This year, 38 students from cities and towns across NSW and QLD have been invited to spend a week at the University to sharpen their skills and plan for their future. Tailored one-on-one expert support from academics and faculties helps students develop a stronger sense of self, knowledge and plan for life after high school.
Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services), said the program is a key element of the University's strategy to create education and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Education has the potential to transform lives.
"We look forward to welcoming these bright and ambitious students before they embark on their final exams.
"This program gives them access to staff from across our schools and faculties - from music to medicine. Academics will work with students to provide academic and personal development advice relevant to their chosen future study and employment."
The success of the Bunga Barrabugu program has grown dramatically over the last few years, with 14 (34 percent) participants in the 2018 program receiving an offer from the University of Sydney. Ten of these students are currently enrolled, while the others have deferred with the intention of enrolling in 2020.
Current university student Dana attended the Bunga Barrabugu Winter Program in 2017 and is studying a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science.
"I wouldn't have come to Sydney if it wasn't for the program," she said.
"It was the bridge to uni, it gave me an understanding of who I am, how to get into uni and what uni is all about.
"The support that I get here is amazing. Because I am from the South Coast, I wouldn't have had any support at uni, but the friends that I met on the Program that are also now studying with me, made the transition to uni much smoother."
The University is now making this transition even smoother through the introduction this year of its Early Conditional Offer Scheme for Gadigal Applicants. For the first time, students will also be able to apply for an early conditional offer before sitting their final exams, which will offer a place at the University of Sydney, subject to their final ATAR.
