Deakin Special Entry Access Scheme (Deakin SEAS)
Deakin is committed to providing equity and access for individuals and groups who might not otherwise enjoy the benefits that flow from participation in higher education.
Deakin's Special Entry Access Scheme (Deakin SEAS) allows students from disadvantaged economic backgrounds, Indigenous students and those living in remote areas to have greater access to higher education programs.
- Who can apply for the Deakin Special Entry Access Scheme (Deakin SEAS)?
- How do I apply?
- When do I apply?
- Scholarships at Deakin
- Documentary evidence
Who can apply for the Deakin Special Entry Access Scheme?
Applicants to undergraduate courses at Deakin can apply if they are from one of the following designated groups:
- Mature age consideration
- Non-English speaking background
- Recognition as an Indigenous Australian
- Difficult circumstances
- Disadvantaged financial background
- Applicants from rural or isolated areas
- Under-represented schools
- Women in under-represented disciplines
- Disability or medical condition
- Refugee background
Personal Information and Location (SEAS Category 1)
This category is open to both non-Year 12 and current Year 12 applicants who wish to be considered for all circumstances that can be based upon information provided in the course application. These circumstances are:
- Age – recognition of mature age entry
- Gender – applicants must be female applying for courses (14 KB) identified by Deakin
- Recognition as an Indigenous Australian
- Living or school postcode – Applicants must also have resided for the last three years in an area identified by Deakin
- Under-represented schools (85 KB) – applicants must attend a school identified by Deakin
Non-English speaking background (SEAS Category 2)
This category is open to both non-Year 12 and current Year 12 students.
Deakin University will consider applicants who meet the following criteria:
- born outside Australia in a non-English speaking country
- must have arrived in Australia on, or after 1 January 2002
Difficult circumstances (SEAS Category 3)
This category is open to both non-Year 12 and current Year 12 students and applies to applicants who have been prevented from reaching their full educational potential because of family or other life circumstances.
Applicants in this category will need to indicate whether the circumstances are long term (in existence prior to 2009) or short term (existing only in 2010-2011)
Examples of difficult circumstances are:
- Refugee (a certified copy of status papers from DIAC must accompany the application along with a copy of the current visa and passport photo page and initial entry stamp for arrival in Australia)
- Severe family disruption
- Long-term illness of a family member
- Abusive living environment
- Disruption of education due to constant relocation
- Disruption of education due to living or school location
- Divorce/separation of parents
- Homelessness
- Excessive family responsibility
- Death of an immediate family member or friend
- Natural disaster
Disadvantaged financial background (SEAS Category 4)
This category is open to both non-Year 12 and current Year 12 students.
This category applies to applicants who have been prevented from reaching their full educational potential because of a disadvantaged financial background.
Applicants in this category will need to indicate whether the circumstances are long term (in existence prior to 2009) or short term (existing only in 2010-2011)
Examples of these circumstances are:
- Individual or family poverty
- Excessive financial obligations
- Economic hardships
Deakin requires that applicants to this category must be in possession of a Centrelink benefit or have demonstrated personal or family taxable income below the Commonwealth Student Contribution repayment threshold depending on independence status.
Disability or medical condition (SEAS Category 5)
This category is open to both non-Year 12 and current Year 12 students.
This category is for applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage as a result of a disability or medical condition.
Applicants to this category will need to indicate whether the circumstances are long term (in existence prior to 2009) or short term (existing only in 2010-2011).
How do I apply?
VTAC applicants
For courses offered through VTAC (undergraduate courses only) you must apply through the VTAC SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) application system.
- It is important that you read the SEAS booklet. You can pick up a copy from VTAC or download the booklet from the VTAC website .
- Complete the SEAS access and equity online application (please note: Current Year 12 students will need their VCAA student number and PIN; non-Year 12 applicants will need their application number and PIN).
- Please, do not submit your application directly to the University.
Applicants for SEAS must have submitted a VTAC tertiary application. Access to the SEAS online application will not be available until a VTAC online application has been successfully submitted. Applicants must complete the relevant questions under each category within the access and equity application.
Direct entry applicants
For courses offered directly by the University you need to submit:
- An online application through Deakin Applicant Portal and complete the appropriate question about Access and Equity.
- A personal statement (additional to any other personal statement required by the course / Faculty application). This should outline which access and equity group you are applying under (you can apply under more than one category) and how your particular circumstances have had an impact on your education. This statement must have a clear title, 'Deakin Special Entry Access Scheme' and submitted (uploaded) with your online application.
When do I apply?
SEAS applications will be open through VTAC from 1 August – 11 October (5pm). For further information visit the VTAC website.
Documentary evidence
Please ensure that all photocopies are legible and on A4 paper, and visas and stamps must be easy to read. Please attach all photocopies to your application. Only correctly certified photocopied documentation will be considered. The category table also outlines those who are authorised to certify documents. Please do not send originals of official documentation as they unfortunately are not able to be returned.
Scholarships at Deakin
Deakin also offers a range of generous scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to support them in their studies at University. These scholarships are available to students from recognised equity groups including those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and for students who come from a rural or isolated area.
