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Special consideration for under-represented, regional and Indigenous students
VTAC equity schemes (SEAS) and scholarships category: Personal information and location
This category is for students who fall under special consideration circumstances relating to age, recognition as an Indigenous Australian, attending underrepresented schools and more.
Eligibility
There are seven items considered under the Personal information and location category.
You will be automatically considered for all these items, even if you do not apply for VTAC equity schemes (SEAS) and scholarships.
It’s still recommended that you submit a VTAC equity schemes (SEAS) and scholarships application to ensure you can be considered for other areas of disadvantage and for financial assistance.
At Deakin, the Personal information and location category includes special consideration for the following subcategories:
| Subcategory | Consideration given | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 8 aggregate points | For mature age applicants aged 21 or over on 1 January of the first year of study (applying for an undergraduate course). |
| Indigenous Australian | 15 aggregate points | For applicants who are of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, or identify as a person of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage and are accepted as such by an Indigenous community. |
| Regional or remote student (home or school location) | 10 aggregate points | For applicants with a permanent home or school address that’s identified by the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC) Remoteness Areas classification as rural or regional. |
| Under-represented school | 10 aggregate points | For applicants that have completed Year 12 at one of the schools identified as under-represented in higher education. |
| Under-represented gender | 10 aggregate points | For applicants who are planning to study a course that has historically been under-represented by a specific gender at the institution. For example: women in Engineering. |
| Non-English speaking background | 5 aggregate points | For applicants who were born outside Australia in a non-English speaking country, speak a language other than English at home and arrived in Australia on or after 1 January 2010. |
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.
Scholarships that you can apply for
While applying for special consideration, you should also check for scholarships you might be eligible for.
- Ernie Williams Indigenous Scholarship – if you are an Indigenous student experiencing financial hardship and enrolling in a course through the School of Nursing and Midwifery, consider applying for this scholarship of up to $40,000.
- Dr (Aunty) Mary Atkinson Scholarships – awarded to one nursing and one education Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student, scholarship pays all student contributions (tuition).
- IGNITED Scholarship – open to female students entering an approved undergraduate course offered by the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, includes $625 per credit point plus an academic mentor.
Get help with the cost of moving
Services Australia's Tertiary Access Payment is a one-off payment of up to $5000, designed to help you with the cost of moving to study. If you've just completed Year 12 and you're from a regional or remote home location, why not apply for this payment.
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.
