Bondies breaking barriers
As part of NAIDOC Week 2017 we asked our Indigenous students the uncomfortable questions that they sometimes face, with the aim of shedding light on stigmas surrounding Indigenous Australian Students. Inspired by ABC’s ‘You Can’t Ask That’, this video forms part of a host of NAIDOC Week celebrations of Indigenous culture across the Gold Coast and on campus.
Facts & figures
| 76 | Indigenous scholarships awarded (since 2012) |
| 83.3% | Bond University’s Indigenous student success rate in 2016 compared to a sector average of 73.7% |
| 25% | Indigenous students on scholarships |
| $4 million | Total value of scholarships (2012-2018) |
| $65,000 | In textbook and living expenses bursaries awarded since 2014 |
Note: Above data current as at December, 2018
Bond University is wholly committed to improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians by forging a pathway from school to university to employment.
Our team manages a strategic portfolio of education initiatives for Indigenous students designed to:
- build on the Federal Government’s ‘Close the Gap’ policy by encouraging Indigenous school-leavers to continue onto tertiary education
- increase retention and completion rates among Indigenous students by providing a supported environment, dedicated study assistance, community networks and cultural linkages; and
- facilitate the transition to career employment via corporate mentoring and internship opportunities.
Our Indigenous initiatives include:
- sponsoring their studies through our Indigenous Scholarships Program
- providing on-campus support for Indigenous students via the Nyombil Centre
- partnership with the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME).
Indigenous Scholarships Program
Bond University offers a range of full and part scholarships, bursaries and grants to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. In 2018, 9 scholarships were awarded to Indigenous students due to the generous support of corporate partners, through funds raised at the Indigenous Gala and through a significant contribution by the University.
Nyombil Centre
Opened on campus in 2012, the Nyombil Centre provides dedicated study, personal, professional and cultural support for Bond’s Indigenous students.
The Centre employs artist Narelle Urquhart as an Indigenous Cultural Support Officer and Jason Murray as Centre Manager. The Centre comprises of a suite of rooms where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can come at any time to study, socialise, network with other Indigenous students and seek advice from staff.
In addition to fostering their academic and professional progression, the Centre also fulfils an important cultural role, connecting students with the local Indigenous community through a range of activities, events and mentoring opportunities.