FedUni Access and Equity Scheme
Our Access and Equity Scheme allows applicants applying to study Federation University programs to apply for recognition that they may have experienced educational disadvantage. A number of issues may have impacted on a student during their previous study, affecting their ability to do well in assessment tasks. Our goal is to open the doors to study to those who have the ability to succeed. If you believe that your academic potential is not reflected by your achievements to date, and you are eligible to apply under one or more of the access and equity categories, we invite you to include this information in your direct application or submit a SEAS application if applying via VTAC.
Check the potential impact a SEAS application could have on your ATAR with our online SEAS calculator. This will give you an estimate of your adjusted ATAR, by answering just a few simple questions.
We recognise four access and equity categories:
- Category 1: Personal information and location
- Category 2: Disadvantaged financial background
- Category 3: Disability or medical condition
- Category 4: Difficult circumstances
Eligibility
To apply for access and equity consideration, you must:
- be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or have a permanent residency visa; and
- be applying for an undergraduate course (eg. bachelor, diploma)
Applying
Federation University direct applicants: Complete the Federation Access and Equity section of the online application form, and attach any supporting documentation.
VTAC applicants: You must first register with VTAC, create your VTAC user account and submit an application. From there you can access the SEAS application. Visit the VTAC dates website for opening and closing dates.
Assessment process
Recent Year 12 applicants will have adjustment factor points added to their aggregate study score, and we will then recalculate the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). We will allocate a maximum of 20 aggregate points per applicant, across all categories.
Based on the information that Non Year 12 applicants provide, our selection officers will consider whether applicants have the preparation needed to be able to undertake study at the level they are applying for. Selection decisions will be based on the information provided including an impact statement, documentation and supporting evidence. Through this scheme we give the opportunity to provide us a full picture of achievements and ability, and the opportunity to explain the issues that have impacted on the applicant and their studies to date.
Category 1: Personal information and location
| Category | What to provide | Recent Year 12 adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Mature age 21 years or older on January 1 of the first year of study | Information is taken from your application, no need to provide further documentation. | 5 points |
| Gender Female applying for engineering or information technology programs; OR male applying for nursing programs - view the list of programs | Information is taken from your application, no need to provide further documentation. | 5 points |
| Indigenous Australian Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, or identify as a person of such heritage and accepted as such by an Indigenous community. | Information is taken from your application. You may be contacted by the Aboriginal Education Centre (AEC) for further information regarding your application. We encourage you to contact the AEC for advice and assistance with your application. | 10 points |
| Living or school postcode Applicants must live in a rural or isolated area based on the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC) - all postcodes are eligible except those classified as 'major cities of Australia'. | Information is taken from your application - no need to provide further documentation. | Up to 11 points |
| Under-represented schools Attend a school which is defined by Federation University as under-represented. | Information is taken from your application - no need to provide further documentation. | 5 points |
| First in family to attend university First in your immediate family (i.e. your parents or guardians) to attend university. | Please indicate in your application if you are the first in your family to attend university. | 5 points |
| Non-English speaking background 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. | Provide supporting documentation that indicates that your are eligible. | 5 points |
Category 2: Disadvantaged financial background
| Category | What to provide | Recent Year 12 adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Centrelink recipient You or the parent/guardian that you live with receives a Centrelink benefit. |
If you receive a Centrelink benefit, provide one of the following:
If your parent/guardian receives a Centrelink benefit, you must provide a hard copy of their Centrelink statement listing your name and their relationship to you. | 10 points |
| Not in receipt of Centrelink benefits You and/or your family have experienced financial hardship or excessive financial obligation but do not receive Centrelink benefits. | 1. An impact statement outlining how your financial circumstances have negatively affected your studies 2. A statement of support from someone with knowledge of your financial circumstances, such as a lawyer, social worker, or accountant. | Up to 10 points |
Category 3: Disability or medical condition
| Category | What to provide | Recent Year 12 adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Disability or medical condition You have experienced educational disadvantage as a result of a disability, illness or medical condition. |
1. An impact statement about the nature and time period of your condition, outlining how it has negatively affected your studies and any relevant supporting documentation. 2. A statement of support from someone with knowledge of your condition such as a health professional or educational practitioner. | Up to 10 points |
Category 4: Difficult circumstances
| Category | What to provide | Recent Year 12 adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Difficult circumstances Circumstances which prevented you from reaching your educational potential, these may include but are not limited to:
|
1. An impact statement outlining your circumstances and how this has affected your studies and any relevant supporting documentation. 2. A statement of support from someone with knowledge of your circumstances, such as a medical practitioner, lawyer, counsellor, teacher, religious or community leader. | Up to 10 points |
Impact statement
An impact statement should briefly explain the reasons why your circumstances had a negative impact on your education, remember that the statement is being assessed on the quality of the information rather than quantity.
Statement of support
A statement of support is a written statement provided by a responsible person with knowledge of the circumstances which had a negative impact on your education. A responsible person is someone who satisfies each of the below:
- Is an Australian citizen or permanent resident who is 18 years of age or older
- and has known you for at least 12 months or for the entire duration of the circumstance(s), whichever is shorter
- and is not related to you by birth, marriage, de facto or same sex relationship
- and does not live with you or reside at your residence
- and is in a position to comment knowledgeably about your situation without having to be briefed by you about the circumstance(s).
Providing documentation
Federation University direct applicants: All documentary evidence must be attached at the time of application. All documentation provided should be clear and legible.
VTAC applicants: VTAC has specific rules for supplying documentation. Ensure that you are familiar with the rules and follow them as instructed.
Contact us
If you need assistance with your application, please contact us on 1800 FED UNI (1800 333 864) or email admissions@federation.edu.au.