Studying at NIKERI Institute
Indigenous Direct Admissions Program
The Indigenous Direct Admissions Program (IDAP) is a Testing and Assessment initiative, which is a pathway to determine your eligibility for enrolment in one of Deakin University’s course programs that are delivered in our culturally contextualised space at NIKERI Institute.
The week-long on-Country immersion experience will assist you to prepare for your learning journey, through the Community Based Delivery Model (CBD). It is a great enabler to assist you in gaining an understanding of university study expectations, help you build relationships, and offers tailored support for completing the entry task (testing) and interview process (assessing) with NIKERI Institute. Have no fear we are here to support you through this process.
When is it held?
The program will be held at NIKERI Institute, Deakin University Waurn Ponds (Geelong) Campus from Monday 19 to Friday 23 January 2026.
What to expect?
The program includes learning opportunities to support you in the application submission for your chosen course, yarning circles with academic staff, on campus tours, group activities and a cultural excursion on Wadawurrung Country. Throughout the week, all meals, accomodation and transportation will be provided.
Who can attend?
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants who have applied to NIKERI Institute via an online application are invited to attend. The program will be capped to maximise the applicant experience, so please ensure you register today to secure your place for IDAP.
Register you interest for our 2026 Indigenous Direct Admissions Program
Register your interest in attending our 2026 Indigenous Direct Admissions Program and we’ll keep you updated on your application.
What is NIKERI Institute?
The National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research Innovation (NIKERI) Institute enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians the flexibility to access higher education while maintaining their family, work and community commitments.
Our courses are highly flexible thanks to our unique Community Based Delivery which is a combination of online teaching and on campus intensives. This allows you to balance your studies with other commitments, regardless of where you live in Australia.
The key difference of choosing to study at NIKERI Institute is that you are part of a culturally safe learning environment, studying in smaller classes alongside other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
What is Community Based Delivery?
Community Based Delivery (CBD) is the name for the unique style of course delivery at the NIKERI Institute.Your studies through the institute will differ to the way that courses are usually offered at Deakin. They have been adapted to be supportive and flexible to your needs.
When you study at NIKERI Institute you will come and live at our Waurn Ponds (Geelong) campus to complete a 1 or 2 week long intensive study block. You will do this approximately 2-3 times per trimester.
You will then return home and complete you’re studies via Deakin’s innovative online learning platform where you will be supported by our academic teams and your local tutor to keep your studies on track.
What courses can I study through NIKERI Institute?
There are a select number of courses offered through Community Based Delivery at NIKERI Institute:
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Research
Graduate Diploma of Land and Sea Country Management
Graduate Certificate of Public Health
There are a number of other pathways and programs available to First Nations applicants. Please be aware these options are for Deakin University but NOT NIKERI Institute specifically. More information about these pathways can be found here. Read on below to learn about NIKERI Institute applications.
How do I apply?
We value the life experience and knowledge of our students. Admission to NIKERI Institute is based on alternative entry – an ATAR or high school graduation certificate is not a necessity.
Applications are accepted based on answers to the online application form, submission of required documentation, a small assessment task and an interview. To find out more information about the application process visit the NIKERI Institute website.
Ready to apply? Complete the online application form here.
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