Now in its 51st year, Batchelor Institute is looking ahead to an exciting future delivering more education options to students across the Territory and Australia-wide.

At the helm of this era of growth and expansion is Dean of Higher Education, Professor Curtis Roman.

“Batchelor Institute has an extensive history working with Indigenous Australians and their communities, as well as partnering with public and private sector organisations,” Professor Roman said.

“We have a deep understanding of community needs and industry priorities, and we design programs that meet workforce expectations while supporting students to build confidence, capability and opportunity.”

This insight has led to the introduction of enabling programs at Batchelor Institute, set to welcome students from Semester 2 this year. The enabling program offers an accessible and supportive entry point for those at the beginning of their learning journey by providing a pathway for people to build academic skills and confidence before transitioning to undergraduate study. 

“We are committed to delivering an inclusive program, so students receive the academic and pastoral support they need to succeed,” Professor Roman said.

“Some students may not have completed school, some may have been out of education for a long time, and others may be looking to move from a job to a career.”

“Whatever their starting point is, we will contextualise the learning so they can focus on developing their skills,” he said.

The 6 month enabling program will be delivered face-to-face, online or a mixed model, depending on student needs. Expression of interests and details of enrolment will soon be available on the Batchelor Institute website: www.batchelor.edu.au. 

As Batchelor Institute progresses towards delivering its own undergraduate degrees, further offerings in Higher Education are set to be launched later in 2026 with the development of graduate certificates in Indigenous Leadership, Indigenous Employment Issues and Indigenous Research. 

“Offering graduate certificates is a first for Batchelor Institute and reflects our commitment to listening to students and industry, and responding to what they need,” said Professor Roman. 

The graduate certificates are designed for Indigenous Australian professionals looking to build specialist knowledge and leadership capability on Indigenous issues, while continuing full or part-time work. 

“They equip graduates with skills they can apply immediately in cross cultural situations, while opening pathways to further postgraduate study,” Professor Roman said. 

Batchelor Institute expects demand for the graduate certificates to grow each year and is working with the Australian Government to secure Commonwealth Supported Places to reduce the financial burden on students. 

Director of VET Samuel Henry is equally energised by the opportunities ahead, particularly with the establishment of the Centre of Excellence Regional and Remote Essential Care Services (RRECS). 

“This initiative will allow us to deliver essential training and support for Aboriginal health practitioners working across the Northern Territory, as well as students preparing to transition from study to employment, Mr Henry said. 

The RRECS will operate as a partnership between Batchelor Institute, Charles Darwin University and the Northern Territory Government Department of Education and Training. 

Complementing these exciting new developments, the VET programs remain at the heart of Batchelor Institute, with around 2,000 students currently enrolled. 

“Batchelor Institute pioneered the Both Ways learning approach, which recognises that our students bring both Indigenous and Western knowledges and ways of learning, and that students and staff are on a journey together,” Mr Henry said. 

“The Both Ways approach has led to a rich and engaging learning environment for Indigenous Australian students, who use the skills they acquire in the communities where they live and work.” 

Batchelor Institute also plays a key role in VET in schools, delivering accredited training to students from years 9 to 12. This early engagement helps young people explore career pathways, gain nationally recognised skills and build confidence before transitioning into further study or employment. 

A dedicated team of almost 100 trainers deliver these VET programs across Health, Education, Construction, Resources and Infrastructure, Business, Conservation and Media, travelling to regional and remote communities throughout the Territory. Students also attend intensive training blocks at the Batchelor campus and at remote training centres. 

“We have an incredible team of passionate and dedicated trainers, some of whom are Batchelor Institute graduates themselves,” Mr Henry said. 

“Whether they are on campus, in remote communities or teaching VET in schools, they promote understanding, commonality and respect – values that sit at the heart of our Both Ways learning approach.” 

For more information on the enabling program, graduate certificates or VET courses, visit batchelor.edu.au TQ