Indigenous student services
The Indigenous Student Services team in the Moondani Toombadool Centre provides services to Indigenous students, including on-campus, online and community learners, to be in control of their own studies.
At the Moondani Toombadool Centre, students can receive assistance with pre-enrolment, subject selection, orientation and graduation, as well as plans for life after studying. We ensure students’ education and training experience is positive, inclusive and successful.
What is the Moondani Toombadool Centre?
Established in 2018, the Moondani Toombadool Centre is responsible for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters at Swinburne, including governance, student services, teaching and learning, research, staff, culture, engagement and governance.
Indigenous Student Advisers
Our Indigenous Student Advisers can meet you at the Hawthorn, Wantirna or Croydon campus by appointment during office hours on Monday to Friday. You can also email and schedule a call-back at a time that suits you.
To contact our Indigenous Student Adviser, please email indigenousstudents@swinburne.edu.au or leave a voicemail on +61 3 9214 8481.
Academic skills support
The Indigenous Student Services team provides academic skills support for Indigenous students enrolled in higher education and vocational education.
Indigenous Academic Success Program
All Indigenous students enrolled at Swinburne (including Swinburne Online) are encouraged to apply for the Indigenous Academic Success Program. Eligible students receive two hours of tuition per unit of study per week from qualified tutors to assist with their studies. Additional tuition for exam preparation is also provided. The availability of tuition is based on funding and need. The program is provided free to eligible students.
Learning and Academic Skills (LAS) Advisors
Students can also receive study and academic support by booking an appointment with a Swinburne LAS Advisor. LAS Advisors specialise in helping you to improve your study skills and get better marks on writing essays and reports, as well as making presentations. LAS can also help you develop study and exam strategies and improve your maths and computer skills.
Indigenous Student Lounge
The Hawthorn campus has an Indigenous Student Lounge at TB 218. Drop in and network with other Indigenous students in a quiet and culturally safe environment.
Please email indigenousstudents@swinburne.edu.au to arrange swipe card access.
Looking for a job?
Access SwinEmploy to find graduate roles in your chosen industry. You will also find casual, part-time and volunteer roles to consider while you study.
To assist your search, use the keyword "Indigenous" to find roles for Indigenous students.
Scholarships for Indigenous students
A range of scholarships are available for eligible students studying at Swinburne. Some are open to all students, while others relate specifically to Indigenous people.
Swinburne and other organisations have established these scholarships to encourage Indigenous people to engage in higher education and vocational education. Our Indigenous student-focused scholarships include:
Swinburne Indigenous Bursaries
The Swinburne Indigenous Bursaries are sponsored by Position Promo, an independent, Aboriginal-owned and operated company. Established in 2020, the Swinburne Indigenous Bursaries support Swinburne Indigenous students to commence their education.
The one-off bursary payment allows Swinburne Indigenous students to purchase the support materials they require (such as textbooks, journals, laptops or computers, stationary or public transport passes) to ensure that they have everything they need to reach their full potential.
Indigenous Student Laptop Scholarship
The Moondani Toombadool Centre will be supporting Indigenous undergraduate or postgraduate students with a Lenovo Notebook to assist with their course as they commence their first or second year at Swinburne. Successful students will be awarded a Lenovo Thinkpad L390.
Indigenous VET Transition Scholarship
The Moondani Toombadool Centre will be supporting an Indigenous student who has successfully completed a VET (Certificate I – IV, Diploma (including Unilink) and Advanced Diploma) course and is transitioning to a Higher Education course.
Indigenous Accommodation Scholarship
The Moondani Toombadool Centre will be supporting an Indigenous undergraduate or postgraduate student to assist with relocation costs or accommodation costs to begin their degree with Swinburne. Scholarships will be awarded in a one-off payment and recipient must not be in receipt of or eligible for an ICAS scholarship or Relocation scholarship.
VET Indigenous Relocation Scholarship
The Moondani Toombadool Centre will be supporting a VET Indigenous student enrolled to commence a Diploma (including Unilink) or Advanced Diploma. This scholarship aims to assist with relocation and accommodation costs.
Swinburne also offers a wide range of university, government and privately funded scholarships for eligible commencing and current students.
Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarships (ICECS & ICAS)
The Indigenous Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship (ICECS) aims to improve higher education access for Indigenous people, particularly those who need to relocate from regional and remote areas, through payments to assist with education costs.
Graduation for Indigenous students
Graduates who identify themselves as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander are eligible to have their graduation fee waived. The graduation fee covers:
- Academic regalia hire for the ceremony
- Trencher (cap) and Indigenous stole to keep
- Two guest tickets
- Graduation ceremony program
- Refreshments post-ceremony for you and your guests
For more information, please feel free to contact the Indigenous Student Services team at indigenousstudents@swinburne.edu.au or +61 3 9214 8481.
Explore other services
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Study and learning support
Improve your study and academic skills through our Learning and Academic Skills Centre. Attend workshops, advice sessions, and access support for students facing challenges.
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AccessAbility services
At Swinburne, we offer an inclusive and welcoming environment for people living with a disability, medical condition, mental illness or with primary carer responsibilities.
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Independent advocacy for students
If you're facing academic or disciplinary issues, get free, confidential advice on how to best manage your circumstances to get back on track with your studies.
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Health and wellbeing
We offer comprehensive professional health and medical services to support the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of the Swinburne community.
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Mentoring services
If you’re finding it hard to adjust to university life, or just looking for someone to help you learn the ropes, our friendly team of student mentors are here to help. Whether you're commencing a bachelor degree or returning to study as a postgrad, student mentors can advise you on all things Swinburne.
Have any questions?
To get in contact with an Indigenous Student Adviser please email indigenousstudents@swinburne.edu.au or leave a voicemail on +61 3 9214 8481.