Indigenous Australian Student Services (IASS)

The Indigenous Australian Student Services (IASS) unit provides support and guidance to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying, or looking to study at SCU.

The Indigenous Australian Student Services (IASS) unit provides a wide range of information, advice, and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in a culturally appropriate, safe, friendly, and supportive environment.

IASS Officers located at each of our three campuses at Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, and Lismore provide support to on-campus students as well as supporting students studying online, servicing all Indigenous Australian students studying at Southern Cross University. Indigenous Australian students studying online are encouraged to contact IASS via email or telephone to access the services available to them.

The principal objective of IASS is to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with the services and support they need to gain access to, and succeed, in higher education.

Our services & programs

Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme

The Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) is a free tutoring service to all Indigenous students studying at SCU.

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Indigenous Scholarships

There are a number of scholarships available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to help with education nd accommodation costs.

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Student graduating wearing Aboriginal stole

Alternative Pathway: Testing & Assessment

The Testing & Assessment exam is an alternative pathway for Indigenous students at SCU. Students who successfully complete the exam may gain admission into their chosen exam.

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Studnet sitting in library working on laptop

Indigenous Social & Emotional Support

The IASS team is here to support Indigenous students through their university journey. Feel free to email, phone, or drop into our offices if you have any questions or need any kind of support- if we can’t provide what you’re looking for we will link you up with the services that can help.

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Four students sitting on satits under a tree

ITAS Program

The Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) is a Commonwealth Government initiative providing support to Indigenous students studying at university.

Through this scheme, SCU provides tutorial assistance to admitted and enrolled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with a qualified tutor to assist with:

understanding course content
researching skills
developing assessments
time management

ITAS Student Application Form ITAS Tutor Registration Form

Indigenous Scholarships

There are a number of scholarships available to Indigenous Australian students. The IASS unit offers two of these scholarships:

Commonwealth Indigenous Accommodation Scholarship ($8000 per year for three years)
Commonwealth Indigenous Education Costs Scholarship ($4000 per year for three years)

Information on these scholarships is sent to all enrolled Indigenous students when the applications become open.

For further information on the above scholarships, and on other external scholarships on offer please go to the Scholarships for Indigenous Australian students using the link below.

Scholarships for Indigenous Australian students

Testing & Assessment

If you are an Indigenous Australian who has applied to study at SCU but have not yet been made an offer based solely on your application, there is an alternative entry scheme available. The Testing and Assessment Program allows you to sit an assessment task which will be assessed by an academic who will then discuss your options for University admission. This may include you receiving an offer into the course you have applied for or considering an alternative pathway into your preferred course. Alternative pathways may include the completion of the Preparing for Success Program or articulation via another course.

Contact the IASS unit at iass@scu.edu.au for further information.

Social & Emotional Wellbeing

The IASS team is here to support Indigenous students through their university journey. We provide culturally safe spaces across our three campus locations and offer academic support, financial support, and social & emotional support to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying at SCU. Throughout the year we hold various events including information sessions, informal morning teas, and welcome lunches to help students navigate their university journey and to ensure students are comfortable and aware of the support they can access through our unit.

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“The IASS unit offers a culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The staff are extremely supportive and always available for a yarn to share my wins and frustrations with.”

Other IASS Information

Each of SCU's campuses has a dedicated student space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled at SCU. These rooms offer study/computer spaces, free printing, food and drink supplies and are a general space for students to use while on campus.

Lismore: IASS Gathering Space (H Block)

Coffs Harbour: Gumbaynggirr Room (E.G.25)

Gold Coast: Gnibi Wandahren Room (A3.25)

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students enrolled at SCU have the option to wear the Aboriginal and/or the Torres Strait Islander stole for their graduation. These stoles are sent out to students in the lead-up to their graduation.

To find out more or to access your stole contact iass@scu.edu.au

Indigenous events at the University are organised by the Southern Cross University Indigenous Events Coordinating Committee (SCUIECC), a broadly inclusive group with membership open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, staff, and the community. We encourage all students to join our SCUIECC team and be a part of the wonderful Indigenous events run at SCU

For more information on SCUIECC and how to get involved, go to Indigenous Events and Resources page

The Indigenous Nationals are a week-long multisport competition for Indigenous student-athletes. The annual event aims to bring together student-athletes from universities across Australia to compete in a variety of sports and ultimately crown one university team the champion of the games. The Indigenous Nationals is an amazing environment to not only celebrate the rich sporting culture of Indigenous Australia but to also acknowledge the heritage and history of the participating student-athletes.

Each year the IASS unit organises SCU's Indigenous Nationals team. The team is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled at SCU.

To find out more or to apply to join the SCU team, email vivienne.roberts@scu.edu.au