to Changemaker
The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program’s aim is to inspire, educate and cultivate the next generation of globally aware and socially conscious Australian leaders. Recent graduate, Dr Tanika Ridgeway, is already changing the way we approach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in Australia.
News • 09 Apr 2026
New partnership to bolster Indigenous Careers
The University of Newcastle and CareerTrackers today officially launched a partnership to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into meaningful careers, internships and leadership opportunities.
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.