A tertiary pathway program is assisting Indigenous students find their path to university study.

The University of Sydney's Gadalung Program attracts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Years 9-11 from across Australia to participate in a week-long residential experience, which offers a taste of university life.

Experiences include attending classes based on interests, participating in workshops, and touring the University of Sydney and student accommodation options.

The program supported Uchenna Anyanwu, who, according to the University of Sydney, wasn't on a pathway toward tertiary study prior to engaging with the University's Indigenous support program.

"When I was in year 12 my career adviser told me about these high school programs for Indigenous students. I was really interested so I applied and was brought to Sydney by the University," Uchenna said.

"While I was on the program, I was chatting with some students at the Uni who told me that they also hadn't received an ATAR in high school, but they were still there and studying.

"That was when I learned about the Extended Bachelor's Program, which is how I got into the University of Sydney."

Uchenna is now living in student accommodation on campus, playing for the University's American Football team and having completed his foundation year of study in the Extended Bachelor's Program.

The Gadalung Program participant has returned to the same residential program which helped him find his way, showing other high school students the options available to them post-school.

Port Macquarie student Chelsea Moran said she quickly felt she'd found a community away from home after visiting the University of Sydney.

"I was a little bit nervous on the first day flying over here. I was worried about not fitting in with other people and not being able to make friends," Chelsea said.

"But I've honestly made so many. It's been great finding other Indigenous kids who are interested in the things I like."

The young Dunghutti woman has grown up connected to mob, and will be an Indigenous leader at her school next year.

She chose to participate in the Gadalung program after a recommendation from one of her high school teachers.

"Meeting the student ambassadors who are also studying here has been great," Chelsea said.

"They've told us about the many friends they've made at uni so far, and how many people they've met from all around the world, as well as how going to uni is a first-time experience for us all."

Chelsea said the Gadalung Program has helped her realise university is accessible and a genuine option for her future.

"Before I found out about the Gadalung Program, I honestly never really thought it would be an option for me. I didn't really know much about different scholarships and not a lot of my family have gone to university," she said.

She said its been helpful to learn about the different scholarships and pathways into uni for Indigenous kids, saying "there hasn't been a single bad moment".

"My favourite thing about Gadalung is how much people care about Indigenous education and helping Indigenous people get into university," she said.

"Being here has changed my perspective on how much people want the best for us, which is crazy because it's only a week long."

The University of Sydney said program participants meet and connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, often creating meaningful friendships which remain in place as they return to the University as undergraduate students.

Morayfield State High School school captain and Gadalung Program participant, Jamal Burgess, said he would recommend the Gadalung Program to Indigenous high school students exploring their options.

"It's really worth going to. You learn a lot about uni life and college life, and you can talk to current students about it, they can inform you and answer your questions," the Gubbi Gubbi student said.

"It's also been really nice to make new friends and meet new people, It's definitely something other kids should try out.

"As all the professors have been saying: you don't really need to know what you want to do with your future right now, and it's good to know you have different options."

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services), Professor Reuben Bolt, said through initiatives such as the Gadalung Program the University has seen increasing numbers of Indigenous students preferencing the University of Sydney and wanting to engage with higher education.

"The Gadalung Program gives students the opportunity to find friends and connection off Country," Professor Bolt said.

"Students meet staff members and program alumni at the Gadigal Centre. Those who decide to study here know they have a safe space to ease the transition from school to university."

More information about the the University of Sydney's Gadalung Program is available online.