https://www.deakin.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0009/2432691/27278_950x475.jpeg

Special consideration for financial hardship

Also known as VTAC SEAS Category 2: Disadvantaged financial background

Studying while juggling financial hardship shows persistence and resilience. By applying for special consideration, we can recognise the obstacles you’ve overcome and increase your ATAR based on what you would have achieved if your situation was different.

Eligibility

At Deakin, Category 2 includes special consideration for the following subcategories.

Subcategory Consideration givenEligibility
Disadvantaged financial background - Centrelink recipient Up to 10 aggregate points For applicants either in receipt of Centrelink benefits, or living with a parent/guardian in receipt of Centrelink benefits.
Disadvantaged financial background - non-Centrelink recipient Up to 10 aggregate points For applicants who have experienced circumstances such as individual or family poverty, excessive financial obligations or economic hardship.

How to apply

To apply for VTAC SEAS Category 2, submit a SEAS application form via VTAC after lodging your course application. As part of your special consideration application, you’ll be asked to provide evidence of your financial hardship. The documents you’ll need to provide differ depending on your subcategory.

I receive a Centrelink benefit in my name

By providing consent and your Customer Access Number (CAN) or Customer Reference Number (CRN) with your SEAS application, VTAC can obtain your financial details and benefits directly from Centrelink. The information VTAC will be able to access includes:

  • benefits you receive
  • dependants
  • Centrelink deductions
  • confirmation of your address.

If you don't want VTAC to access your Centrelink information, you can mail or upload a copy of your Centrelink benefit statement to your application.

Find out how special consideration is applied

My parent or guardian receives a Centrelink benefit or the Family Tax Benefit

If you’re a dependent of someone receiving Centrelink benefits, please provide a copy of their Centrelink Statement of Benefit or Family Tax Benefit statement with your SEAS application. Make sure to upload high-quality, full colour copies that are easy to read.

Find out how special consideration is applied

I don’t receive a Centrelink benefit

If you’re experiencing financial hardship but don’t receive Centrelink benefits, your SEAS application will prompt you to provide:

  • a description of your circumstances briefly detailing the nature of your financial disadvantage
  • an impact statement outlining the disruption financial hardship has had on your life and studies
  • a supporting statement from a relevant and responsible person who understands your situation and can comment on the impact financial hardship has had on your life and studies.

Learn more about writing a strong impact statement

Find out how special consideration is applied

Financial support

You don’t have to manage financial hardship alone. Deakin provides a range of support services for students experiencing hardship, including health and wellbeing services. For more information, visit our student life page.

We can also offer interest-free student loans to assist you with the costs associated with studying (conditions apply). You can learn more about our financial assistance options on our student website.

Scholarships

While applying for special consideration, you should also check for scholarships you might be eligible for.

Browse all scholarships

Pathways

Pathways

If you don’t quite meet the entry requirements for your preferred course, the good news is there’s more than one pathway to university. Learn more about entry pathways and use our pathways finder to plan a study path to your dream course.

What you can look forward to at Deakin

When you study at Deakin, you’ll be joining the most satisfied university students in Victoria.* You’ll feel supported every step of the way, inside and outside the classroom, and our practical approach to learning prepares you to make a confident transition into your future career.

A world of support

At Deakin, you’ll be part of an incredibly supportive community, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you feel comfortable, energised and ready to achieve your best. Access a huge range of support services including:

  • study mentors
  • student success coaches
  • Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
  • Language and Learning Advisers
  • mental and physical health services
  • financial support
  • disability support
  • legal advice
  • after hours IT support.

Plus, there are so many different ways to get in touch, from face-to-face appointments and phone calls, to Skype, email, online chat and more.

Vibrant student life

Studying at university is about more than just exploring your passion. It’s an exciting time in your life when you can make life-long connections, try new things and experience everything campus life has to offer. Visit our student life hub to get a taste for what’s ahead, including the best places to eat and drink, the campus services available to you, and our huge range of clubs and societies.

You might even like to live on campus, which is a great way to immerse yourself in the Deakin experience and make new friends. Plus, students who live on campus are more likely to achieve higher grades than their peers.

Deakin's award-winning career service

DeakinTALENT are experts at connecting you to your future career, whether that be working for a company that inspires you, or forging your own path through self employment.

Best of all, Deakin graduates have access to DeakinTALENT for life. As jobs evolve and your passions change, you’ll always have the support of DeakinTALENT behind you.

Frequently asked questions

If you have a question about special consideration, courses or studying at Deakin, we might have already answered it. Visit Help hub for expert answers to trending questions, and get the info you need fast.

Contact us

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.