Jumbunna Leaders Access Program

The Jumbunna Leaders Access Program recognises and supports the unique talents and leadership potential of current Year 12 students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

It aims to honour the recommendations of school and community leaders as valuable endorsements of a student's potential. It provides early offers to First Nations students, enabling them to plan their future with confidence and security.

Eligibility

  • A confirmation of Aboriginality (if you do not have one please complete the Jumbunna Statutory Declaration).  
  • You must receive a letter of recommendation and endorsement of your leadership qualities and achievements from a community leader or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation.
  • You must receive a Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) recommendation and endorsement from your school.
  • Write a personal statement. 

Offers are made based on consideration of the following: 

  • Academic commitment: Demonstrated dedication to studies, performance in relevant subjects, and completion of the HSC pattern of study as outlined by the NSW Education Standards Authority. 

  • Community involvement: Active participation in community initiatives, leadership roles, cultural preservation activities, or collaboration with community elders are significant factors.  

How to apply

  1. Send us your supporting documents 

Send your 1. Community leader’s reference letter and 2. Your personal statement (read our 'How to write a personal statement guide for tips), and 3. Confirmation of Aboriginality, and any other additional materials to access.schemes@uts.edu.au by 16 September 2024.  

  1. Submit your application through UAC. 

All applicants must apply via UAC to be considered for the SRS. 

  1. Submit an Educational Access Scheme (EAS) application through UAC.

For ‘socio-economic disadvantage’ (AG01 and AG02) and ‘school environment’ you do not need to submit an EAS application as UAC automatically generates it for you. However, you must submit an EAS application for claims of ‘financial disadvantage’. 

  1. Submit an SRS application through UAC.  

Applications close on the 16 September 2024.

  1. Submit your UAC receipt for reimbursement.

UTS will reimburse Indigenous students for their UAC application fees upon submission of the UAC receipt. Please ensure you include the receipt with your application documentation.

Offers

Conditional offers

Conditional offers will be made on Friday 8 November 2024.

Unconditional offers

Unconditional offers will be made on Monday 23 December 2024.

  1. Academic commitment: Evidence of your dedication to your studies, including performance in relevant subjects or improvement over time and completion of the HSC.

    1. Undertake HSC pattern of study: See the NSW Education Standards Authority NESA Rules and Procedures Guide for HSC pattern of study requirements. 

      1. Sit all HSC exams, including optional exams for VET and category B subjects. 

      2. Pass the minimum standards exam. 

  1. Your involvement and contribution to your Indigenous community will be a significant factor: 

    1. Evidence of active participation in community initiatives, events, or projects or 

    2. Demonstrated leadership or advocacy for Indigenous causes within the community or 

    3. Engagement in activities that promote cultural preservation, awareness, or education among Indigenous peers or 

    4. Collaboration with community elders or organisations to address community needs or challenges or 

    5. Long-term commitment to community service or involvement, showcasing dedication and impact over time. 

FAQ

What is the Jumbunna Leaders Access Program?

The Jumbunna Leaders Access Program is designed to identify and support the unique talents and leadership potential of Year 12 students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. The program offers early university admission, recognizing endorsements from school and community leaders as testament to a student's potential. 

What is the difference between the Jumbunna Leaders Access Program and the Jumbunna Pathways Program?

The Jumbunna Leaders Access Program is specifically designed for current Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, focusing on leadership potential and offering early university admissions based on endorsements from school and community leaders. It integrates with UAC’s standard application processes, including the SRS and the EAS.

In contrast, the Jumbunna Pathways Program caters to a broader audience, including recent school leavers, individuals without an ATAR, and those with qualifications from TAFE or other universities. This program evaluates candidates based on a broader range of criteria including educational background, life experiences and professional work history, offering both direct university entry and pathways through UTS College.

What is required for my involvement and contribution to the Indigenous community? 

Your involvement in the Indigenous community is crucial. This includes: 

  • Participation in community initiatives, events, or projects. 

  • Demonstrated leadership or advocacy for Indigenous causes. 

  • Engagement in activities that promote cultural preservation and education among Indigenous peers. 

  • Collaboration with community elders or organisations to meet community needs. 

  • A long-term commitment to community service, demonstrating impact over time. 

Do I need a minimum ATAR to qualify for the program? 

No, a minimum ATAR is not required for the Jumbunna Leaders Access Program as we recognise and support your unique talents and leadership skills. However, you must demonstrate:

  • Dedication to your studies, evidenced by performance in relevant subjects and consistent improvement over time. 

  • Completion of the HSC pattern of study as outlined in the NSW Education Standards Authority NESA Rules and Procedures Guide. 

  • Participation in all your HSC exams, including optional exams for VET and category B subjects. 

  • Passing the minimum standards exam. 

Where can I get more information about the Jumbunna Leaders Access Program? 

For more detailed information about the program, you can contact UTS Jumbunna Student Services: email jumbunna@uts.edu.au or call 1800 064 312.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.