Monash University is committed to advancing the education and career aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- How to apply to Monash University as Domestic student applications
- How to apply to Monash University as International student applications
We have a range of admissions entry points for Indigenous applicants designed to address the under-representation of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Australian universities.
Monash Indigenous Entry Scheme
This scheme provides an entry point for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants into a range of undergraduate courses with an achieved ATAR of 50+ (higher for some courses).
Benefits
- Eligible for admission into a range of Monash courses with a lower ATAR
- No special classes, extra requirements or time added to your course
- Graduate with the same degree as all other Monash students
- Comprehensive support programs delivered by the University through the William Cooper Institute
Eligibility
To be eligible for admission you must:
- be an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- achieve a minimum ATAR or equivalent of 50 (60 for Bachelor of Radiation Science, 65 for Bachelor of Architectural Design, 65 for Bachelor of Art History and Curating, 70 for Bachelor of Education)
- satisfy all prerequisites as listed in the VTAC guide.
- submit a supplementary information form.
This is a guide only. Please refer to the VTAC course entries for the full list of prerequisite requirements.
VTAC code | VTAC course | ATAR | Monash degree |
---|---|---|---|
2800211591 | Architectural Design/Architecture (Indigenous Entry) | 65 | Bachelor of Architectural Design |
2800211671 | Art History and Curating (Indigenous Entry) | 65 | Bachelor of Art History and Curating |
2800311291 | Arts (Indigenous Entry) | 50 | Bachelor of Arts |
2800211301 | Business (Indigenous Entry) | 50 | Bachelor of Business |
2800711421 | Business Administration (Indigenous Entry) | 50 | Bachelor of Business Administration |
2800211521 | Design (Indigenous Entry) | 50 | Bachelor of Design |
2800311311 | Education (Honours – Indigenous Entry) | 70* | Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Early Years and Primary Education |
2800311311 | Education (Honours – Indigenous Entry) | 70* | Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary and Secondary Education |
2800311311 | Education (Honours – Indigenous Entry) | 70* | Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary and Secondary Health and Physical Education |
2800311311 | Education (Honours – Indigenous Entry) | 70* | Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary and Secondary Inclusive Education |
2800311311 | Education (Honours – Indigenous Entry) | 70* | Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary Education |
2800311311 | Education (Honours – Indigenous Entry) | 70* | Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Secondary Health and Physical Education |
2800211531 | Fine Art (Indigenous Entry) | 50 | Bachelor of Fine Art |
2800311331 | Information Technology (Indigenous Entry) | 50 | Bachelor of Information Technology |
2800711481 | Paramedicine (Indigenous Entry) | 50 | Bachelor of Paramedicine |
2800211491 | Public Health (Indigenous Entry) | 50 | Bachelor of Public Health |
2800311501 | Radiation Sciences (Indigenous Entry) | 60 | Bachelor of Radiation Sciences |
2800211511 | Health Sciences (Indigenous Entry) | 50 | Bachelor of Health Sciences |
2800311341 | Nursing (Indigenous Entry) | 50 | Bachelor of Nursing |
2800711351 | Occupational Therapy (Honours – Indigenous Entry) | 50 | Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) |
2800311361 | Science (Indigenous Entry) | 50 | Bachelor of Science |
*Minimum ATAR inclusive of any SEAS bonuses applied
How to apply
Apply via VTAC for the appropriate course:
- Architectural Design/Architecture (Indigenous Entry)
- Art History and Curating (Indigenous Entry)
- Arts (Indigenous Entry)
- Business (Indigenous Entry)
- Business Administration (Indigenous Entry)
- Education (Indigenous Entry)
- Fine Art (Indigenous Entry)
- Health Sciences (Indigenous Entry)
- Information Technology (Indigenous Entry)
- Nursing (Indigenous Entry)
- Occupational Therapy (Indigenous Entry)
- Paramedicine (Indigenous Entry)
- Public Health (Indigenous Entry)
- Radiation Sciences (Indigenous Entry)
- Science (Indigenous Entry)
You must also submit a supplementary information form.
Contact William Cooper Institute if you have questions about your application.
Indigenous pathway programs
If you did not meet the entry requirements for direct entry through VTAC, you can apply for one of our specialised pathway programs.
The Monash Indigenous Access Program (MIAP) and the Indigenous Non-Award Pathway (INAP) are designed to support you to start your studies at university. The programs help develop skills that enable you to succeed in a university environment.
MIAP is a full-time fee sponsored program which is Abstudy approved. INAP is a part-time fee sponsored pathway program.
For more information about these opportunities and for information on how to apply, see the Monash Indigenous Access Program (MIAP) and Indigenous Non-Award Pathway (INAP) website.
Support, benefits and scholarships
Why choose Monash? Monash University offer a range of supports and opportunities to facilitate your success that are coordinated by the William Cooper Institute. The William Cooper Institute offers individualised and responsive support and advice from expression of interest through to graduation.
On top of being eligible for a range of specific scholarships all undergraduate students at Monash are eligible to receive a support package valued at up to $36,000 for a three year degree. This support includes:
- one-on-one and group academic tutoring
- supply of your prescribed textbooks
- access to mentoring and paid internship opportunities
- a lifestyle program including a free Monash Sport gym membership.
Indigenous students at Monash are eligible to apply for a range of scholarships.
Further information
Contact the William Cooper Institute for more information on the above programs, or for any information on how to apply to Monash University as an Indigenous student. Find out more about Pathways for Indigenous students.
Related Resources
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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.