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Special consideration for students facing difficult family and life circumstances
VTAC equity schemes (SEAS) and scholarships category: Difficult family and life circumstances
If family or life circumstances have held you back, it’s important to consider your eligibility for this category.
Eligibility
At Deakin, the Difficult family and life circumstances category includes special consideration for the following subcategories:
| Subcategory | Consideration given | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Refugee or asylum seeker status | Up to 10 aggregate points | For applicants who experienced circumstances that impacted their education. |
| Disrupted home environment | Up to 10 aggregate points | For applicants who experienced circumstances that impacted their education. |
| Excessive family responsibility | Up to 10 aggregate points | For applicants who experienced circumstances that impacted their education. |
| Domestic, family and sexual violence | Up to 10 aggregate points | For applicants who experienced circumstances that impacted their education. |
| Abusive living or school environment | Up to 10 aggregate points | For applicants who experienced circumstances that impacted their education. |
| Disrupted education | Up to 10 aggregate points | For applicants who experienced circumstances that impacted their education. |
| Natural disasters | Up to 10 aggregate points | For applicants whose education was impacted by a natural disaster in 2024 or 2025. |
| Other difficult family and life circumstances, including but not limited to: severe family disruption including dealing with alcoholism or drug addiction; disruption of education due to living or school location; or disruption of education due to significant teacher absences. | Up to 10 aggregate points | For applicants who experienced circumstances that impacted their education. |
How to apply for special consideration
A successful application for special consideration can be the difference between receiving an offer or missing out. The process differs slightly depending on the category you’re applying for – any additional documentation or evidence required is clearly outlined as you move through the application process, via VTAC or the Deakin Application Portal.
Apply via VTAC if...
You're currently in Year 12 or you completed Year 12 in the last two years. Special consideration will be applied in the form of an ATAR adjustment.
Apply directly to Deakin if...
You left secondary education more than two years ago or you completed Year 12 in the last two years and are applying for one course only. If your application is successful, you’ll be offered a place in a course.
Pathways for all students
There are various ways for you to study at Deakin – we have a range of access programs to suit all types of circumstances. We offer guaranteed ATARs, schemes for rural and regional students, and programs for athletes and Indigenous students so everyone can achieve their study dreams.
Find out if you can reduce your costs
Tuition fees at Deakin vary depending on the course you choose and the type of student you are. Find out how to calculate your course fees, as well as how to apply for scholarships and government loans – we're here to help you reach your goals.
Deakin Student Support Scholarship
This scholarship supports students who experience financial or personal hardship, yet display passion, perseverance and commitment to study. You could receive up to $10,000 per year.
Why we're #1 in Victoria for student support
You don’t have to manage difficult circumstances alone. Deakin provides a range of support services for students, including health and wellbeing and study support services.
Student wellbeing
At Deakin, your health and wellbeing are key to succeeding in your studies and making the most of university life. We have a range of services to help students and staff stay healthy and safe – physically, mentally and spiritually.
Study support
Deakin provides the support you’ll need to excel in your studies. Whether you want to improve your study skills or need help with an assignment, our online resources, student mentors and staff are here to help.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
