Darrambal skills assessment program

Darrambal gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students the opportunity to attend University-style classes; to learn skills needed for success at University; and to meet lecturers and other staff in a supportive environment.

A skills assessment program

If you answer the following questions with 'yes', you should consider CSU's Darrambal option. It could be just what you have been looking for.

• Are you an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?
• Have you considered studying at University but perhaps do not have proof of skills and experience (such as School or TAFE certificates)?
• Do you wonder if you have the skills needed to succeed at University?
• Would you like to gain entry to Charles Sturt University (CSU) through a supported process?

What is Darrambal?

Out of respect for the Wiradjuri people, in whose country many CSU campuses are located, a Wiradjuri word has been adopted to name this program. 'Darrambal' means 'footmarks' or 'roadway' and is used here to represent the life-long journey of learning we all travel.

Darrambal is an innovative skills assessment programme. During it, the skills and abilities you already possess and your potential to succeed in your preferred course of study will be assessed. It may be an alternative pathway for you to continue the journey along your personal 'roadway of learning' beginning with CSU.

Darrambal is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and is administered by CSU's Indigenous Student Services group (ISS).

Students who successfully complete Darrambal may be offered a place at CSU to study their preferred (or an optional) course.

Alternatively, they may be encouraged to first under-take some other course of study either with CSU or through another suitable provider.

When and where is Darrambal held?

Darrambal is run for a maximum of three days and is held in various places and at different times of the year. Exactly where and when each program will be held depends largely on demand and University session or term dates.

If you are interested or would like to learn more about Darrambal you can contact an Indigenous Student Support Officer at any of our offices. They can help you to determine which programme will best meet your needs, tell you when and where it will be held, and register your interest.

Who can attend Darrambal?

Any person who identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander may attend. If you identify and would like to study at University but are not sure if you satisfy all of the usual entry requirements, you should consider Darrambal.

Several benefits come from participating in this program: skills you have already gained, and attributes and abilities you possess can be assessed; these will be matched against the entry requirements for your preferred courses; you will learn about the extensive range of support services available to you at CSU; you will discover skills/abilities you already possess that can be used to further your career; and you will meet lecturing and other staff in a supportive environment.

What does Darrambal cost?

Darrambal is funded by the Federal Government and so is free of charge to all eligible participants.

If you have to travel away from home, you may also be eligible for assistance with the cost of your travel, meals, and accommodation.

Interested?

Want to learn more about this unique program? Then don't muck about, do it now!

You can contact us by telephone or email:
Telephone: 1800 611 248
Email: iss@csu.edu.au