This research is an exploratory study on the effectiveness of a bridging course in preparing Aboriginal students for further education. It also considers factors which may be of concern to the students' study in higher education. The research design employed in this study is both historical and evaluative. The historical section of the study provides background on the development and expansion of bridging courses in Australia and focuses on the development of these courses at the Western Australian College of Advanced Education (WACAE). The evaluative section is that which examines the on-campus bridging course at the College and the effectiveness of this course in preparing students for higher education. In order that factors which may affect Aboriginal students in higher education, particularly at the tertiary level can be considered, an examination is made on the social and academic factors that students consider are of concern to their studies. Two survey instruments, a questionnaire and an interview are employed in this study. The questionnaire survey was presented to the sample of thirty two students who had enrolled in the course at WACAE in one of the intakes between 1985-1987. The findings from the analysis of the questionnaire and particularly the interview indicate various areas of concern for the students in relation to the course and the factors of concern to their studies.