Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)
Access and Equity Scheme - Leveling the playing field
We know that your value isn’t just in your ATAR score.
If you feel your academic potential isn’t fully shown by your current score, you might be able to get special consideration to boost the competitiveness of your application.
Here's the deal
SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme), also known as special consideration, can boost your selection rank. Your selection rank starts with your ATAR and goes up with adjustments like SEAS.
SEAS might either increase your selection rank or have no effect at all. It won’t change your ATAR and will never hurt your application.
Different universities handle SEAS in their own way, and this is how we do it at Fed:
Maximum adjustment
If eligible, we can give your selection rank a boost with up to 15 extra points.
We recognise all 4 SEAS categories
- Personal information and location
- Disadvantaged financial background
- Disability or mental condition
- Difficult circumstances
You can apply for all the categories that fit your situation.
Click here to find out more about SEAS
Eligibility
To access SEAS, you need to be:
- an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or have a permanent residency visa
- applying for an undergraduate course (Bachelor or Diploma).
Want to see how SEAS can help you?
Check out our online SEAS calculator before diving into the paperwork. Just answer a few simple questions, and you'll get an estimate of your adjusted score. Remember: the maximum we can award is an extra 15 points.
Supporting evidence
Gather up all your supporting evidence (see the examples below) before you apply, as you get one chance to submit everything. We're looking for strong evidence, so keep it concise and to the point.
If you're applying through VTAC, head over to their site to check out their requirements.
- Impact statement
Explain how your experiences negatively affected your education. - Statement of support
A written document from someone who knows your story. This person must meet all of these criteria: - Australian citizen or permanent resident
- 18 years or older
- Have known you for at least 12 months OR for the entire duration of the circumstance(s), whichever is shorter
- Not related to you by birth, marriage, de facto or same sex relationship
- Does not live with your or in your residence
- Is able to comment knowledgeably about your situation without needing a briefing from you.
For example, a suitable person could be a doctor, lawyer, counsellor, teacher, or even a religious or community leader.
How to apply
VTAC: If you're using VTAC, after submitting your uni application, you can also access the SEAS application. Check the VTAC dates website for opening and closing dates.
Direct: If you’ve applied directly to Fed, you’ll need to fill out the personal statement section of this form and attach any supporting evidence.
| Category | What to provide | Maximum adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Mature age: You're 21 or older on January 1 of the first year at Fed. | No need for evidence | 5 points |
| Gender: Are you applying for a course where your gender has been historically under-represented? This includes anyone who identifies as female, male, or non-binary. See the course list here. | No need for evidence | 5 points |
| Indigenous Australian: Are you of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, or do you identify as such and are recognised by an Indigenous community? | No evidence needed for now, but the Aboriginal Education Centre (AEC) might reach out for more details about your application. It's a good idea to chate with them before you submit your application for some advice. Contact the AEC. | 15 points |
| Postcode: Home or school. Do you live in a rural or isolated area? Check the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC) - if you're outside a 'major city', you're eligible. | No need for evidence | Up to 10 points |
| Under-represented school: Which school did you attend for year 12? Check if we classify it as "under-represented in higher education." | No need for evidence | 10 points |
| First in family to attend university: Are you the first in your immediate family (i.e. your parents or guardians) to attend university? | No need for evidence | 5 points |
| Non-English speaking background: Were you born outside Australia in a non-English speaking country, speak a language other than English at home, and arrived in Australia on, or after January 1, 2006? | No need for evidence | 5 points |
| Category | What to provide | Maximum adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A or B: Either you or the parent/guardian you live with gets the benefit. | If you receive a Family Tax Benefit, share one of these:
| 5 points |
| Eligible for Centrelink benefits: You or the parent/guardian that you live with receives a Centrelink benefit |
If you receive a Centrelink benefit, share one of these:
| 10 points |
| Not eligible for Centrelink benefits: You and/or your family have had financial struggles but haven't received Centrelink benefits. |
| Up to 10 points |
| Category | What to provide | Maximum adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Did you face any setbacks in your education becasue of a disability, illness or medical condition? |
| Up to 10 points |
| Category | What to provide | Maximum adjustment |
|---|---|---|
Did anything hold you back or prevent you from reaching your full educational potential? These might include:
|
| Up to 10 points |