Applying for special consideration

Applying for special consideration is simple, but the process differs slightly between each type of special consideration. Visit the relevant page for step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

• Under-represented, regional and Indigenous students
• Financial hardship
• Disability or medical condition
• Difficult life or family challenges
• Elite athletes and performers

Special consideration is assessed based on the information and documents you provide with your application. If your application is successful, your aggregate score will be increased to reflect what you could have achieved if your circumstances were different. Your new aggregate score is then converted into your ATAR.

If you're currently in Year 12, or you completed Year 12 in the last two years, special consideration will be applied by VTAC in the form of an ATAR adjustment.

If you left secondary education more than two years ago, you’ll need to apply for special consideration directly to Deakin. We will assess your special consideration application and take your circumstances into account when offering a place in a course (instead of applying an ATAR adjustment).

You might be prompted to submit an impact statement with your application, depending on the category of special consideration you’re applying for. The more descriptive your impact statement is, the more useful it is to the person assessing your application. It should clearly outline the nature and timeline of your circumstances, and how they’ve impacted your studies.

Compare these two statements.

'I lived in a rural area when I studied. My postcode was 3322.'

'I lived in a rural area and this meant that I travelled by bus for a long period of time. I am also prone to motion sickness, which meant I couldn't use this time to study as other students did. I would leave home each morning at 7am to catch the bus and arrive home around 5.30pm at night. This impacted my ability to study and I would often be up late at night completing assignments just because of this situation. I often found I was tired and this affected my ability to concentrate in the classroom.'

The first statement, while factual, doesn't outline the impact the circumstances have had on you. The second statement is much more informative regarding the impact experienced and would give the selection officer a better picture of your circumstances.

If you’d like some guidance through your application, our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre can provide you with step-by-step guidance on the application process. Get in touch on 1800 693 888 to chat with one of our friendly advisers and have all your questions answered.