Macquarie University
Wallumattagal Campus
School programs, camps and entry pathways for Indigenous students
Macquarie University is empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to gain the experience, knowledge and education they need to thrive and emerge as tomorrow’s leaders.
Walanga Muru partners with high schools and community to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples receive the preparation they need to succeed and develop their cultural identity into the future.
Opportunities for partnerships with high schools include:
In July, Walanga Muru hosts an all-inclusive three-day residential camp for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 10 who reside in NSW. Rising Stars Camp is designed to develop students' leadership skills and experience Macquarie University.
The Rising Stars camp is an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to:
- consider career options
- develop their leadership skills
- immerse themselves in University life.
Camp activities are designed to develop your leadership skills, grow your cultural knowledge and encourage your future aspirations. You will take part in a range of activities, make deadly connections, and gain an understanding of what university is all about.
Camp dates: July each year
Held in January each year, Camp Aspire is an all inclusive three-day residential camp for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander senior students who reside in NSW.
You will explore tertiary education options at Macquarie University and engage in activities such as:
- experiencing what your dream degree could look like
- being immersed in cultural activities
- meeting external organisation representatives at our exclusive industry expo
We enable you to experience an area of the University of your choice based on your interests. By attending this camp you will gain the knowledge and experiences that will allow you to make a decision on what your tertiary study options are once you finish high school.
Facilitated by Walanga Muru, our Critical Thinking unit entry pathway provides talented Year 11 students the opportunity to start their degree at Macquarie University while still at high school.
The unit PHIL1037 covers the fundamentals of critical thinking and reasoning. The unit runs in Session 1 (from February to June) and Session 2 (from July to November) and all learning is completed online.
If you successfully complete this unit, receiving an overall mark of a credit (65) or above, you will receive an early offer to study from a selection of degrees (determined each year) at Macquarie once you finish your HSC.
Walanga Muru will provide you with tutoring, mentoring and individualised support at no cost to you.
Campus tours
Our campus tours provide a tailored opportunity for students in Years 10 –12 to visit the Macquarie University Wallumattagal Campus at North Ryde.
You will enjoy a day of engaging activities aimed at raising aspirations and demystifying the university experience, as well as gaining knowledge about our centre, engagement services, scholarships, entry pathways, accommodation options and more. You’ll also get to experience Wallumattagal campus’ facilities.
One-off presentations
Our Pathways team are available to come out to your school and present to your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. These presentations can cover information regarding Walanga Muru opportunities, degree options, scholarships, entry pathways, accommodation options and more.
Facilitated by Walanga Muru, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathway (ATSIEP) provides opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to study undergraduate level degrees at Macquarie. The ATSIEP process is aimed at determining academic readiness for tertiary study, providing information on courses, accommodation & scholarships and, if necessary, to provide advice on alternative methods of entry.
Selection process and how to apply
The selection process consists of two stages: an online application and a day on Wallumattagal campus.
Step 1: Online application
Applicants complete an online application that includes information on your preferred degree, educational background, community involvement and aspirations for study.
Applicants are required to submit evidence of Aboriginality, that includes one of the following:
- confirmation of Aboriginality (eg a letter of confirmation from an Aboriginal organisation, stamped with their common seal).
- a letter of confirmation belonging to a direct family member (eg the applicant’s mother or grandfather) with the corresponding birth certificate.
- a letter of support from an appropriate community representative, such as an Aboriginal education officer (AEO) or School Principal from the applicant’s high school, an Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) member, an Aboriginal organisation representative etc.
A letter of support should state:
- how long the representative has known the applicant
- how long the applicant has been enrolled at the school or part of the organisation
- how long they have identified for
- the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander activities they have been involved in
- It must be signed and dated by the representative (written within 12 months from ATSIEP application date), preferably on letterhead and include the contact details for the representative.
Step 2: Wallumattagal Campus Day
Applicants then attend an on-campus day to determine their readiness to undertake university studies. The interview will explore educational background, work experience, communication skills, aspirations and self-motivation.
The on-campus day involves:
- campus & accommodation tours,
- connecting with Walanga Muru and MQ staff through interactive and individual group sessions,
- completing a written personal statement and,
- participating in shared experiences with other applicants to establish connections.
Accessibility & dietary needs will be catered for as indicated on your application. If your home is 3 hours surface travel from campus, we will contact you about arranging travel; at no cost to you.
More information
Contact the Walanga Muru Pathways Team team if you have any questions about the above programs.